7 Social Media Apps Older Adults Should Take Advantage Of

12Oaks-Senior couple, smartphone-ss-7 Social Media Apps Older Adults Should Take Advantage Of-Feature

In This Article

The powerful evolution of technology has brought many positive changes to our lives, some as simple as introducing us to endless sources of entertainment. Most importantly, it has allowed us to connect with billions of people worldwide through the small screen, technology and social media platforms that have likely become integral to almost everyone’s life, even seniors.

Contrary to the popular belief that senior citizens can barely do tech, it’s been estimated that seniors are joining the virtual world because of its exceptional benefits to their quality of life. Read on to discover the seven social media apps seniors may want to take advantage of.

 

Age With Grace: 7 Social Media Apps Seniors Should Embrace and Take Advantage Of

What Is Social Media?

The term “social media” refers to a form of computer-based technology that allows people to share information and ideas through online communities and networks.

Social media helps billions of registered users and businesses instantly share content with anyone on the planet and stay virtually connected with friends, family, and customers. Some of the most popular and largest social media platforms that come to mind include Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube — where billions of people around the world share electronic media on their personalized profiles following their registration.

 

Seniors Turning to Social Media: Is It Worth It?

It is hard to deny the significant impact of social media on our daily lives. It changes how we interact and connect with others through the tiny screen. More than anything, social media has been proven to bring many benefits to senior citizens.

In addition to being a rich source of entertainment that keeps your parents and older family members away from boredom when they have too much time on their hands, other benefits of social media include:

  • Meet new people and keep in touch with old friends
  • Access to educational resources
  • Stay connected with long-distance family and relatives
  • Reduce the sense of isolation and loneliness
  • Give opportunities to start and grow homemade businesses
  • Keep their minds active by learning new things
  • Share their ideas and content with anyone around the world

 

7 Best Social Media Apps Seniors Should Have

It’s reported that over 60% of seniors aged 65 and above own smartphones, and a third of seniors in the same age group use social media, making it widely used and recognized as a source of entertainment for many seniors.

With a wide range of options, what are the best social media networks for seniors? We have gathered a list of the best seven social media apps that seniors should have on their phones.

 

Facebook

12Oaks-launching the facebook app-ss-1 Facebook

Despite ongoing disputes and waves of people abandoning the platform, Facebook remains the most popular social media site, especially for seniors seeking the best way to stay in touch with friends, relatives, and family and even what’s happening in the world  at every moment.

Another perk of the top-rated app is that your parents can share bits of their daily lives through photos and short videos and send private messages to anyone on their friend list. If privacy is your top concern when navigating social media for your parents, Facebook makes it simple by offering a feature that helps seniors control who can see their posts.

 

ThirdAGE

12Oaks-Elderly woman, retirement home and smartphone in bed-ss-2 ThirdAGE

Placing a strong emphasis on overall wellness, thirdAGE is another must-have social media app that helps seniors take care of themselves. It has all the science-backed approaches they need in one place, including self-care tips, health and lifestyle advice, nutritious recipes, educational articles, and more.

Above everything else, this social media app is an excellent place for your parents to share their content, make friends, and connect with other health-conscious seniors who are committed to leading a healthful lifestyle in their golden years.

 

Youtube

12Oaks-App Youtube on a smartphone-ss-3 Youtube

Alongside TVs and streaming services, Youtube is an app that your parents or grandparents can enjoy a plethora of content for free.

Statistics show that 81% of Americans indulge in Youtube due to the diversity of content that fits all age groups. By simply opening the app on their smartphones or tablets, your parents and grandparents can watch multiple entertainment videos, discover new cooking recipes, and enjoy a blast from the past with millions of classic playlists.

At best, they can even get creative by filming just about anything in their daily lives and subsequently upload these videos or Youtube shorts on the platform to keep up with their peers.

 

Whatsapp

12Oaks-WhatsApp app on a display-ss-4 Whatsapp

Sometimes, Facebook’s complexity can be quite problematic for seniors struggling with social media. Instead, Whatsapp is another alternative for those who only want to catch up with online messages from close friends and family.

Originally a chatting app, Whatsapp has been developing into a multi-media platform encompassing many features, allowing you and your seniors to send playful messages and form group chats with family members and friends.

What makes Whatsapp particularly stand out from other communication apps is that the app is entirely free and easy to use. All you need is a stable internet connection, and you are ready to connect with anyone on Earth with just a phone number!

 

OurTime

12Oaks-Senior couple sitting on sofa in home playing tablet and relaxing together-ss-5 OurTime

Dating does not become easier with age. But with countless dating apps being developed and introduced to seniors, dating is no longer only a young person’s game.

OurTime is a dating app established to serve the sole purpose of helping single seniors aged 50 and over to overcome the grief of losing their spouse and get back to the dating scene with greater ease, convenience, and confidence. It matches them with other singles based on shared values, interests, and personality traits.

Alongside the chat features like almost all other dating apps, OurTime offers an in-built video call feature so your parents or grandparents can get to know their potential matches better, increasing their chances of rediscovering love and companionship. Find more dating advice for seniors here.

Other senior dating apps your parents can try may include:

  • SeniorMatch
  • eHarmony
  • Cupid.com
  • OkCupid
  • Coffee Meets Bagels
  • Facebook Dating
  • Tinder
  • Match
  • SeniorPlanet
  • EliteSingles
  • SilverSingles
  • Plenty of Fish

 

GoodReads

12Oaks-old woman holds an electronic device in her hands, reads a book-ss-6 GoodReads

Launched in 2007, Goodreads is the largest social media app that focuses on books if your parents or grandparents are avid fans of books.

On Goodreads, your seniors can browse and read the books they love alongside sharing and discussing their favorite reads with other members through the virtual reading community.

 

Medisafe

12Oaks-Elderly woman with smartphone and pills sitting at the table-ss-7 Medisafe

We all know that most seniors, if not all of us, usually have difficulty remembering when to take their medicines.

For that reason, Medisafe serves as a reminder that primarily helps seniors manage their medications and even grants access to caregivers and family members to the system so they can remind seniors in case their seniors completely forget their schedule.

Furthermore, Medisafe makes your parents’ annual health exams easier when they can use the app to show doctors their medication regimen.

 

If you have questions about senior social media apps or any topics discussed here, connect with us and learn more. 

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks senior living communities are an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.

For questions or to schedule a personalized tour, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Rate This Article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *