Facebook and the Elderly

It is becoming more and more popular for people aged 65 and older to use Facebook. Actually, the older population makes up quite a bit of the online world these days--and it is rather comical, at times, seeing them make their way through online communities. Older folks have the most problem with Barriers to Adoption which includes physical challenges, skeptical attitudes, and (my favorite) difficulty learning new technologies. If you happen to be an older person, or know an older person that is having difficulties learning how to use Facebook, there is no need to fear because there are now classes being offered to assist the older generations in Facebook use! According to the article I found entitled, Seniors on Facebook, people in their nineties now have the opportunity to learn all about Facebook and it's uses thanks to classes being offered at New York libraries. These classes explain everything the elderly need to know, such as friending, notifications, gaming, newsfeeds, timelines, and privacy settings. These are all very important things for anyone using Facebook, but especially for the elderly since it is all new to them. The article interviews several older people that signed up to take the class, and the overwhelming response to why they were taking it was so that they could keep up with their grandchildren. Shocking, right?! I find it hilarious that older people think they are so tech savvy on Facebook when they are really not. My great aunt has a Facebook and she comments on my pictures all of the time with things that are completely unrelated such as: HI LEXI, WHAT A SWEETHEART, HOW IS YOUR DAD? and other similar comments, in all caps, every. single. time. I have never understood why older people find it necessary to use all capital letters when commenting on things, but they do. I discovered in this awesome article, 21 Reasons Why Old People are the Best, that some older people use all capital letters so that they can see what they are typing more easily. That is so logical! Because lowercase letters are much more difficult to read. (So much sarcasm in one post, I know). But really, I think that classes on using Facebook for the elderly are a really good idea. They can help older people to understand the website in language they understand and in a patient way. Also, if a class is being taught on how to use Facebook that means the grandchildren do NOT have to teach them, which is a huge win for us. Seriously. (My grandpa got a smartphone and I had to teach him...Torture.)  I honestly think that it is a beautiful thing that older people are becoming more well versed on all things internet, and I also think that it is hysterical. Most old people are harmless and really do just like to use the internet to keep in touch with their family and feel as though they are a part of the loop.

I found a couple of other really awesome posts about older people and the internet and here they are:
http://happyplace.someecards.com/facebook/the-best-examples-of-old-people-being-extremely-confused-on-facebook/
http://www.viralnova.com/hilarious-old-people/ LOL;)