Social Media for Senior Health ~

Social media has proven to be a great way for people to stay in contact over the years. While social media has been around for quite some time, it could be argued that it didn’t really get big until Facebook began. For over 15 years social media has made it easy for people from all over the globe to stay in contact.

Some may be surprised to learn that seniors have a huge presence on social media. Social media can be extremely beneficial for the elderly to make much needed social connections at a time in life that is more difficult for them to do that. Staying in touch with friends and family via the internet can help increase overall health and happiness in seniors.

Teaching Seniors How to Use Technology

Anyone who has wrestled with a parent or grandparent that is of a different generation over the use of technology understands that teaching a senior how to use the internet is no easy task. It requires a lot of patience. And, as with anything else in life, in order to teach someone something in a simple way you must first have a very solid understanding of technology for yourself.

Most likely, before you can teach your grandma or grandpa how to use Instagram & Facebook they will first need a few lessons on how to use their phone, laptop, or tablet. You can also teach them how to buy Instagram likes to boost their following and broaden their circle of friends as well and this is helpful no matter what device they will be using to access the platforms.

Health is more than just eating right and exercising. Being healthy requires balance in all aspects of health. A wholesome approach to health requires symmetry in all of these areas:

*Mental

*Physical

*Emotional

*Social

*Spiritual

Without any one of these health aspects, life will be off balance and the other areas may begin to suffer. Seniors often struggle with social health even more than their physical health. When we think of the elderly population and their health we immediately think of death and disease. However, being lonely is the silent killer of our aging society. The world we live in is not catered to them. Their friends and loved ones are passing away, and they need a social outlet.

Social media provides a way for these people who have dedicated so much of their lives to work and service to continue contributing to society and the community and feeling involved, like they matter and make a difference. It lifts the silence and gives them a voice.

Consider Assisted Living

For those who are not keen on social media use, moving to an assisted living facility could be a great option. Even if you or your loved one are frequent social media users, having people physically that you can interact with each day and do welfare checks can be extremely beneficial for this age group.

Assisted living Idaho Falls offers a community of people around the same age and socioeconomic status. Assisted living such as The Gables also offers regularly scheduled activities to keep people involved and giving them an opportunity to socialize with all the residents.

A Place for Seniors

Creating a place for seniors to feel not only welcomed but to make them feel like they are still contributing members of society and have value could save or extend a life. Loneliness really does have the power to shorten a life, not to mention decreasing its quality. We owe this generation so much. We would not be where we are without them. So, whether that means taking the time to teach them how to use social media, responding to them on social media, or finding them a good assisted living, all of these could increase health in seniors.