Social media can be a wonderful tool to help older adults stay connected with loved ones or explore hobbies from home, wherever that home may be. While jumping into the world of social media can be exciting, it’s important to do so safely.
Here are some tips we can offer to help seniors stay safe online:
- Choose from the most popular social media platforms for older adults.
- Create your account with privacy in mind.
- Protect your personal information.
- Recognize & avoid scams.
Once you’re online, you can find many fun ways to connect with family, friends, and even discover new hobbies! Social media opens a world of possibilities, and there’s something for everyone.
Which Social Media Platform is Right for You?
Choosing the right social media platform depends on how you’d like to spend your time online. Each platform offers a unique experience catered to different interests.
- Facebook: Stay updated on family and friends, join interest-based groups, and share cherished memories through photos and posts.
- Instagram: Share and enjoy photos or short video clips of everything from daily life to beautiful travel destinations and hobbies like gardening or painting.
- X (formerly Twitter): Follow the latest news or follow topics that interest you with short and snappy updates.
- Pinterest: A creative treasure chest filled with recipe ideas, crafts, and DIY inspiration.
- YouTube: Discover how-to videos, documentaries, and endless entertainment and education for any interest you have.
Each of these platforms offers something a little different, so you might find yourself enjoying multiple!
How to Create Your Social Media Account
Setting up a social media account is easier than you may think. Follow these quick steps to get started confidently.
- Go to the platform’s website or download its app on your device.
- Click “Sign Up” and provide basic details such as your name and email address.
- Choose a strong and memorable password for added security. Make it long, make it random, and make it unique.
- Follow the prompts to finish setting up your profile, such as adding a profile photo.
Here’s a bonus tip: many platforms include beginner-friendly tutorials to teach you all the basics. Make use of these free resources to get comfortable quickly.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe in the Digital World
Social media is meant to be fun, but safety should always come first. Many platforms have built-in safety features that you can customize for a secure experience.
Check Your Privacy Settings
Adjust the privacy settings on your account to control who can view your posts or send you messages. For example, Facebook allows you to make your profile visible to just your close friends and family.
Simply find the “Privacy” section in your account settings and update it to your preferences.
Recognize Online Scams
Cyber scammers can target anyone, so staying alert is key. Scammers tend to target people who are socially isolated and may try to pose as an authority figure. Here are a few ways to steer clear of them:
- Keep your financial and personal details, like your SSN, private.
- Ignore messages asking for money or sensitive information.
- Watch out for phishing scams or fake giveaways promising rewards.
- Fake messages can look like they’re coming from a legitimate source, so never click on odd links.
If you receive a suspicious message, do not engage with it. Most platforms allow you to report suspicious messages or content directly to their security teams.
Stay Connected with Family & Friends
Social media bridges the gap between loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. Here are some ways to stay connected and even make new friends along the way.
Share Moments That Matter
Love updating family on what you’ve been up to? Share posts about your life on Instagram or Facebook that give them a glimpse of your day. Whether it’s a picture of your blooming roses or your favorite home-cooked dish, these moments keep you connected, making it feel like they’re right there with you.
Engage with Posts
Take a moment to comment on a photo, or join a group discussion on topics you enjoy. Engaging in conversation strengthens the bond between you and your loved ones.
Join Community Groups
Explore community groups catered to your hobbies, whether it’s a love for knitting, book discussions, or travel tips. Joining these groups is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people, making your experience more fulfilling.
Learn, Explore, & Entertain Yourself Online
Social media isn’t just about keeping in touch. It’s also a fantastic platform for broadening your horizons.
Whether you’re looking to tackle a new hobby or master something you’ve always wanted to try, platforms like YouTube and Pinterest are goldmines for learning. Look up tutorials on gardening, baking, or even learning a new language! Whatever you’re interested in, you can type it into the search bar, and slowly, a platform like YouTube can learn your interests and recommend similar content.
Social media is truly supposed to be fun! From funny videos and short skits to full-length documentaries, you’ll never run out of entertainment on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Browse through their vast content libraries to find something that makes you laugh or inspires you.
A huge part of social media these days is delivering news on demand, but it’s critical to choose verified sources. Follow trusted organizations you recognize, like NPR, BBC, or the Wall Street Journal. Be mindful not to rely on sensational and unverified posts.
Your Journey to Safe Social Media Use Starts Now
Whether you’re reconnecting with family or discovering a new favorite hobby, you’ll love what the digital world has to offer. But if you’re looking for something fun and fulfilling offline, why not explore life in Bentley Assisted Living at Branchville?
Book a tour with us today to experience firsthand how we cultivate connection, safety, and joy every single day.
