Sunday, July 19, 2015

EDTECH 537 Commentary Entry

Cyber Seniors is something I came across one morning while I was scrolling through Facebook. A friend had reposted it, so I thought I would check it out. I was in tears laughing as the senior citizens in the video were learning tech lingo, how to post things on Facebook and even how to make YouTube videos. After watching the short video I started doing some research on the webpage to learn more about this documentary.

It started out as a senior project for two high school sisters. They helped their own grandparents navigate through the internet and saw what a profound impact it made on their lives. So they decided to help other seniors become just as comfortable. They now have their own YouTube channel where the seniors can create their own YouTube videos- Cyber Seniors Corner. Many of these videos make me giggle, but the more important thing is it's giving these adults an outlet and a way to communicate with others. Many people fear the time when they get too old to care for themselves alone. And when a family has to make the heartbreaking decision to put their parents or grandparents in an assisted living center it may feel like they are cut off from the outside world.  This is such a cool movement that has motivated many people to teach their elderly family members how to use technology.

What do you think about senior citizens using social media? What types of social media would be fun or helpful for seniors to use?

8 comments:

  1. I know many senior citizens who have facebook. I am okay with them using social media as long as they know how to use it. I think it is great if they want to use it if they want to.

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  2. This is a great example of the fact that technology is not "aged" in the sense that only young people can do. Loved seeing this. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I really enjoyed teenagers being able to help as well. I think it gave them a sense of pride.

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  3. I know you posted this days ago, but it caught my eye as I was scrolling through everyone's posts again. I love this! My "still very with it" dad (85 years old) has been resisting social media for sometime. He feels there is an obligation factor that would overwhelm him when he doesn't have time to respond to everyone. I love his wit, and have been enjoying it via email, and most recently text, but I wish he'd join FB or the like so more people would benefit from his sense of humor! Thank you for posting this.

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    1. I love how thoughtful your dad is regarding his timely responses to everyone! My mom has joined Facebook and is only in her 60s. She won't comment or post on my profile because she doesn't want to be "that mom." :)

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    2. For my 50th birthday, my teenage son gave me the "gift" of his FB friendship, but with so many conditions, it was hardly worth it! ;)
      Thank you for the response!

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  4. Courtney, this is hysterical! I love the idea. My parents are around 70 and they just recently learned how to use e-mail, search YouTube, and find phone numbers online instead of using a phonebook for businesses. I think FB is a great social media outlet for a beginner to use - an even simpler one might be Instagram.

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    1. Agreed! There is so much out there. I can only imagine what will be around when I am in my 70s.

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