Image - mashable.com
Furthermore, when grandparents were asked to label the key reasons behind why they had set up their account on a social networking website, 51% explained that ‘younger family members had encouraged them to’; 24% had created an account to ‘find old friends’; 21% had made theirs to ‘keep in touch with friends and family’. Therefore the main reasons appear to be that they wish to keep in contact more easily. It also might indicate an attempt to understand latest developments and understand what so many young people spend their time doing when online.
However, there are a number of reasons those over 65 may choose not to use social networking sites – many do not have their own computer or internet, and find it too complex to learn how to use a computer due to the fact that they are constantly developing and updating. Others have concerns over the privacy of these social networking sites or are worried about receiving messages from unknown people or scams online. Some city councils in the both UK and the US have tried to help senior citizens to overcome their hesitancy and fears over using social media by providing free sessions in order to teach them the benefits of keeping in touch with friends and family over online networks or through the internet.
The Pew Research Centre’s Internet & American Life Project reports that the 74-plus demographic is growing faster than any other age group on social media – this may just be due to the fact that the majority of those in younger generations who want to use social media sites have already done so. However, as the Baby boomers are starting to enter their senior years, there is an even greater projected upswing for their use of social media.
Image - www.soshable.com
The Pew Research Centre’s Internet & American Life Project reports that the 74-plus demographic is growing faster than any other age group on social media – this may just be due to the fact that the majority of those in younger generations who want to use social media sites have already done so. However, as the Baby boomers are starting to enter their senior years, there is an even greater projected upswing for their use of social media.
This begs the question – could brands begin to market to seniors over social networks? For instance, in America one of the leading assisted living homes in the US, Merrill Gardens, have been using social media to connect to senior residents and the children of their residents. Specifically they are using their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest accounts for lead generation with the adult children of their target market, who are researching homes for their parents online. It also allows their residents to stay involved with community events and for their adult children to follow the evens and news of their parents who are living in the homes. Will this kind of marketing soon be adopted my more organisations and also be seen in the UK?
What do you think?
Do you think there are benefits to senior citizens becoming more involved in social networking? Would you use social networks to keep in contact with your elderly relatives?
No comments:
Post a Comment