By Meagan Holbrook, Luther Oaks
As of 2012, for the first time, half of adults aged 65 and older were online. Since then the number has continued to increase. Additionally, individuals aged 65 and up are the fastest growing demographic on social media sites, like Facebook. No longer is Facebook only for youth; Web 2.0 and social interaction on the Internet has spread and is continuing to spread across all generations.
Older adults are more likely to utilize email as a major form of communication, and more and more are beginning to have smart phones, as well. Have you seen the video that went viral back in February of the two best friends who had been friends for over 90 years? When asked about the new IOS iPhone operating system, the one lady, over 100 years young, stated that she was incredibly disappointed in the new system.
These changes are accompanied with new software and training to help all generations navigate ever-changing technology more effectively and efficiently.
One such system is called Connected Living. Connected Living is an Internet-based platform, which provides users an opportunity to connect with one another within a senior living community, as well as beyond the walls of their physical community. As it is Internet-based, it allows users the opportunity to customize their personal settings, bookmarking sites that are most relevant to them.
Residents can connect with one another, sort of like an internal social networking site, like Facebook; can share questions, comments, and pictures with one another; and it also allows each resident to see calendars and menus for the campus.
“Connected Living is all about relationships. It is so cool to see residents take their friendships and family relationships to the Internet and be able to connect more regularly with those people they may not get to see in person all the time, by learning to use Skype or email or Facebook,” says Resident Life Director for Luther Oaks, Taylor Pocopanni.
It’s no surprise that as the fastest growing demographic on Facebook, this group is highly social and ready to learn more!
For more information on Luther Oaks, please call 309-664-5940 and for more information on Connected Living, visit www.connectedliving.com. Connected Living was launched at Luther Oaks in February. Since then residents have had the opportunity to connect to the Internet and with one another.