There has been a big increase in the number of seniors that are active on social media. Seniors can get a lot of benefit from social media, as long as they are careful. Making friends on social media can help seniors avoid feeling isolated. And keeping up with far away friends and family members is easy with social media.

But with so many social media apps out there, and more coming out all the time, what are the best platforms for seniors to use? According to research these social media platforms are the most popular with seniors. These are the platforms that also have the best benefits for seniors:

Facebook

Facebook is the gold standard of social media sites for seniors. Chances are good that any given senior already has an account. That means it’s easy for seniors to look up old friends, keep in touch with distant family, and get some news headlines and local business recommendations. Facebook is easy to navigate.

And it does have some security protections, although there aren’t enough protections to eliminate all threats. Seniors who have elder care can ask their elder care provider to help them set up a Facebook account if necessary.

YouTube

YouTube is technically a social media site because people can interact with other users and creators. But YouTube is filled with so many movies, TV shows, and other videos that seniors could find almost anything on YouTube.

From DIY home improvement videos to videos on how to paint, how to make pottery, or how to train a dog there are videos for that on YouTube. There are endless options for seniors. Exercise videos, learning new crafts, and old movies and TV shows are just some of the things that seniors will enjoy on YouTube. Seniors may even want to start their own channels.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is an important app for seniors. Nextdoor operates a little differently from traditional social media. Users must register their name and address so that they can see local content from their neighborhood. Nextdoor is a great app seniors can use to keep up on neighborhood events. Seniors can also get warnings of crimes or disasters, ask for help if they need it, and monitor their neighborhood with just that one app. Seniors can also find recommendations for things like elder care, home improvement projects, or services like lawn mowing through Nextdoor.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is great for seniors who miss working and being in the corporate environment. Seniors can share their expertise on LinkedIn. They can also network with other industry professionals. When seniors are lacking a sense of purpose writing articles and posts on LinkedIn sharing their corporate experience and wisdom can be fun for them. And it can benefit younger readers who frequent the site hoping to get their careers off the ground. Seniors may even want to start coaching professionals or putting their expertise to work to build up a following on social media.

Sources:
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2010/08/27/older-adults-and-social-media/
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2019/privacy-for-seniors.html
https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/the-ultimate-internet-safety-guide-for-seniors/
https://connectsafely.org/seniors-guide-to-online-safety/

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Braselton, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.

We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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