Loneliness and social isolation can happen even when surrounded by fellow community residents. Distance from family, loss of familiar social circles and difficulty adapting to a new environment can make it challenging to maintain connections. Social media can be a powerful tool to combat isolation, helping seniors remain connected with loved ones and make new friends. Use our tips to explore social media platforms and help you safely stay socially active and engaged online.
Isolation can significantly impact physical and mental health and longevity. Limited social interaction can contribute to feeling lonely and isolated, increasing your risk of anxiety and depression.
According to research by The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, physical and cognitive health can also be severely affected. These impacts include:
Studies have also shown that prolonged isolation is linked to other health risks, such as high blood pressure, obesity and weakened immune function. Staying socially connected is essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.
Some seniors may think social media is something only their grandchildren use. However, it also offers a great way for older adults to maintain relationships with family and friends, even if they are far away. It can even help ensure new connections through virtual communication.
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of seniors aged 65 or older who use social media has quadrupled since 2010. While only 45% of those surveyed in this age group reported using sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, the gap between usage among seniors and individuals under age 30 has shrunk considerably. About the same percentage of seniors reported that they have a tablet.
Virtual communication tools, such as video calls and messaging apps, make frequent catch-ups easier. Online groups and community pages give seniors a virtual space to engage in discussions, share experiences and build new friendships. Whether it is regular interaction with those known or new acquaintances, staying active online can enhance social life while helping alleviate loneliness and isolation.
Social media enables sharing life moments with friends and family so no one misses out on important events. Popular online platforms enable the sharing of photos, videos and updates with everyone in a network. Sharing ensures everyone stays informed and involved, even from a distance. It also strengthens a sense of belonging and emotional support.
Engaging in interactive content adds another layer of connection. Seniors can participate in live discussions, comment on posts and explore topics that are interesting or entertaining. Additionally, there is opportunity to join interest-based groups to find like-minded individuals to talk to. These groups can be dedicated to hobbies or shared experiences and create a sense of community.
In addition to staying connected with friends and family, social media can be a new way to stay informed and connected with the world. News updates, educational videos and expert discussions create awareness of current events and emerging topics. However, take care to only engage with reliable sources and community discussions.
Seniors who prefer structured learning will find endless opportunities to learn on the internet. From online courses and tutorials to live lectures to webinars, it is easy to explore new subjects or develop new skills on various platforms. Depending on interests, there are ways to learn a new language, explore creative hobbies or improve technology skills. Online learning activities enhance personal growth and help stay mentally active.
Virtual gatherings are another way to stay socially active from a distance. Online discussion groups and live-streamed events enables engagement with others in real time. These events also enable seniors to maintain a sense of community by regularly sharing experiences with friends, family and new acquaintances.
Video calls and FaceTime can help reduce loneliness by offering face-to-face conversations instead of voice-only calls. Video-based conversations are more personal, offering more meaningful interactions. Seeing familiar faces during conversations can also strengthen connections and make conversations more engaging.
Cybercriminals continually target seniors because they tend to be less tech-savvy or knowledgeable about the many dangers and scams on the internet. Protecting personal information is crucial when using social media or engaging online. Never share sensitive details, such as your Social Security number, financial information or passwords. Doing so could lead to identity theft or fraud.
Adjust privacy settings to make sure only trusted individuals can view shared content. Enhancing online privacy reduces your exposure to potential risks. If unsure about how to make these adjustments, ask a family member, friend, fellow resident or team member who understands computers to assist.
Digital literacy is another important aspect of safe social media use. Learn how to recognize scams, avoid suspicious links and identify misinformation to help navigate online spaces confidently. It is also important to understand how to report or block unwanted interactions for an added layer of security that makes social media a safer, more enjoyable experience.
Social media can be a valuable tool for seniors to stay connected and help combat isolation. Social connections are an essential part of our Pathways to Wellness program at Hermitage Roanoke. We have a full calendar of events to ensure many exciting ways to connect with others.
Call us at 540 767 6818 to schedule a time to explore our community and discover the endless opportunities residents have to socialize and stay engaged every day.
