It seems that everyone is on Facebook nowadays. The familiar Facebook logo on the dark blue background is seemingly omnipresent on everyone’s computers, cell phones and tablets. Facebook is the top outlet for finding old friends, keeping up with acquaintances and staying current with the times. Additionally, it’s very user friendly with a simple interface and its easy for even non-techies to ‘’get it’’.But what about seniors, those with little to no background in the social media world?The average age of a Facebook user is 25 years of age. That being said, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for senior citizens. It’s becoming more and more common for those of an older age to join in on the everlasting craze that is social media. In fact, seniors are the fastest growing demographic on Facebook, with their numbers increasing tremendously every year. The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project reports that the 74-plus demographic is the fastest-growing age group on social media. In fact, there are a plethora of reasons for the elderly to be a part of this social network.
Facebooking in a Baby-Boomer World
There are beautiful and unexpected moments in life when we share special moments with others. While the moment will live with us forever, the people we share life with ultimately go their separate ways. Whether it’s family or friends, people drift apart and move away. What better way to stay in touch with them than Facebook?Think of that powerful feeling you have when you are reunited with a long-lost friend after much time has elapsed. This is the power Facebook can have. It’s important to realize that there are 1.15 billion users. So chances are, there are a large amount of people to find. For anyone, but for a senior especially, getting in touch with a friend from a long time ago is a beautiful thing.Same with family. Seniors on Facebook can see updated pictures of their kids and grandkids, no matter where they are in the country or in fact the world. We live in a visual world, and pictures carry a lot of weight.
Today, over 40 percent of seniors use Facebook to reconnect with family and long lost friends, according to a report by All Assisted Living Homes and that number is just increasing.So make an effort to be current; no one is too old for social media and the Internet. The possibilities and opportunities are endless.Make Your Body; Make Your Life