The Rapid Rise of Seniors on Social Media
The image of social media as a domain exclusively for the young is outdated. Over the last decade, social media adoption among older adults has seen a dramatic increase, a trend accelerated by the need for remote connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift is changing family dynamics, social interaction, and how older generations access information and entertainment. The most recent data from reliable sources like the Pew Research Center and AARP helps answer the key question: what percentage of elderly people use social media, and how has this percentage evolved?
Platform-Specific Usage: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Statistics show that social media usage varies significantly depending on the platform. While the percentage of older adults on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat remains low, giants like Facebook and YouTube have captured a substantial portion of this demographic. For example, a 2022 Pew Research analysis revealed that among adults aged 65 and older, about 50% used Facebook and 49% used YouTube. Looking at the broader 50+ age group, a March 2025 report from Creating Results found even higher engagement, with 72% using Facebook and 51% using YouTube. These platforms serve different purposes for seniors, from video content for education and entertainment on YouTube to staying connected with family and friends on Facebook.
Benefits of Social Media for Older Adults
For many seniors, social media is a vital tool for combating social isolation and loneliness, issues that significantly impact health and well-being. The ability to see photos and get updates from grandchildren, friends, and family who live far away helps maintain strong social ties. Beyond staying in touch, social media offers several other advantages:
- Cognitive Engagement: Browsing feeds, participating in online forums, and learning new skills from video tutorials on platforms like YouTube can provide mental stimulation and support cognitive function.
- Community and Support: Social media allows seniors to join groups based on shared interests, hobbies, or health challenges, creating a sense of belonging and providing a valuable support network.
- Access to Information: From following local news to researching health information from trusted sources, social media can be a valuable resource for staying informed.
- Empowerment and Voice: Social platforms provide a space for older adults to share their opinions, engage in community issues, and advocate for causes they believe in.
The Risks and Challenges of Online Engagement
Despite the benefits, seniors face several significant challenges when navigating social media. A key issue is the risk of scams and misinformation, as fraudsters increasingly target older adults with sophisticated tactics. Other concerns include privacy breaches, cybersecurity threats, and the potential for negative mental health impacts from social comparison. Learning to recognize fraudulent messages and manage privacy settings is crucial for safe online use.
Comparison of Popular Social Media Platforms for Older Adults
| Feature | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Connecting with family/friends, joining groups, news | Video content (learning, entertainment, news) | Sharing photos and short videos | Discovering and saving ideas |
| Usage (65+, ~2022) | ~50% | ~49% | ~19% | ~22% |
| Usage (50+, ~2025) | ~72% | ~51% | N/A | N/A |
| Content Type | Text, images, video | Video only | Images, short video | Images |
| Complexity | Moderate, requires setup | Simple, focuses on consumption | Moderate, image-heavy | Simple, visual |
How to Encourage and Ensure Safe Social Media Use
Family members, caregivers, and community organizations play a crucial role in promoting digital literacy among seniors. Here are some practical steps to support older adults in their online journey:
- Offer Training and Support: Provide patient, one-on-one help or encourage participation in local workshops at community centers or libraries. Focus on basic skills, device usage, and platform navigation.
- Prioritize Privacy: Help seniors adjust privacy settings on their accounts to limit who can see their personal information and posts.
- Recognize Scams: Educate older adults on how to spot phishing scams, fraudulent requests for money, and suspicious links. Emphasize that they should never share personal financial details online.
- Verify Information: Encourage checking facts from reliable sources when encountering alarming or unbelievable news stories. Fact-checking websites are excellent tools for this purpose.
- Promote Balanced Habits: Advise against excessive screen time. Social media should complement, not replace, real-life connections and other activities.
The Evolving Landscape of Senior Social Media Use
The trends show that the percentage of seniors using social media will likely continue to grow. With smartphone adoption increasing and user interfaces becoming more intuitive, the technological barriers that once existed are diminishing. As more services and communities move online, digital literacy becomes an increasingly vital skill for maintaining connection and independence. The continued digital inclusion of older adults will depend on addressing both the opportunities and the risks associated with online platforms, ensuring they can participate safely and effectively in the digital world. For further reading, an excellent resource on the impact of digital literacy can be found at the Homewatch Caregivers blog.
Conclusion
So, what percentage of elderly people use social media? The number is substantial and growing rapidly. Far from being digital outsiders, seniors are increasingly active online, primarily using platforms like Facebook and YouTube to stay connected with family and engage with their interests. While the online world offers numerous benefits for combating loneliness and enhancing cognitive health, it also presents challenges like scams and misinformation. By focusing on digital literacy, privacy education, and ongoing support, we can ensure that older adults navigate social media safely and continue to thrive in our increasingly connected world.
