In the past few years, the number of seniors that have begun exploring the Internet has grown significantly, and the number using social networking sites such as Facebook has more than tripled! Statistics show one in five seniors using Facebook log on for an hour on any given day. Most of these users are women, but men do not fall too far behind.

We all know how important it is to stay connected with family and friends but in today’s society seniors may find it difficult to make time for loved ones. Add to that physical limitations and/or transportation issues and you have a recipe for social isolation.

"I've been able to connect with long lost friends from my high school years and even people that I would consider just acquaintances,” says Terese Guilles, Cupertino resident.  I’ve been using Facebook for about two years and have found that it has improved my quality of life during my senior years. I can’t imagine life without it!”

Staying connected is instrumental to one’s long-term mental and emotional health and by using a social networking site like Facebook or Myspace, seniors can nurture past relationships as well as create new ones. This is an excellent alternative for people who are unable to travel to the local senior center for daily activities.

Studies show, particularly with dementia, that people who are active and continue to acquire new skills are happier and healthier than people who drop most of their daily activities as they age.

In addition, learning new skills, such as how to post and tag a picture of your grandchildren can help seniors stay mentally sharp and tune their fine motor skills. Imagine how impressed your grandchildren will be when they find out their grandma or grandpa has more friends on their Facebook page than they do!

Seniors are also happy to keep tabs on their kids and grandkids in a passive way through social networking sites. By connecting on Facebook, they may learn more about their family’s activities than they would by constantly pestering their children and grandchildren with a phone call.

While you may be wary or even afraid of new technology, I encourage you to become internet savvy. Bridge the gap between you and the younger generations now and check with the Cupertino Senior Center as they have several technology classes dedicated to those ages 50-plus.

Interesting statistics on seniors who use Facebook

• 40 percent use it to connect with family and old friends
• 30 percent use it for photo sharing
• 20 percent use it for gaming
• 10 percent use it for contests or promos