5 Tips and Tricks That Can Help Seniors Stay Connected Through Social Media

5 Tips and Tricks That Can Help Seniors Stay Connected Through Social Media

Social media has become a staple in modern society with the ease of communicating, connecting, and establishing long-term relationships. However, this form of communication can be challenging for some older adults, including those who are residents of the best assisted living facilities. However, with these five helpful tips and tricks, any senior will easily stay connected and involved in social media!

1.     Get Your Own Home Internet Connection

This one is pretty obvious, but when you retire and move into the best assisted living facilities, you need to ensure that you have an internet connection. This will make sure that you have at least some sort of connectivity and that the internet is not only available but also reliable. Poor internet connection can lead to frustrations with being able to talk to your loved ones. 

2.     If Your Phone Wants to Update or Download Apps, Let It!

When unfamiliar with technology, it can be easy to disregard notifications. However, when you are living in a senior living home, that can cause trouble! Letting your phone do updates means that it won't become sluggish or buggy, and you will always be able to use your phone properly. If it is downloading a specific app, make sure that the updates are compatible with your device.

3.     Your Phone Is Your Best Friend

This particular piece of advice is important because it doesn't just apply to staying connected through social media; it actually applies to staying connected and aware in general. If you want to stay up to date on news and current events and even see how the world is evolving, your best bet is your phone. And that's true even when you are a resident of the best assisted living facilities.

4.     Consider Getting a Smartphone

If you're using a home phone or even a throwaway phone, it can be hard to stay connected when you're away from the internet. However, if you use your smartphone as your phone and manage to get an app that allows you to make free calls over the internet, there is no reason why those in senior living homes can't stay connected.

5.     Find Affordable Internet Options

This last tip might not come to mind when you first start thinking about the internet in your senior living community. But if you're paying for internet access, it is important to know what you are getting. Many factors can result in a bad price for your internet, including the lack of speed, an outdated plan, and more.

What Are the Top Social Media Sites for Seniors?

This is actually a great question, but one that doesn't really have a clear-cut answer. When it comes to social media, there are a few sites that are more popular than others. But the difference between most of these sites and those geared towards seniors is quite stark. Below are the top social media sites for seniors, with some additional notes:

1.     Twitter

Twitter is a great way to stay plugged into the world, see what people are saying, and find out about trending topics and popular hashtags. However, it is also a great way to find tips and tricks to help you learn new things. For example, one Twitter user has a great article on how to get the best price for your television in your senior living home.

2.     Facebook

Facebook is also an excellent way to stay connected with friends, family, and co-workers. However, there are ways to use Facebook that won't make it feel like it's specifically for seniors in a senior living home. For example, one blogger has a great post on how to make your Facebook seem closer than it actually is, where you can use a moveable sidebar and other tricks.

3.     LinkedIn

If you are looking to get important job leads or even just keep up with the latest news in your industry, LinkedIn may be able to help you do just that. This is also a great way to stay connected with friends or loved ones who live far away, even if they are in a senior living home.

4.     Blogs

This is almost the same as tweets. The only difference is that you don't have to be a Twitter user to do this; you can use a site such as WordPress or Blogger, which are relatively easy to set up and maintain. However, someone else will have to write your blog for you and post it, so your views may not be unique or even unique from the rest of the blogosphere.

5.     Pinterest

With Pinterest, you can share your favorite recipes, crafts, and ideas with family and friends. They can easily follow you on the site and see what you are pinning. They will likely find that they enjoy it and begin to use it themselves.

6.     Instagram

This is a great way to post photos of your family or friends, but it should be noted that it has many features that make it perfect for seniors' use as well. They can upload pictures, post their favorite recipes or even share their favorite books.

Stay Connected With Friends and Family

If your internet at your senior living home can be problematic, know that there are other solutions. Most places will offer free or discounted phone calls for those who need them, and some even offer free home phones as well. In addition, many senior living communities have Wi-Fi access, making the internet even easier to use. You can also get a smartphone and use it as your phone, which will make staying connected even easier.

The important thing is to stay connected no matter what you do. The internet is not going anywhere, and there is no reason why senior residents of the best assisted living facilities should miss out on the fun it offers.

  • Senior Activities, Senior Living,
  • May 09, 2023
  • By Admin