It’s Time to Get Online Savvy Seniors

More than half of U.S. adults over the age of 65 are online, from surfing the web to checking email, a new study suggests. Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 53% of seniors use the Internet. Although this demographic is still less likely to go online than younger age groups, it shows that this population is going online more than ever before.

If this is true, then Lifelong Learning’s Facebook page should have more fans. What is holding you back from jumping on the social media bandwagon? A fear of technology? Identity theft? Or, that your old high school sweetheart may find you? 

I have heard numerous excuses over the past few years from lifelong learners, such as “it’s too complicated for me” or maybe “I’ll get my grandchildren to explain it.” Regardless of the reason given, some of you are avoiding the new technologies that can add to the quality of your – and even your families’ – lives out of fear.

Facebook may have started as a site for traditional college aged students, but the fastest growing group of Facebook users today is seniors. So, don't be afraid to learn about and use some of the wonderful new social media and technological gadgets that come out in our society. There are numerous free classes that libraries and local high schools offer to teach you how to use these resourceful sites and devices.  Many of them make our lives a little easier, others stimulate our brains and then others are just for pure enjoyment. Don't be fearful and think that you'll never get the hang of it. Of course it's important to have someone in your life that has the willingness and patience to teach you how to become familiar with all these gadgets. It is also important to be careful about the information that you do put on the internet, so just make sure you're open to learning new things and take your time. Remember also to take notes to refer to when you get stuck. Pretty soon this will become a part of your everyday life. 

You can start now by finding us on Facebook by searching- Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society-Jupiter. See you online!