Seniors Online

The over 55s have discovered the joy of connecting with others online. Unlike the groups on some of the younger social sites, the sites for older users tend to be less superficial and have a more grounded community.

About one-third of people aged 75 and older live alone, and increasingly they are turning to online social networks for support and companionship. Online networks can provide benefits similar to those of real-world groups of friends, but often are easier to assemble and maintain.

One of the greatest challenges or losses that we face as older adults is not our health, but our social network deteriorating. Our friends get sick, our spouse passes away as do our friends. Our families are further away and we can easily lose contact with them.

The new future of old age is about staying in society, and staying very connected. Technology is going to be a very big part of that, because the new reality is, increasingly, a virtual reality. It provides a way to make new connections, new friends and new senses of purpose.