Skip to main content

Seniors are Thriving Online - How to Help them Stay Safe


It's a new day and in addition to young people using social media platforms at a high rate, senior citizens and older adults are also increasingly finding joy and connection online. My mom, who is in her early seventies, is a perfect example of this exciting shift. She's discovering the many ways the internet can help her stay social, informed and in the know about things to do in our community and beyond. I feel like in many ways access to the internet for her and her peers has benefited their lives tremendously for the better. 


Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram enable older adults to stay connected with family and friends, share life updates, and see the lives of those they care about. Whether it's video calls with grandchildren, sharing photos, or even joining group chats, these digital interactions can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and prolong life.

The internet is filled with information and entertainment, perfect for older adults looking to explore new hobbies or delve into past passions in this stage of their life. As an internet wellness advocate I work with local senior living facilities, individuals and groups to teach workshops on internet safety and how to use social media in a positive way. Many of my clients have joined virtual book clubs, gardening forums, social groups to fitness classes. This not only keeps the mind engaged but also opens up a world of new experiences right from the comfort of home.


In addition to gaining new skills, a growing number of senior citizens are also exploring the world of online dating. With dedicated dating platforms catering to their age group, and sites like Facebook that they are already on offering a dating extension on the platform, seniors are finding it easier than ever before to connect. For some, this means reigniting a spark of romance, while for others, it’s about finding a friend to share activities with. Online dating provides an accessible way for older adults to meet new people. 



With all the cool things that the the internet enables us all to do it is crucial to make sure the older adults in our lives are staying safe while navigating the internet landscape. Here are a few tips to help:

Beware of Scams: It's important to educate them about common online scams, such as phishing emails or fraudulent calls. Remind them never to share personal information, like social security numbers or bank details, with strangers online.

Strong Passwords: Encourage them to use strong, unique passwords for their online accounts. A password manager can be a helpful tool to keep track of these.

Privacy Settings: Assist them in adjusting privacy settings on social media platforms to protect their personal information. This includes controlling who can see their posts and how much of their profile is visible to the public.

Keep Personal Information Private: Make sure they avoid sharing sensitive personal information like their home address, financial details, or full name early in the conversation. Tell them to use the platform's messaging system rather than giving out your phone number or email address.

Be Cautious with Photos: Its important to educate them on being mindful of the photos they share and to avoid pictures that could reveal too much about your location or personal life.

Watch for Red Flags: Teach them to be aware of common scams and red flags, such as someone professing love too quickly, asking for money, or providing inconsistent stories. Encourage them to trust their instincts and don’t hesitate to block or report suspicious behavior.

Secure Devices: Ensure their devices are equipped with up-to-date security software and advise them to keep their operating systems and apps updated.

It's a wonderful thing seeing the older people in our lives embrace the internet, offering them new ways to connect, learn, and enjoy life. By ensuring they stay safe online and encouraging them to explore, we can help them make the most of this digital age. Let's celebrate and support our loved ones as we all work to live in this ever-changing digital world. 

Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate, Book Me: You can check out my internet wellness service here



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Life Happens - Back to School Season - Screen Time Reset and Almost 40?

Hey friends! It's been a minute since I've had the chance to sit down and blog. Why? Because LIFE this summer has been a whirlwind. Camps, parties, work trips and trying to keep up a social life of my own...it was a lot. And let's be honest, there's still so much I didn't get around to. To top it off, my best friend is getting married in Cartagena, Colombia, and mentally, I'm already there!!! Trying to balance travel plans, family activities, and work...whew! And then came August—what August? I blinked, and we were already back to school. On the bright side, both of my kids are at the same school this year! Kristopher started kindergarten, and Khloe is in 5th grade. New school year, new level of parenting unlocked! With back to school comes a tech reset in the Bagley household. Let me be honest: our summer was all about flex time when it came to screen time. During the day, the kids are mostly offline, working on review activities or playing indoors or outside. ...

Let’s Get Serious: Just Jokes or Inappropriate? The Challenge of Raising Kids in a Viral Era - Hot Topics & TikTok Dances

Lately, I’ve been floored by how desensitized we’ve become to things that used to shock us. Serious topics get treated like punchlines, and instead of focusing on the real issues—like the fact that we have an election coming up in less than 45 days!!! News outlets are busy discussing "freak-offs" like it’s normal conversation. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Where did the professionalism go? As someone who used to work in news, it’s wild to see how much things have changed. TV and social media feel like one big reality show now, and throw AI into the mix, and its hard to tell what’s real anymore. What really gets me is seeing parents and adults on the TikTok dancing alongside their young kids to songs full of cuss words and suggestive lyrics for likes, especially that Bossman DLow one..."SMH!" Or, watching skits and shows that used to be for "adults only" now being reproduced for content and likes by kids.  But then, we turn around and act surprised when these...

Smart Solutions or Cellphone Bans For Schools - Can We Find a Balance?

The recent news on a possible ban on cellphones in New York City public schools has sparked quite the debate among school leaders, parents, and students. As an advocate for internet wellness, I believe it's essential to find a balance that embraces technology's potential while addressing concerns. Instead of imposing a blanket ban, why not explore ways to integrate smartphones and tablets constructively and safely into the classroom environment? These devices, when used appropriately, can be powerful educational tools, enhancing learning experiences and preparing students for a tech-driven world.  As a former teacher, I do believe that cellphones in schools should be reserved for middle-school aged students and up. I feel at this age students may start having more independence and smart devices can keep them safe and the lines of communication open.  But, within schools, I believe we are not utilizing smartphones and devices enough in the classroom or in the right ways. With p...