Social media for over-65s: staying in touch, safely and your own way
Social media are no longer just for young people. More and more people aged 65 and over video call their grandchildren, share photos in the family chat or look up old classmates. That is good news: staying in touch matters, especially when family lives far away or when you go out less often.
In this article we explain what social media can offer you, and how to use them safely.
What can you do with it?
- Video calls. With WhatsApp, FaceTime or Teams you can see your (grand)children in your own living room, even if they live on the other side of the country or the world.
- Sharing photos and news. In a family group everyone stays up to date, without you having to call each person separately.
- Finding old contacts. On Facebook you can often find former colleagues, neighbours or classmates.
- Talking to people in the same situation. There are groups for people with the same condition, for carers and for all kinds of hobbies. You can share experiences and tips from your own chair.
- Keeping up to date. From local news to activities at the library or community centre.
Research has shown for years that online contact can help against loneliness. It does not replace a visit, but it does make the distance smaller.
Using social media safely
- Decide who sees what. Set your profile so that only friends can see your posts and photos. We are happy to help you with these settings.
- Do not share details fraudsters can use. Do not show your address, phone number or date of birth on your profile. And it is better to post about your holiday afterwards than beforehand.
- Be careful with friend requests. Do you get a request from someone who is already your friend? It is often a fake account. Check with them in another way.
- Do not click on links without thinking. Not even if they seem to come from someone you know. In doubt? Forward the message to check@pidorac.eu and we will tell you whether it can be trusted.
- A request for money by message is a warning sign. Whether it comes via Facebook, WhatsApp or e-mail: call the person yourself on a number you already had.
Learning calmly, at your own pace
You do not have to learn everything at once. Start with one thing, for example video calling with the family, and build from there. Libraries and community centres often offer courses. And you can call us: we help you remotely and explain things calmly, on your own screen. You always see what we do.
Questions about social media or your settings? Call us on +31 75 641 7437 or ask us to call you back.