Regarding Your Parents

Social Media keeps the Elderly socially connected to family and friends

Many of the elderly are computer savvy these days and if they aren’t, many are willing to learn. Unlike in past years, many families and friends don’t always live near one another, but thanks to the internet and social media we can still stay in touch rather easily.

Social media is a great way for the elderly to not only stay in touch with family and friends, but get the support and information they are looking for.  According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, social networking use among internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled—from 22% in April 2009 to42% in May 2010.

Facebook can keep the elderly up to date on what is going on in their relative’s and friends’ lives.  Skype can let them view and have a conversation with someone.  Twitter can just be of daily updates, small bits of information . Blogging can be a way of expressing themselves about things going on in their lives or what their opinions are.

The key is that social media is not only letting our elderly stay connected and involved but it is also keeping their minds sharp. Stimulation and social activity is very important in keeping the elderly young and social media can help promote that.

So, if your elderly loved ones and friends aren't already connected, get them connected, it will open up a whole new world!

Baby Boomers and Apps / Are you ready?

It’s been 20 plus years since the internet took off in the early 1990's. Now the newest electronics are here, i.e. the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Droid, Nook, Kindle, and the Garminfone, and all their Apps (short for applications software).  You have to ask yourself is it just a marketing ploy for these companies to make money or can these devices benefit us? 

An article in AdAge reveals that boomers are spending more money than any other demographic on electronics.    The boomers represent 25% of the population, but they consume 40% [in total dollars spent] of it.”  The world is moving towards smartphone use and that is where new consumer marketing campaigns will be pitched.

This past October 2010 even AARP introduced their new app. The app allows users to keep up with the latest news relevant to the 50+ community; share their favorite content from AARP.org via Facebook, Twitter or email; watch AARP video clips; and keep on top of the latest benefits and services available to AARP members. Additionally, users can now renew their membership and even carry a digital version of their AARP membership card for easy access to member activities and programs and to receive discounts on products and services from benefit providers.

Boomers, as a broad segment (born 1946-1964), have been slower than younger people to embrace and adopt new technologies. A recent study, however, shows that boomers don’t have an aversion to technology.  Already, the majority of Boomers consider their mobile phone a necessity.

As Boomers work beyond retirement age, the business aspect of the smartphone will make them a valuable and critical link to business and health — just as text messaging continues to be essential for teens. According to the Wall Street Journal, as we continue to take care of our parents software developers are creating more apps aimed at providing for seniors.

Smartphones and iPad’s have made internet access so mobile; in fact, you carry it around with you.  This technology can be quite a useful tool.  I'm still getting used to my cell phone; it is going to take me a while to move forward.   How about you?