Floridians over 45 getting tech savvy
(Posted October 24, 2011 07:20 am)
By Les Coleman
THE VILLAGES, FL - They're trying to get connected, although they're not always sure how to do it - or why they should.
Social media use is catching on among among those over age 45, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center Internet & American Life Project released by AARP. More than 40 percent of the respondents say they learned how to do it from a child or grandchild. Only one in 10 has a Twitter account, but most have had online video-chats with faraway family or friends.
AARP
spokesman Doug Shadel says using social media can be
valuable for keeping people less isolated as they age,
and Floridians are catching on: half over the age of 45
are tuning in.
"A huge percentage of the people who are on a social
networking site joined that social networking site
within the last two years."
The survey also indicates more than 75 percent are
concerned about online safety.
Marsha Collier, author of "Facebook and Twitter for
Seniors" (one of the "Dummies" book series), explains
that the best way to wade into social networking is
slowly: Pick one pursuit, such as Facebook or LinkedIn -
or even e-mailing or texting on a mobile phone - and
learn that first. She also suggests that younger people
help parents or grandparents create a blog.
"Anybody can set a blog up for someone pretty easily,
and all the blogger has to do is go there and click
'post.' They can post about their garden; they can post
about their children. And you'll be surprised - even if
there's no response to the blog, it will give them a
comfort factor of going onto the computer and typing a
journal."
About 40 percent of the respondents think social
networking is a waste of time, the survey found.
However, even people who are hesitant to network online
will be more interested when they see all the friends
and family members with whom they can connect, Collier
says, or when they realize they can make money selling
things on eBay.