You’re Never Too Old to Enjoy Social Media

I just stumbled upon a Dallas News article that states that the largest percentage increase in Internet use since 2005 has been in the 70-to-75 age group. A survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that 45 percent of that age bracket is online, compared with 26 percent in 2005.

Good for them. Computer activity among residents at retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes has been on the rise for more than a decade. The boom of social media is particularly engaging as it allows residents to interact with family and friends who are both close and far away. Social media offers significant cognitive, emotional and social benefits to seniors who too often feel isolated and disengaged.

Forget bridge, chess and Scrabble. Facebook, Twitter and blogging is the new rage for the over 70 set.