With independent senior living advancing into a new technological age, it’s important to realize that regular internet use is becoming commonplace for a large portion of the country’s older population. Whether it’s through social media, reading the news or keeping up with friends and family, online activity is a fast-growing market for those past retirement age.
As reported last month on this blog, half of Americans 65 years old or older are using the internet. However, research has also shown the type of content that internet users in this age bracket are using once they are online.
According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 34 percent of elderly individuals that go online use social media, such as Facebook. As recently as April 2009, that number was a mere 13 percent. But, even with social media seeing significant growth in the market, the most popular online activity for individuals 65 and above is easily email.
The number of elderly internet users that utilize email, as stated in the report, is 86 percent, a mere five percentage points fewer than that of the overall adult population that use the web. Such demand presents a prime opportunity for businesses to provide email and social media solutions to assisted living residents.
At Independa, we work to help the elderly use the latest online capabilities to assist them in living healthy, independent lives. Our Angela software specializes in helping those who choose to age in place stay in contact with friends, family and caregivers by incorporating email and social media into one easy-to-use portal.
Independa Angela, which can be used on an LG TV, gives individuals quick, simple access to Facebook, email and Skype. Independa’s social engagement software is designed to keep Americans past retirement age connected without the difficulties of managing multiple software platforms. To inquire about how our solutions can help your business, visit our contact page to reach us via email.
