Seniors and Social Networking

New Seniors, those born between 1930 and 1945, are not the biggest users of many of the social networking venues. I did not spend much time connecting with others except through emails. But, I’m venturing out of my comfort zone and connecting in more ways. The payoff is gratifying.

Recently I celebrated my birthday and was a bit disappointed when only a smattering of cards dribbled in. There were several from my immediate family, mostly from the grandkids. A couple of friends sent me the usual “funny” you’re not getting better, you’re getting older greetings. Plus I got a few cards from distant relatives that are on the must exchange card list. That was it.

I left home earlier the morning of my birthday, not having time to check the email. When I got home later that day, I finally sat down at my computer. What I discovered was scores of emails with Facebook messages all wishing me happy birthday. Never before have I received so many acknowledgements on this special day.

Except for a few customized e-cards, the emails consisted of postings on my Facebook Wall saying happy birthday in one way or another. The nice thing is that once I linked to the person sending me the message, there was a photograph of them along with their personalized greeting. So it really was like feeling their presence via cyberspace.

The rest of the day was spent sending thank you comments back to those who provided me with those wonderful birthday greetings. That’s something I don’t do when someone mails me a card. Many of those responded to me and we ended up having a little Facebook exchange.

This activity spilled into the next day and beyond. Not only did all those birthday congrats come in, I heard from a number of people I don’t see or talk to on a regular basis. This process allowed me to reconnect with a number of them.

Interestingly, all but a couple of these Facebook postings were from folks under the age of 65. New Seniors did not embrace the social media as quickly as younger age groups. We were the last to get comfortable with the computer, last to go online and last to use email. However, the 65+ audience is now the fastest growing segment in all these areas.

If we continue to be true to form, we will incorporate social networks into our personal communications activities as well.

With the boomers turning 65 at the rate of one every ten seconds starting next year, New Seniors can be expected to be part of the social networking scene in growing numbers. After all, we have the time and are developing the skills to master all forms of social media. So there’s no reason why New Seniors miss out on any of the fun.