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The Internet, Social Media, And The Elderly

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By Anita Kamiel, RN, MPS

Many might think that social media is the exclusive domain of the younger generation. However, many older adults have enthusiastically adopted it to keep up with the times as well as with their old acquaintances and younger family members. Grandparents are becoming proficient in Skype and Facebook, for example—and liking it! It has become a healthy emotional outlet, and word of its benefits has spread like wildfire among the elderly.

According to the Pew Research Center, Internet use among those 65 or older grew 150% between 2009 and 2011, the largest growth in a demographic group. Furthermore, their 2012 study showed that of those who go online, 71% do so daily and 34% use social media. The elderly use these tools to bridge the geographic gap between them and their loved ones far away, and as a way to reconnect with friends from a far-off time. Studies show that the Internet has become an important portal for reducing isolation, loneliness, and other feelings that can trigger depression.

Seniors emphasize the informational and educational aspects of the Internet, using it in an encyclopedic fashion to visit government sites or research financial issues. Many of the elderly have uncovered the beauty of the digital travelogue and the value of having a book review available through a simple click. This gateway to the outside world is critical once the elderly become homebound. While teens have moved on from Facebook, the older generation has found that it serves them quite well. Seniors have discovered that Skyping is a great way to bring relatives from faraway destinations right into their living rooms. Twitter has become popular for keying in to specific news topics they want to follow.

While their younger counterparts use social media in a “selfie” sort of way, the elderly, who are very sensitive to privacy issues, use it to connect with like-minded individuals. They use it for health information and to connect with others experiencing the same challenges. They have recognized that others in their stations in life are also online and have used it to start discussion groups for issues pertinent to them. From dementia to depression to diabetes, all can give and receive support in the comfort and convenience of their home. Doctors and other professionals have keyed in to this demographic and set up social-media pages to take advantage of this customer and patient outlet. Groups for the elderly experiencing specific ailments, as well as groups directed at their caregivers, are all set up for those elderly who are increasingly availing themselves of this supportive network.

Computer classes at senior centers are growing in popularity. Classes on computer basics, as well as instruction in using e-mail and social-media platforms such as Facebook, have become more common. The Jewish Council for the Aging in Washington, DC offers a senior tech program. DorotUSA.org has a program called University Without Walls, specifically designed for seniors who are homebound; they get to participate in stimulating classes and lectures through their computer or tablet. Local AARP chapters also offer computer-basics classes and sometimes partner with vendors for discounts on the hardware.

Research shows that the Internet has become an important way to exercise the minds of seniors. A study out of England and Italy finds that when the elderly are trained in the use of social media as well as Skype and e-mail, they perform better cognitively and experience improved health. During a two-year period, 120 seniors in the UK and Italy, ages 65 and above, were given specially designed computer training and were compared against a control group that did not receive any. Among those who used these tools, the mental and physical capacity improved, as opposed to a steady decline experienced in the control group. One woman reported feeling “invigorated” rather than “slipping into a slower pace” and caring more about her appearance and losing weight. It seems that satisfying our basic social needs can have synergistic effects for our overall health.

Overcoming loneliness is that much easier through the Internet and social media. As more of the population ages and sticks closer to home, the Internet as a support and educational tool becomes ever more important. Technology has greatly alleviated feelings of isolation and loneliness in seniors. Let’s help them take advantage!

Anita Kamiel, R.N, M.P.S., is the founder and owner of David York Home Healthcare Agency and is fully acquainted with all factors related to eldercare services and the latest guidelines for seniors. Thirty years ago, she realized the need for affordable, quality home health aide services provided and supervised by caring individuals. You can contact her at 718-376-7755 or at www.davidyorkagency.com. David York Agency is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.

 


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