Seniors are never too old to start using social media, and these platforms could provide many different mental and emotional benefits. While the learning curve might be difficult for some aging adults, most can learn the basic features and controls within just a few hours. If your senior loved one is interested in signing up for social media sites, here’s a quick look at a few of the benefits he or she can gain.
Meet Like-Minded People
Older adults should always be wary of meeting people online, but many social media sites have multiple layers of security to protect those who are vulnerable. As long as your loved one hides his or her personal information from the public, he or she should be able to safely join communities of like-minded individuals who have similar interests and hobbies. Social media groups can be found for practically any hobby imaginable, including dancing, going to plays, learning to play instruments, golfing, woodworking, gardening, and crafting.
A home caregiver can monitor your loved one’s online and physical safety when you need to take a break from your caregiving responsibilities. Elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Stay Close to Family Members
Many aging adults are interested in social media because they can stay connected with family. Though it can be nice to receive a handwritten letter from a loved one, many younger people find it easier to send a quick message through Facebook or another social media site. Seniors can also create private groups for their family members to organize reunions or plan weekly meals with one another.
Share Photos & Videos
Most photos and videos taken today are completely digital, which makes it difficult to share physical copies with people who live in a different city or state. Parents and grandparents can now go online and see photos and videos just moments after they’re taken. If your loved one would still like a physical copy of the photos, he or she can order them directly through social networking websites. Your loved one can also preserve his or her own photos and share them with family members so they aren’t lost forever.
Using social media is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Clearwater families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Find Old Friends
With so few people using phone books, finding old friends and coworkers can be difficult for seniors. Social media offers the ability to quickly look up almost anyone in the world and reconnect with them. Seniors can use social networking sites to create groups and organize school reunions or simply share pictures with one another. These online forums and chat rooms make it much easier to correspond with large groups of people at the same time.
Gain a Sense of Belonging
Socializing is extremely important for mental and emotional health, but many seniors have a difficult time getting out of the home to meet with friends and loved ones. Social media gives them the perfect platform to consistently connect with their peers and the rest of the community. A study cited in The Atlantic reports seniors who use social networking websites have lower rates of depression and feel less lonely.
For families living in Clearwater, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862.