Silver surfers: Social media and the older generation

Last week on Radio 4 there was a very interesting interview with Richard Ingram, the editor of Oldie magazine. Ingram, who refers to himself as a ‘technophobe’ was discussing his reluctance to use the internet. One of his opinions is that the internet and the ability to connect with people instantly can become a distracting addiction. He manages to edit a newspaper without personally using the internet, preferring instead to use traditional methods of communication and learning such as letter writing and book reading.

This interview was very thought-provoking and it got me considering the benefits of the internet, or more specifically, of social media for older people. On conducting some research around the topic, I came across the story of Ivy Bean who was the oldest known social networker before she sadly died on 28th July 2010, aged 104. Ivy started out as a Facebook user but after reaching the 5,000 friends limit, she moved to Twitter and amassed over 50,000 followers. In a 2009 interview with Sarah Philips from The Guardian, Mrs Bean explained her usage of social media sites stating that ”All I used to do was sit all day and fall asleep. I’d be miserable if I didn’t do it.’  The interview went on to explain that ‘In person, [Mrs Bean] doesn’t see many visitors, apart from her daughter, but she says she never feels lonely now with the Twitter community to chat to, whether she is explaining what parkin is, or discussing the merits of Deal or No Deal.’

I personally think that Ivy Bean is the perfect example of how social media can benefit older people by bridging a gap between them and society and reducing common feelings of isolation and social exclusion. Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc. are a fantastic way for older people to socialise with others users and maintain their connection with the world.  This opinion is supported by a quote from 67-year-old ‘avid social networker’ Bev Sykes, which appeared in a 2010 article from UCL:

“I LOVE social media. I have reconnected with far-flung relatives, former classmates, and old friends (including friends of my children). In one forum [I surf] a group of friends formed. Our oldest member is pushing 80. We have seen each other through weddings and births and deaths and divorce and “coming out’s”. As a theatre critic, I have kept a daily blog since 2000 where I track what local theatre groups and actors are doing. I also have several others, including one where my family can watch videos of my now 90-year-old mother telling family stories. As for social exclusion, it eliminates the problems with mingling with other people if you are physically unable to leave your house. I have been playing Scrabble on line with a friend with physical problems which make it more difficult for her to leave the house, yet we have a lively tournament going all the time.”

Social media is a fantastic way for older people, who are perhaps not as mobile as they once were, to reconnect with old friends, to make new ones and to keep up an active and enjoyable social life. An interest in the world around you and a desire to expand your own knowledge and understanding of things does not necessarily stop just because you have passed a certain age. Social media gives immediate and continuous access to topics of interests, to discussions and to updates on news stories. It also enriches learning and understanding of events opening up opinions and differing perspectives from other users for consideration.

In a blog post from June 2011, David Cohen states: ‘The Telegraph reported that the online coupon site polled 1,341 grandparents over the age of 60 in the U.K. and found that 22 percent are active on social networking sites, with 71 percent of those citing Facebook, versus 34 percent on Twitter and 9 percent on LinkedIn.’

These are very positive figures and I hope that more older people discover social networking and enjoy the benefits that it can offer.