The Role Online Networking Plays in Relieving Loneliness in Older Adults
Loneliness can occur as our bodies, minds, and lifestyles change through the aging process. A large portion of older adults live alone and would like to be engaging in high quality relationships more often than they are currently. According to an ActiveAge Discussion paper, “One way to help remove the feeling of loneliness or exclusion for older adults is to help them gain new skills, which would allow them to communicate with friends and family by virtual means.”
At Episcopal Homes of Minnesota, Laura Vonch, Digital Marketing Specialist teaches a computer class twice a week to residents. This class is personalized to residents’ desires of what they would like to learn on the computer. “No prior knowledge or skills are required for my class, said Laura Vonch. “The class is to help residents feel comfortable using the computer and to remove the fear from the equation when residents hear the words, Facebook or e-mail.”
Loneliness and isolation is most likely going to happen when an older adult has little confidence. Stepping up to a computer knowing very little about how to use a computer, can be terrifying for anyone. “My number one goal is to get a resident feeling accomplished learning one new skill, whether it’s about using social media or e-mailing a friend,” said Laura Vonch.
“I don’t know what I would do without Laura, said Barbara Ballou, resident at Episcopal Homes. Laura is so patient when I get stuck and I can honestly say I am no longer afraid of the computer. I have also developed a new friendship with her and other classmates that attend her computer class.”
By helping older adults get online and feeling comfortable using technology, it is reasonable to say that older adults could be encouraged to use social networks ultimately reducing social exclusion and bridging the generation gap.
By helping older adults get online and feeling comfortable using technology, it is reasonable to say that older adults could be encouraged to use social networks ultimately reducing social exclusion and bridging the generation gap. Online Networking can inform older adults about health and social care, as well as helping older adults engage in more communication with family or friends online.
Most human beings are visual people. The internet feeds that hunger for a lot of people by being able to see friends and family enjoying life in their latest photo posting on Facebook. The online world will help older adults to feel more connected to their loved ones.