Rock-Stars-of-Aging-by-Marc-Middleton

Rocks Stars of Aging
55
SOCIAL
41: Centenarians Are Increasingly Interested in Social
Networking
"I have a number of friends -- all my family, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren.
They send me messages about what they're doing,
and to which parties they go." -- Lillian Lowe, 103, world’s oldest
Facebook member
The 74-plus demographic is the fastest growing among social
networks, according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet &
American Life Project. Social networking among Internet users ages
65 and older grew 100 percent between April 2009 and May 2010
(jumping from 13 percent to 26 percent). Facebook, Twitter, and
Skype all show the most growth in the older adult demographic.
Social networking provides a source of instant connection for the
elderly, who live increasingly isolated lives in assisted living facilities
and away from their families. An upcoming study by Dr. Shelia
Cotten, a sociologist and associate professor from the University of
Alabama, Birmingham, reveals that Internet use was associated with
a 30 percent decrease in depression symptoms among older adults
who used it regularly.
"I like it very much, to see my grandchildren and speak to them, but it
does waste a lot of time,” says 103-year-old Lillian Lowe. “I have a lot
of time sitting alone, when you are my age, and it is lovely to use.”
The world’s oldest regular Twitter user was 104-year-old Ivy Bean.
Ivy had more than 57,000 followers when she died in her sleep in July
2010. The news of her death was first shared on Twitter by the
manager of her care home in England.
Rock Stars of Aging
55