I have no idea why people my age are shying away from using social media when it is so easy to use, providing us with many great opportunities. This is especially true for us gals over 60. Is it that old “fear” of computers? Haven’t you gotten over that yet? You should be comfortable with on-line shopping, banking and surfing for websites by now.

Social Media is an Untapped Opportunity for Women Over 60

Social media is still underutilized by the over-60 community, and this is definitely a shame. The old media, including TV, radio, magazines and newspapers is information coming to us. But Social Media is a two-way street. It lets us get involved and interact with what we see, read and hear.

We now have the ability give feedback. We can state our opinion and express our thoughts. It is up to us to take advantage of this great opportunity and be heard.

Social Media is Simple to Use

You can easily and quickly sign up, log on and get at it. Go ahead and try. Use Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, starting with the more popular sites. They have been around for a while and their “technology” is tried and true. In other words, they work and are very easy to use.

Keep it stress-free and uncomplicated with your access to the web and social media sites. Use your e-mail or name as your username, and an easy to remember (yet safe!) password. Once you’ve signed up and logged on, you’re on your way.

There are 5 excellent reasons why we should all use the power of social media, especially those of us over 60:

Learn About Anything

The Internet and social media are interconnected. This means that websites are connected to social media sites, and anyone using social media can connect and link to an endless journey through the web and social media. This provides a tremendous amount of information on any subject, item, product, trend, phase, issue, and so on. It’s all out there!

Search on anything and you’ll be provided with umpteen suggestions. You can find information, opinions, alternatives, comments and it never ends. It’s like the biggest library ever at your fingertips. How good is that?

Be Heard

Social media lets you get your opinion out there. It thrives on feedback. You can comment on anything and everything. You can even let loose and vent away, releasing all your frustration and anger. You do have to be respectful and aware that others are reading your words, so be careful with profane and slanderous comments.

Being heard sure does feel good! You didn’t have to keep it all bottled up. And more importantly, your social media presence can lead to great conversations and to finding others that support your views. Social media wants you to hear from you, and this definitely makes us feel good.

Get Advice

Have you ever been in a quandary not knowing what to do, or which choice is best? Get help by using social media and asking your question. Explain your situation and ask for advice. This doesn’t mean that you’ll get a definite right answer, but you will have things to consider. You may get good advice telling you to do one thing, great suggestions for doing the opposite and maybe a good argument for something you hadn’t thought of.

Treat it all, the good and the bad advice, as food for thought. Digest and process the advice, it will help you make a better decision.

Share and Contribute

You can help others. Comment away, answering the questions people post to help them with their choices. There are so many places where you can help others. There are travel sites, special interest newsletters, Facebook pages, and even online stores, where you can provide your opinion on an endless number of topics and items.

Social media provides opportunities to share and contribute on just about anything, no matter how obscure. Get in there and start helping others.

Realize You’re Not Alone

It doesn’t take long to realize that we are all connected through social media. Maybe we don’t know who were connected to, but we have reached out and found others with similar interests, concerns, problems and challenges. No one is alone, unless they want to be. And people want to help, to connect with you, sharing experiences and building relationships. They are people like you, going through the same things you’re going through. You’re not alone.

Remember to keep your social media account access super simple by using your e-mail or nickname as your username and an easy to remember password. Don’t forget to write this all down on paper or in your computer. I keep a file with all my social media and website usernames and passwords. Once you’ve signed on, you’re on your way.

What are you waiting for? Get online, join Facebook, start Tweeting and post your pictures on Instagram. If you’re holding back because you’re concerned about others knowing your name, use an alias. I’ve been Happy Cat for years.

See you online – it’s all good!

Which social media services do you use? Which are your favorites and what do you use them for? Please join the conversation.