As the seniors age, they tend to become more lonely when children leave to pursue their own lives, a divorce or the death of a spouse or friends. Whatever the reason, the social interaction of elderly decreases and it may lead to chronic loneliness and depression. However, an hourly caregiver from Homecare Assistance can help overcome this loneliness along with social media. Social media is a great way for seniors to keep in touch with friends and family, even if they are far or it is difficult to meet them in person.

Apart from just interacting with family and friends, there are a lot of other things they can keep themselves busy with.

Here are 5 reasons why social media is essential for the elderly, especially those who prefer to have hourly caregivers as it keeps them busy and independent.

1. Family Interaction

With the modern technology and our children geared more towards it, it becomes difficult for both grandparents and grandchildren to communicate with each other. Social Media like Facebook and Twitter allows this generation gap to diminish. Children become more receptive to grandparents who are socially active online. It also eases away the distance between the rest of the family members, especially those who are in other countries and cities.

2. Lively and Visual Communication

Communication is no more limited to words. With the advanced smartphone technologies and photos and video sharing apps, it is all about visual communication. Instant picture sharing is the most popular activity of the users of Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and other social platforms. In fact, apps like Instagram are solely dedicated to photo-sharing.

For seniors, it can prove to be an ideal pastime to look at the picture of grandkids and their own children. Homecare Assistance, providers of 24 hours and hourly caregiver services, encourage older adults to be active on social media as it is a healthy activity for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

Videos make it even more pleasurable for your elderly loved one to be a part of your life without having to worry about the dexterity and discomfort on both sides.

3. Access to Discount Deals and Coupons3

Another reason why social media is definitely for the seniors is that they can avail many discount deals and coupons from their favorite companies without leaving the comfort of their homes. They no longer need to wait and stand in queues. They can access these discount offers anytime they want. It is important in its own right, because it definitely, is a good opportunity to save some extra money which can come in handy.

4. Stress Reliever for Families

The most difficult part of living away from your elderly loved one is that you are constantly worrying about them. Even though you may have an hourly caregiver from Homecare Assistance to assist your loved one with daily chores and to give some company, still it is beneficial for both sides if the senior is active on social media. It is very convenient and easy to monitor any untoward incident or situation if both sides are in constant contact.

5. Social Bonding and Communication

A man is known to be a social animal and social bonding and communicating is important, even for the very introvert individuals. However, the only social bonding a senior may be having on the daily basis is with the hourly caregiver. This isolation can lead to depression and other serious problems. However, social media is a platform where they can bond socially from their comfort zone. A senior can also get involved in different social groups which allow them to voice out their opinions and enjoy a relaxing conversation with seniors and other people from the same school of thought.

These are just 5 reasons why Social media is the right platform for the elderly, but there are countless other reasons and benefits. Help your loved stay connected!