A study done by OnePoll for ClearMatch Medicare in 2023 found that many seniors are most interested in health-related content online (46%). The survey asked 2,000 seniors who use social media about their habits and found they spend about 47 minutes each day on these sites.
Almost a quarter of them spend more than an hour daily scrolling (24%). Seniors mostly use Facebook (75%), YouTube (28%), and Instagram (10%).
Half of them use social media just to pass the time (54%), while others use it to reconnect with friends (61%) or stay in touch with family (58%). Surprisingly, nearly four in 10 seniors (39%) have even made new friends online.
In my personal experience, I have observed a significant interest among elderly individuals in engaging with social media platforms and learning new technological tools. Within my own family, I have witnessed individuals aged over 65 embracing a positive attitude towards social media, demonstrating a curiosity and eagerness to explore the digital realm.
While this enthusiasm is commendable, it is important to be mindful of certain challenges, one of which is the potential exposure to online scams.
Elderly individuals may not always be fully aware of the prevalence and variety of scams that can occur in the online space. This lack of familiarity with the intricacies of online security could make them more susceptible to deceptive practices.
As we encourage and support older adults in their exploration of technology, it becomes equally important to educate them about online safety measures.
This could involve providing guidance on recognizing and avoiding scams, emphasizing the importance of secure passwords, and fostering an overall awareness of digital security best practices. By doing so, we can help ensure that their positive engagement with social media is accompanied by a robust understanding of potential risks, ultimately empowering them to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security.
Also older people are more risk of being scammed by people. I've encountered several elderly individuals whose bank accounts were emptied after falling victim to scam calls. These individuals were led to believe that they were in trouble by impostors posing as courier workers.
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