Give Grandma the Gift of Social Media this Christmas

GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The signs are hard to miss: stores displaying holiday decorations, holiday sales ads, and Santa in many malls. Yes, it's time again to wrack our brains deciding what to give our grandparents and parents for Christmas. Senior Care Corner suggests giving the Gift of Social Media this year.

The Gift of Social Media for Grandma (or Grandpa, Mom or Dad) is a gift that truly keeps on giving year-round to both recipient and giver.

While the use of social media by seniors is growing faster than for any other age group, research shows that fewer than 1 in 7 access social networking sites.

Why social media as a gift? "There are many benefits to senior loved ones and their families," says Barry Birkett, Senior Care Corner (www.seniorcarecorner.com) cofounder, "whether it's Facebook (by far the most accessed), YouTube, the newcomer Google+ or one of many other social networks."

• Keeping families close, making it possible for many seniors to chat and keep up with their children and grandchildren.
• Photo and video sharing, with social networks making it quicker and easier than ever to share pictures and movies with loved ones and friends.
• Community Belonging, giving seniors the ability to socialize from the comfort of home.
• Peace of Mind, keeping the growing number of seniors preferring or needing to live in their homes a convenient way to check-in regularly with loved ones and healthcare providers.
• Coupons and other Discounts, linking seniors to the online offerings of retailers and service providers.
• Brain and memory exercise, helping to keep seniors' brains young.

Giving the Gift of Social Media is more than signing up your senior loved ones for Facebook or showing them how to access YouTube videos and can be part of a truly memorable family experience.

• Arranging online access, where needed, often through cable TV or home phone companies or a cell phone provider.
• Choosing the right device(s) for your loved one. Popular options include computers, tablets and smartphones.  Some devices are targeted to seniors and their specific needs.
• Setting up access to desired social networks.
• Establishing privacy settings and practices.
• Communicating with loved ones on a regular base to form and keep the habit.

The Gift of Social Media is truly a gift for all.

Contact Barry Birkett
Tel: 864-710-7729
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Senior Care Corner