You might think that social media is mainly for young people, but the digital world has changed the lifestyle and habits of everyone, regardless of their age group or gender. A survey in 2023 commissioned by ClearMatch Medicare conducted on 2,000 seniors aged 65+ found that they spend approximately 47 minutes a day on social media platforms.
Get Your Pills Pre-sorted and Delivered at No Extra Cost
Just as it does for younger adults, social media offers plenty of benefits for seniors. Social media can keep seniors mentally engaged, up-to-date on news and other topics, and in touch with friends and family members. In addition, it can provide business and learning opportunities, which can contribute to self-worth and promote mental health. Thus, social media can benefit adults in various ways, all from the comfort of their homes. In this article, we will discuss all the benefits of social media and how it can help seniors improve their quality of life.
Social Media for Seniors
Social media for seniors typically refers to connecting elderly individuals with online platforms, like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, or search engines like Google, ChatGPT, or Bing. It also involves using other communication-focused mobile apps, like Whatsapp, Zoom, and Skype.
The main purpose behind the use of social media for seniors is to allow them to stay connected with their friends and loved ones, or to engage in conversations with new people. It can also be used for fulfilling other life needs, like booking ride services, ordering items or medications, and requesting home delivery. In addition, social media can help provide entertainment and learning opportunities.
Overall, if utilized correctly, social media is a very helpful platform for seniors as it assists them in various ways. Admittedly, social media can be addictive for many individuals, and excessive use can be harmful. However, proper use not only allows seniors to stay independent in many tasks but also keeps them in touch with the world.
Top 6 Benefits of Social Media for Seniors
Let’s take a closer look at the top 6 benefits of social media for seniors:
Entertainment
Because of physical limitations associated with increased age, some seniors may find it difficult to go for long outings, such as walking tours, hikes, and other excursions. Luckily, social media is one of the best at-home entertainment platforms, which can provide numerous alternative sources of entertainment for seniors.
Social media provides tons of entertaining content and endless ways to learn and laugh. Seniors can read the news and informative articles, or listen to podcasts, interviews, or talk shows. There are also plenty of funny clips, movies, and games they can enjoy. Social media content can be easily curated to the interests of the individual, making it a fantastic source of entertainment.
Staying Connected With Friends, Family Members, and Relatives
In this busy world, it often gets difficult and challenging for family members and relatives to make regular visits with seniors living at a far distance or with medical conditions. Social media allows seniors to stay connected with their loved ones by sharing and receiving pictures and videos, or chatting through text messages and video calls.
Pre-sorted Prescriptions | Home Delivery | Only Pay Your Copays
Online Shopping
Sometimes shopping in stores may present several challenges for seniors, including exhaustion associated with the activity itself, requirements of transportation, or medical/social concerns with exposure to large crowds. Social media platforms provide plenty of alternative options for selecting and ordering many types of products online.
For example, many Instagram and Facebook pages sell products online at affordable prices. You can order just about anything, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, household items, kitchen appliances, groceries, and medications.
Staying Up-To-Date
Most seniors wish to stay up-to-date and informed about current affairs and the well-being of their relatives and friends.
Social media platforms keep seniors up-to-date through the news, tweets, photos, and videos. Most social media platforms are also free to the public, which can minimize costs associated with TV and other costs related to keeping up to date on news through other subscription-based outlets.
Reducing Loneliness and Boredom
Loneliness and boredom are common issues retired seniors face. Social media is a great platform that can be utilized for entertainment, learning, and communication. It also offers a chance to chat for both introverted and extroverted individuals, thus eliminating boredom and loneliness.
Business and Learning Opportunities
Social media brings millions of business and learning opportunities to seniors. Seniors who are skilled in any particular field, like cooking, teaching, writing, stitching, or others, can easily start their business at home and sell their services online.
Other options include freelancing, selling crafts, consulting, giving coaching advice, or teaching your expertise to young generations. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook all have options for producing instructional, informational, or even just fun videos about things that seniors may be knowledgeable about.
As learning is a lifelong process, seniors can also upgrade or boost their skills or learn new skills by taking online courses.
About the Author
Reviewed by Dr. Ryo Sanabria
Dr. Ryo Sanabria, PhD, was born and raised in New York. They received a B.A. and M.A. in biotechnology from CUNY Hunter College, and an M.A., M.Phil., and PhD in Nutrition and Metabolic Sciences from Columbia University. Dr. Sanabria is a professor who currently teaches at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Their areas of expertise include gerontology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and nutrition. They are the recipient of many awards and grants and have authored numerous research papers. The most rewarding part of their work is training and mentoring new scientists. Dr. Sanabria is an avid fitness enthusiast, and in their free time, they enjoy marathon running and weight-lifting. Dr. Sanabria's pronouns are they/them/their.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. MedBox by AmeriPharma assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.MedBox by AmeriPharma does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by MedBox by AmeriPharma.This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with MedBox by AmeriPharma.
