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Social media for seniors can be a fun and interesting pastime, as long as you are careful to protect your privacy and wellbeing. Here are some social media safety tips to keep in mind as you explore all the possibilities connecting online can offer.
Social media for seniors: more and more people are online
Did you know that 74% of adults ages 50+ report regularly using social media and 47% of older adults spend over an hour a day on social media.
Why are more seniors drawn to social media?
- It can help you stay connected with long-distance friends and family
- It’s an easy way to learn about ways to stay healthy, what’s going on in the world, latest trends, entertainment news, travel locations, and more
- It puts you in touch with others who have the same interests, such as gardening, yoga, sports, and more
Granfluencers are here to stay
You might have noticed how many more seniors seem to be taking to social media and entering into the influencer space. In fact, in many ways these granfluencers have changed the game. Instead of trying to sell something, granfluencers often are simply being themselves and celebrating their age. And it’s working. Followers of granfluencers appreciate content that lifts them up, shares well-earned wisdom, and makes them feel better.
But not everyone is interested in receiving the level of attention that granfluencers often attract.
If you use social media simply to occasionally comment on your grandchild’s photo, keep up with friends, or be on the watch for specific events, causes, or sales promotions that interest you, there’s no reason you can’t keep doing so—just keep in mind how to avoid scams and protect your privacy.
Related: Top Online Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them
Social media for seniors: tips on how to be safe and smart
1. The key is protecting your privacy.
Pause before you share any personal information, such as the name of your pet, your travel plans, a photo of your home, or your birthday. All this kind of information can be used by a scammer to figure out your password, pose as someone from your past to get more information from you, or even burglarize your home when you are away.
2. Be sure you know who you are talking to.
Even if a person responds to your post and seems innocent, if you don’t know who they are, the #1 item on social media safety tips is to not engage. You might be in an online group concerning your class reunion and someone is trying to connect with you using the name of a former classmate. Don’t immediately respond if you are suspicious about who this person really is.
3. To click or not to click.
A good guide to social media for seniors includes a conversation about when to click and when to ignore. Say you are on Facebook and an offer comes up that entices you to learn more. Take a moment to review the post or ad: does it look legitimate? Are there any words misspelled? Can you check the company’s URL to see if it is real?
One of the most important social media tips for seniors is to click wisely, with discretion: keeping in mind that clicking on a malicious link can mean sharing personal information with a fraudulent website.
4. Not everyone really wants to be friends.
If you are on Facebook and you have received a friend request from someone you do not know, do not accept the request. Chances are this person is only interested in collecting information from you that could compromise your privacy and the integrity of your personal identity.
Also keep in mind that should a friend request come to you from someone who is already listed in your account as a friend, this means it’s a spoof account that is looking to spam you. Ignore it or delete it.
5. Don’t play games.
It’s tempting to want to click on a game that pops up asking you who your favorite character is in the latest Superman movie or how many states have you lived in….but check your social media safety tips and you’ll see the truth—these posts are just alluring ways to steal information you may have listed about yourself in your profile.
6. Ignore requests that involve money or romance.
Reputable organizations and charities understand how to use social media correctly when it comes to fundraising. Be sure before you respond to any post or email concerning a donation, that you first check out the source. If it’s suspicious in any way, ignore it. It’s mostly likely a scam.
The same with a man or woman who sends you a message or posts on your site they would love to meet you. If you don’t know them, it’s highly likely they are not who they claim to be.
Social media for seniors can be a lot of fun
So can living in a setting where you’re always surrounded by friends and a full calendar of activities! It’s okay to spend some time online. But at St. Mark Village in Palm Harbor, Florida, you’re in the perfect spot for an active, fun lifestyle filled with friends, wellness, and countless opportunities to learn and grow. All with the peace of mind of knowing you have the Life Care Promise, which gives you seamless access to future care options.
And if you want to explore what’s beyond our community, Palm Harbor has it all. Great restaurants, interesting museums, festive celebrations, beautiful beaches and natural areas, and so much more.
So why just “click,” when you can do it all? Come see us today! Download our free Safety and Security Guide to learn how St. Mark Village gives our residents peace of mind every day.
