Social Media and the ‘Silver Surfer’
According to recent surveys the fastest growing demographic
of Facebook users are senior citizens and as a sizeable population this is surely going to keep increasing. What are the reasons
behind the increase in the ‘silver surfer’ and the growing number of Old Age
Pensioners who are turning to social media networks to stay connected?
The primary reason for senior citizens to sign up to social
media networks is to keep in contact with friends and family – this can be a
real benefit to those who are unable to leave their homes very easily or very
often, and can be particularly beneficial for those with family across the
country or the world. It could be argued that this can even be a health benefit
for seniors helping them to overcome feelings of social isolation. Facebook can
help grandparents feel connected to their family members more – by logging into
Facebook they will be able to receive updates on what their family has been
doing , where they have been and what photos they have taken recently, all in
just a few clicks. This can be a much easier method of keeping in contact with
busy family members who may not have time to catch up over the phone regularly.
In addition, digital tools like Skype can help senior citizens to feel
increasingly connected to family and friends, as they do not just get to hear
their voices but have the option of seeing their family virtually through using
the webcam. This is even more useful for those with relatives across the world,
where expensive long distance phone bills could easily rack up.
Image - mashable.com
Furthermore, when grandparents were asked to label the key
reasons behind why they had set up their account on a social networking
website, 51% explained that ‘younger family members had encouraged them to’;
24% had created an account to ‘find old friends’; 21% had made theirs to ‘keep
in touch with friends and family’. Therefore the main reasons appear to be that
they wish to keep in contact more easily. It also might indicate an attempt to
understand latest developments and understand what so many young people spend
their time doing when online.
However, there are a number of reasons those over 65 may
choose not to use social networking sites – many do not have their own computer
or internet, and find it too complex to learn how to use a computer due to the
fact that they are constantly developing and updating. Others have concerns
over the privacy of these social networking sites or are worried about receiving
messages from unknown people or scams online. Some city councils in the both UK and the US have tried to help senior citizens to overcome their hesitancy and fears over using social media by providing free sessions in order to teach them
the benefits of keeping in touch with friends and family over online networks
or through the internet.
Image - www.soshable.com
The Pew Research Centre’s Internet & American Life Project
reports that the 74-plus demographic is growing faster than any other age group
on social media – this may just be due to the fact that the majority of those
in younger generations who want to use social media sites have already done so.
However, as the Baby boomers are starting to enter their senior years, there is
an even greater projected upswing for their use of social media.
This begs the question – could brands begin to market to seniors
over social networks? For instance, in America one of the
leading assisted living homes in the US, Merrill Gardens, have been using social media to
connect to senior residents and the children of their residents. Specifically
they are using their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest accounts for
lead generation with the adult children of their target market, who are researching
homes for their parents online. It also allows their residents to stay involved
with community events and for their adult children to follow the evens and news
of their parents who are living in the homes. Will this kind of marketing soon
be adopted my more organisations and also be seen in the UK?
What do you think?
Do you think there are benefits to senior citizens becoming
more involved in social networking? Would you use social networks to keep in
contact with your elderly relatives?
Social Media and the ‘Silver Surfer’
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
Friday, September 27, 2013
Rating:
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
Friday, September 27, 2013
Rating:
Anonymous
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