LiveLongAgeWell

In my last post I gave a link to a scandalous blog written by two 80-something women, and if you haven’t looked at it, I suggest you do. For sure, these are some unusual women, but it shows what’s possible when a couple older people learn how to use a computer.

This recent New York Times article reveals how many oldsters have blossomed with a little social networking…it is happening! The benefits go beyond relieving isolation because—while the research proof is still not in—it’s likely that middle age and older adults who use online social networking have a significantly lower risk of becoming demented in later life. An older relative with dementia is no picnic for the sufferer nor for the spouse or children, so whatever can be done to lower that risk is well worthwhile for everyone.

This LLAW blog has a wide range of readers: subscribers range from age 23 to 94, but what is true for the youngest is true for the oldest—we all need a social network to live long and in good health, and the internet can be the vehicle that carries us there if our real-world network is insufficient.

Twenty- to 30somethings probably have a Facebook or MySpace (filled with ads now however) or Orkut page or at least MSN Messenger, so you know the potential of online connections. Now think about your older relatives or acquaintances who—for reasons of health or divorce or distant children, whatever—are more isolated. How about suggesting they consider online social networking, and then follow through to see that they really try it? There are new social networking sites for baby boomers and older, like eons.com. Many colleges have alumni networks, and Facebook’s growth is now greatest in the older crowd.

The big problem is getting some people to approach the computer, but you can start by pointing out that the computer is the most efficient and cheapest way to keep them up to date with family and friends. Mention that if they hope to see recent photos, those probably won’t arrive anymore in a photo album, and their only hope is to see them on the computer.

You can yourself tutor your computer-illiterate relative/friend, but this might be a big task, requiring lots of patience. Perhaps better if you research classes or tutors through the local “senior center” or community college (craigslist might be a little risky—you want these new, more vunerable users to be safe,  away from viruses, phishing, etc…).

While few 80somethings will end up online as wild and raw and funny as Margaret and Helen, you can still do a lot for others and yourself, fight the isolation that is too common in older folks, and along with that, cut the risk of a helpless, brain-weak relative in your future. Don’t wait.