Social Media for Seniors
There are plenty of social media accounts about seniors and how to find information about caregiving, assisted living, or Alzheimer’s. But what about feeds for seniors? As one of the fastest-growing groups online, these senior social media influencers — from artists to advocates, celebrities to cultural icons — are creating a buzz that will change your views about who’s online and what they’re doing there.
1. Who is Baddie Winkle?
Baddie Winkle has 2.5 million Facebook fans, and she’s on a mission to discredit age stereotypes and myths about aging. She’s controversial — her Facebook bio says “stealing your man since 1928.” She’s colorful — in her personality and her profile pictures. And she’s even a little crude, so make sure you preview her feed before letting the grandkids take a peek.
2. Marty Schreiber of My Two Elaines
This former Wisconsin governor may only have a small Facebook following right now, but he’s just getting warmed up — and his message really matters. As an Alzheimer’s caregiver to his wife Elaine for 11 years, Schreiber wrote a book about caring for her, and has now made it his goal to be a strong caregiver and senior advocate — speaking in particular about the unique challenges of the increasing numbers of men taking on caregiving roles.
3. Sixty and Me
Margaret Manning is the maven behind the growing Sixty and Me online community, and her Facebook page, website, YouTube, and Twitter feed is full of relevant resources for women in their 60s+ who are reinventing themselves daily. From dating to travel, friendships to finances, you’ll find just about everything you need to know for living your best life in your later years.
4. Iris Apfel
The quirky and delightful Iris Apfel is from the Big Apple, but her fun and fabulous feed draws fans from around the world. If you love fashion, you’ll love Iris. If you love art, you’ll love Iris. And if you just love confident, statement-making women who are truly comfortable in their own skin, you’ll definitely fall in love with Iris.
5. Advanced Style
Speaking of worldwide fashionistas, Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style community is full of sophisticated, stylish seniors spotted on the streets of New York City to wherever his travels take him next. Though Ari is not a senior himself, his photography-based feed is 100 percent devoted to the unabashedly original, unapologetically bold and beautiful older adults he meets every day.
6. George Takei
Some of the social media planet’s most viral messages come from the brilliant universe of George Takei, whose Facebook page currently stands at nearly 20 million fans and followers. From funny, feel-good videos and inspiring memes to thought-provoking posts and engaging forums, the former Star Trek original has a social media influence that’s truly out of this world.
This list will only continue to grow as older adults match the numbers of millennials and GenX-ers getting online. Whether you’re helping an older loved one get on social media for the first time, or even if they’re already an avid user, GreatCall’s Jitterbug Smart phone offers an easy way to access Facebook and other apps on the go. It’s got mobile internet access, a large 5.5” screen, a streamlined menu for social surfing, and other practical features like voice typing and a 24/7 emergency help app. And check out GreatCall’s line of other fun and functional options for tech-savvy seniors here.
Looks great…can you keep this info available?
Great list! Thank you especially for My Two Elaine’s. I had not heard of this remarkable man and will share his site and story.
Thank you, Allyson. Privileged to be part of this list. Please visit mytwoelaines.com for more information about “My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver” and follow us at @mytwoelaines on Twitter. The Alzheimer’s caregiving community is a special one. I hope I can be one small piece of it.
You need to add Style at a Certain Age on Facebook to this list. Beth is fantastic
I wish you’d have included Melissa55 who is a gorgeous 63-year-old beauty blogger. Find her on YouTube and Instagram.
Follow Margaret Manning of Sixty & Me. Her articles are Brimming with Wisdom & great Information, & she always adds a Touch of Humor.
I appreciate this article. Is the scope of senior media influencers only this large. I would love to see more.
hi i’m bob is this the internet?
My sisters and I have a page that is growing! http://www.facebook.com/ SassySilverSisters
Social media for seniors looks good to us! With respect to road trips, is there a Green Book for seniors??
Silver Disobedience is a wonderful blog as well . She is on Facebook and Instagram
keep body and soul and try hgh with enzymes this is the answer!
Sounds interesting & fun! Lots going on in the Senior world.
Sounds good. Tell me more
I would like to belong to this group . It seems like a lively group of people.
This is great info! Thankyou so much!
Marianne Bailey – http://www.OnlineTechLessons.com teaches mostly senior citizens how to use technology in person and online. She has a heart of gold and the patience of a saint when it comes to teaching them. I would recommend adding her to your list.
Excited to follow all of these new friends!
Now it is trendy to be old. I hate when that happens.
http://www.carolmarak.com is doing groundbreaking work and messaging in bringing attention to the Elder Orphan demographic!
I have been writing a senior blog for several years just for fun. Lots of seniors enjoy it. https://olderandbetterwithshelly.blogspot.com
I’d like to join this blog.
Look for books on amazon or kindle written by new author at age 76, Kate Herriott. Myteries with a laugh.
Silverdisobedience is another great one to follow. It’s by Dian Griesel. She posts intelligent, uplifting, thought-provoking topics.
Seems like a good group how do you get into this group?
Good to see all these sites with good info 4 seniors
Would love to to join you “Kids”😉
Do you have a location?
So good to know about everyone. We seniors need advocates. Great jobs they’re doing.
I consider myself quite the senior social media influencer.
Check out http://www.becomimgelli.com, a community for fit strong women over 50. You can find our podcast there too
Baddie Winkle is too bad for me!
Accessibility Policy — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Sounds quite interesting and would certainly be a better book than Facebook. Its a great social media tool, but sometimes I think I would like to hang out with my age peers.
I don’t like George Takei’s politics.
Too much political influence seems to divide us. Can’t we look to higher good in people? The career politicians will be dismayed!
[…] may slip away, and making new friends becomes more difficult. If you’re comfortable using social media, Facebook and Instagram can help you meet new people, even if it’s only in a virtual sense. And […]
I’m 65 and a few months ago started sharing my rollerblading adventures on short Youtube videos. I hope you view and enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7uVVwyGZ6edRvLIpPWemg