Social media can be a good way for seniors to stay connected to friends and loved ones. But if they’re not careful, your senior loved ones could find themselves in trouble. Scam artists, bad information, and negative situations are all over social media sites these days and can pose a risk to seniors. Even if they avoid these dangers, the negative consequences of social media addiction can still affect seniors. So how do you convince your senior loved one to give up their Facebook account when it becomes a problem? Here are some helpful tips to help you out.
Find Other Activities to Take Up Time
If your elderly loved one is addicted to social media, getting them away from their devices can be tricky. Just like any addiction, boredom and downtime can be a major trigger for unhealthy social media use. Start the separation from social media by helping your loved one find a new hobby. Many seniors find calming activities, like gardening, knitting, and painting, to be much more productive ways to pass their time. Gardening has many benefits that can improve the lives of seniors, and being outdoors is also beneficial for mental and physical health. Finding positive ways to pass time is a good way to get seniors off Facebook.
Help Them Get a Part-Time Job
Many seniors spend their time on Facebook because it makes them feel like they are putting their time to good use. Retirement can leave seniors bored, but finding a part-time job is a good way to combat that boredom and make a little extra money as well. For those who love animals, a simple gig like dog walking can be a needed change from their normal routine. It’s easy to get started as a dog walker, and studies show that spending time with pets can have positive effects on the mental health of seniors. Getting out for frequent walks is good for the body too, which will help strengthen their immune system and fight off injuries.
Find More Meaningful Ways to Connect
Sometimes, seniors turn to social media out of loneliness. Living alone, being separated from family, and leaving careers can mean fewer ties to other people. Social connection is crucial for maintaining positive mental health, but social media isn’t always the best answer to loneliness. In fact, frequent social media use can make people feel more depressed and anxious. But you can help your loved ones get off Facebook and get connected in more positive ways.
Volunteering with local organizations is a great way for seniors to meet new people and find purpose in their lives. If your loved one is religious, attending church can be a great social activity as well. These face-to-face interactions are sure to lift seniors’ spirits. You can also help them relive fond memories by reconnecting with old friends. Sites like ClassFinders.com make it easy to find past classmates, and you won’t have to use social media to do so. If possible, try to facilitate an in-person meeting.
Take Care of Their Mental Health
Like any bad habit, social media addiction can be a signal of a more serious mental health issue. People often turn to addiction when they have untreated mental health problems or a past trauma that is causing them pain. If your loved one simply can’t let go of their social media habit, it may be time to encourage them to seek professional help. Find a licensed counselor who can help your loved one sort through the issues that are driving them to abuse social media. If a senior relies on Medicare to pay for their healthcare, check to be sure that mental health services are covered by their plan. Addressing mental health in seniors can help address addictions and help them lead even happier lives.
Getting rid of Facebook, or reducing use, can be a life-changing choice for seniors. They can make real connections with the world, improve their mental health, and make their lives better. By deleting social media, they can delete negativity from their lives.
