Live Socially—Online & Offline

If you've read our recent article about "granfluencers," you know that seniors all over the world are embracing social media and, much to our delight, filling the internet with their uplifting experiences, sage advice, and entertaining stories. While some seniors may become overnight viral sensations, a large audience of strangers isn't necessary to participate in and enjoy what social media has to offer. If you're thinking about venturing into Facebook territory, here are a few ideas to get you started.

What Can You Do on Facebook?

Once you're a member of the Facebook community, you'll be able to do things like view photos and videos from your grandkids' sports tournaments; check in with your old high school gang; join a hobby group with others who share your love for gardening, or connect with your local RLC community and take a peek inside at the lifestyle many of the seniors in your area are living.   

Not only can you keep up on what your family and friends are sharing, but you can also add your own content to the social sphere. For example, you can share photos from your latest book club meeting and encourage your friends to pick up a good read, or wow your family by sharing your favorite vintage wedding picture to celebrate your anniversary. You can impart the wisdom of your experience by writing about an important lesson you've learned that you think might help others. Or, you can simply Like and Comment on your friends' posts to share in their good times.

Connect With Friends, Family & Your Favorites

Once you've signed up for a Facebook account, you can start connecting with friends right away. Search for people you know by typing their first and last name in the search box, selecting the correct profile from the results and clicking Add Friend. Alternatively, you can ask your contacts to send a Friend Request directly to you, which makes it quick and easy to link up with the right person. If you need additional direction on how to navigate and configure your Facebook profile, visit the Facebook Help Center for step-by-step how-tos. Another useful resource for learning how to access Facebook, create an account and make your first post can be found on the Senior Tech Club website.

You can also keep updated with your favorite hobby groups, organizations, celebrities and entertainers, stores, restaurants, and more. Just about any person, place, or thing you can think of has a Facebook page—there are even profiles for internet-famous animals!

Get started following Facebook groups by giving your local RLC community a Like. Simply type the name of your community in the search box the same way you'd type in a friend's name (e.g., Savannah Pines Retirement Community), visit the page, and click the Like button. Now, each time your community posts an update with photos, videos, or events, the information will show up on your personal News Feed. If you're already a resident, you'll be able to see photos from the activities you've enjoyed recently and share them on your profile for your family and friends to see, like that poker game with the guys or the flyswatter volleyball game your team won. Not a resident yet? You'll get a peek inside the resort lifestyle and see how other seniors in your area are enjoying life to the fullest!

Live Socially—Online & Offline

Are you ready to join millions of seniors just like you and celebrate your life on social media? Many of the residents in our RLC communities across the nation have joined Facebook and other social media platforms and discovered the benefits and joys of digital socialization. But we want to connect with you, too! It's your turn to follow our social media pages, share our lifestyle posts with your family and friends, and accept one of the event invitations from your local RLC community. Stop by for happy hour, a game of bingo, or an afternoon of crafting, and get to know our residents face-to-face—you never know, they might add you as a Friend on Facebook following the event!