Facebook and the elderly: The benefits of social media adoption for aged care facility residents

Abstract

We explore the emotional effects of implementing Facebook in an aged care facility and evaluate whether computers and Facebook are of any benefit in regard to an elderly person’s feeling of social connectedness. This preliminary qualitative study took place in a Melbourne-based elected Aged Care Facility. Facebook was accessed through desktop computers provided by the Facility. During a four month pilot project, six residents were supervised to learn how to competently Facebook. Findings indicate that older people are able to connect and learn the use of new technologies with which they may be unfamiliar. While high levels of user enjoyment were found, measures of social connectedness resulting from the use of Facebook use were inconclusive. The research con-cludes that when supported with appropriate teaching and technology, the use of computers to access Facebook is a practical approach in supporting the con-nectedness needs of the residents.