http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/dec/12/study-finds-social-media-skype-facebook-use-beneficial-overall-health-elderly
This article discusses the positive impact of social media on the geriatric community. As most people know, the older generations aren't as skilled with technology and it can be frustrating to teach them how to run it smoothly. However, research from the UK suggests that taking that time to help them understand social media can help sharpen their cognitive capacity as well as physical and mental well-being. The participants in this study were given access and direction to use Facebook and Skype. The researchers found that the individuals that participated in this study felt less isolated due to their connection with family and others with similar interests. There were even testimonies that social media changed the participants' lives and brought some fun back to them. This is a great example of how social media can enhance lives versus take them over.
I believe this article to be very true. My grandmother got a smart phone about a year ago and asked me how to use Facebook and face time on it. It took a while to teach her all about her smart phone and how it worked, but she can do most basic functions. She loves using Facebook to keep up with her children and grandchildren. She has even talked many of her friends into getting Facebook. Her favorite though is face time because she can see her grandchildren who live far away. I think this really makes her happy and brings extra meaning to her life. I agree with you in saying that this is one way social media enhances lives.
ReplyDeleteI think that the elderly could benefit from social media greatly. My grandma lives 3/4 of the time in Missouri so she doesn't get to see us all the time especially the great grandchildren. My cousin recently confessed that she posts so many pictures of her child because Grandma wants it. She does this all on Facebook. She enjoys having Pinterest and Facebook to post recipes and crocheting patterns. My grandma got an iPad, and she once confessed to us that she had stayed up til 11:30 pm playing Bejeweled.
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