Solutions for Successful Aging

Social Networking Media... It's not just for kids anymore.

Birmingham Business Journal recently reported on a study that found that Facebook is growing among popularity with people 55 years and older. The internet is changing the way society communicates and older people are learning what kids take for granted in this high tech age: you can use online social networking media sites to connect with family, old friends or even make new ones more quickly and easier than ever before.

Sites like CaringSource or Facebook can be great tools in reducing stress as you talk and share with others. On CaringSource.com, you can meet and share with other carehelpers and get tools (like My Care Plan) to help you guide care decisions. Social medial can also allow you to take a break from your daily routine and quickly connect with friends and discuss a topic you are interested in right now. Recently, I suggested to a friend on CaringSource that it doesn't take much time or money to take a mind vacation from the daily stresses of caregiving. Even if you only have 30 minutes during lunch or late at night, you can usually find someone online - even if they are in Australia - and the dividends can be great for your peace of mind and even your job. Reaching out and talking to other can be a great asset for your mental health because it helps you not feel so alone, allows you to share your stories and validates your experiences.

What can you do right now?
1. Start or join a group on CaringSource.
2. Join Facebook and link your two accounts by inviting your friends to join you at CaringSource.
3. Upload your photos and tell your story.
4. Send out an email and invite your friends and family to join you and share.

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Comment by Robyn Blaikie Collins on July 10, 2009 at 2:07pm: This is an especially effective way to stay connected to the outside world if much of your time is spent with a homebound parent. Finding a place to meet up with friends, even if it's virtual, is always a blessing and fulfilling investment of time. No time is wasted spent making a friend.

Plus, the efficiency afforded you is unparalleled... Like all teenagers know, you can get your message out to a huge number of people in seconds by using tools like twitter, facebook, text messaging, instant messaging. How helpful when sharing the care responsibilities and experiences with other people.