“I couldn’t help but mention you in my last Facebook status update.”

“Did you read my Tweet about last week’s ‘Scandal’ episode?”

“I Instagrammed pics from last month’s Alaskan cruise and have 10 more followers!”

These might be surprising phrases to hear from a grandparent, or even a great-grandparent. But current Internet trends and research on social media show that Facebook, Twitter and Instagram aren’t just for the younger generations anymore. Social media platforms have become a popular medium for real-time information sharing for Internet users of all ages.

“The Internet, especially social media sites like Pinterest or Twitter, can be fun and valuable resources for seniors to learn more about everything from easy hobbies that keep the mind sharp to healthy menu options to keep blood sugar low or blood pressure down,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan. “With the help from family or caregivers, a Facebook account is easy to set up and can be a fun way for grandparents and great-grandparents to see photos of their loved ones and their achievements and happenings in life.”

According to a 2014 Pew Research Center report, six in ten seniors now go online, and just under half are broadband adopters. And the numbers are rising. Prior to that study, Pew Research Center also found that more than half of older adults (ages 65 and older) were Internet users. Today, 59% of seniors report they go online — a six-percentage point increase in the course of a year—and 47% say they have a high-speed broadband.

“Once seniors join the online world, digital technology often becomes an integral part of their daily lives,” the study reports. “A majority of older Internet users go online on a daily basis. Despite some of these unique challenges facing the older adult population when it comes to technology, most seniors who become Internet users make visiting the digital world a regular occurrence.”

Not all seniors are quick to jump on the social media or smartphone bandwagon, and there’s no reason to force the topic. Although once they learn to use the technology, older adults may see the benefits of such devices and just how easy they can be to operate. Hand-held tablets or Kindles and Nooks are popular ways to log on and read a book or use social media to see how Bobby did at his Spelling Bee. Settings can be adjusted on today’s new digital technology to increase text size for seniors, making most hand-held devises extremely user-friendly.

“Some 27% of seniors own a tablet, an e-book reader, or both, while 18% own a smartphone,” the study Pew Research Center reported.

One way for seniors to join in the Digital Age is to take a class at the library or local community center on how to use social media. They can also enroll the help of family members who use the Internet on a daily basis, like their adult children or teenage grandchildren. Internet-savvy in-home caregivers can share their knowledge of the Internet and social media, as well.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.