Seniors and the Positive Impact of Social Media in Edmonton

Senior Technology  |  July 15, 2022

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Social Media and Its Positive Impact

Positive Impact of Social Media | According to Pew Research, 59% of adults age 65 and older are online, and 46% of those adults are using social media.

Despite the myth that older people can’t manage technology because of cognitive deficits, seniors are flocking to social media at a rapid pace. Facebook, Twitter, Google+ (and Hangouts), Pinterest, and Instagram all note higher adoption rates among adults 65 and older ─ and see seniors as their fastest-growing audience.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Social, Mental, and Physical Benefits

Older adults who have had positive experiences on social media have reported elevated moods. An American Psychological Association (APA) study found that seniors who spend time on social media sites were more likely to participate in activities that can lead to greater health, such as cooking healthier recipes and finding easier ways to clean and maintain their homes. The study also indicates that they have lower blood pressure fewer instances of diabetes, and fewer negative health habits such as smoking, depression, or disease. This is attributed to the ability for self-education on any number of topics, and remaining in the know about the latest technology trends.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Keeps the Family Together

Facebook is particularly useful for linking up with loved ones. It makes for more frequent conversations and helps close the generation gap.
Sharing current photos allows seniors to see their grandchildren change and grow, and creates a closeness and involvement that may not have existed, especially if the family isn’t living close by. Video chats also are a great way to communicate in “real time”. There is also the opportunity to relive fond memories or create new ones through postings of photos and home videos.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Gives Family Peace of Mind

When a family lives apart, there can be stress and anxiety on both ends. Social media allows seniors and their families an easy way to check in as often as they wish. This is especially important if the senior is living alone and may experience ill health, a fall, or may not be eating or sleeping well, taking medications, or getting any form of exercise. Family caregivers can use social media to ask critical questions that will let them know what’s occurring in their loved one’s life.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Creates Community Engagement and a Sense of Belonging

Feeling connected is very important to any senior’s well-being. Social media allows seniors to make plans with others to meet up outside of the home. It also allows seniors who are unable to leave home to socialize online to combat loneliness.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Shopping Online offers Convenience and Savings

Even if a senior can’t venture out of the home – due to physical limitations, inability to drive, or inclement weather, for example – he or she can always shop online and enjoy the ease of home delivery. In addition, there are lots of money-saving coupons and online sales, which can be especially convenient and sensible for those who are penny-pinchers or on a fixed income.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Precautions Should Be Taken

As a caregiver, you may want to monitor the senior’s activities. You may want to make sure that the loved one is not falling for phishing scams and the like. You may also want to make sure they are connecting with trustworthy people – especially if they are conversing in chat rooms and through blogs. Also, watch their monetary spending – you don’t want your senior overspending on items they don’t need.

Positive Impact of Social Media: Learning How to Use It

A great source for seniors – and family members – is AARP’s Social Media Education Center. There, you can find out how to use specific (and commonly used) social media websites, apps, and blogs.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

References:

• SeniorCareCorner.com. “5 Benefits of Social Media for Seniors – Let’s Help Them Get Online.” by Barry Birkett. Web. 2015.
• NPR.org. “Why Are Seniors The Fastest-Growing Demographic On Social Media?” Web. 2013.
• AARP. Social Media Education Center. Web. 2015.

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