Retirement – a dream come true for so many, including the baby boomers whose numbers, according to statistics increase by 10,000 every day. Retirement fulfills the dream of not working anymore, of being free and walking on the sunny side of the street. But how sunny is that street. A street that might stretch for 10,20,30 year to come. And what is there to do on that street?
Some find their grandchildren there, or they find places to travel to, or helping others by volunteering, but will these really carry us to the end of that long road? Maybe and maybe not.
But there is something that could make us walk along that street with our head held high and feeling once more that we are part of the world and not just passing time. What is it?
Social Media
Here I have to take a moment and tell you how much I have resisted it. I didn’t like it. I struggled with it, and even went as far as I thinking I didn’t need it. Truthfully I would have preferred not to start and end my day with opening and closing that square window in my office which is part of the computer. So what made me change my mind?
Social Media
Why don’t you go online? Follow us on Twitter! Do you have a Facebook page? Get your statement by going to our website. Do you want to pay on line? These are all questions facing us at one time or another and there is no getting away from it – so the answer is (excuse the cliché) if you can’t beat them join them.
And by joining them we can:
- Learning a new skill
- Giving our life a new purpose
- Connecting with the world
- Feeling once more part of the world
Oh, all this is a challenge and not so easy to do. But haven’t we overcome lots of challenges in our life – why not this one?
To help me do this I have been looking for a program that will teach me. No, not online because that is where my problem lies and I won’t get it. So if you are like me, and want to take on this new challenge, try to find a class you can attend in person. Most libraries have such classes and even computers you can practice on. Or ask friends who already made the connection to Social Media to search the web to find a course for you.
And above all don’t be part of the 35% of seniors (a statistic mentioned by Senior Planet founder Tom Kamber) who don’t have a computer. If you don’t have one, get one and if you have one, learn all about it -be on the highway of life not on a road leading to nowhere.
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And never forget – A Smile Changed Everything!
Brigitte
Ready to Live Longer 
Brilliant. How right you are. I do feel a different person since I began. Wish I had realised it was possible much earlier.
Love your writing, I shall keep reading? Thanks .
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Thank you – as long as we realize what we need to do in time to do it – that’s all that counts – Be well
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I love it! You are so right. I have a friend who proudly says that she will never yield to computers and social media. I pity her. She does not know what she is missing. She has no idea how fun it is to be able to text one’s grandchildren, or to connect on one’s computer to the world with one’s fingertips.
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Thank you for your comment – so true – but tell your friend that besides all the pleasant things coming with the computer there will be a time she won’t be able to write a check because only the computer will pay bills. Be well
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Like any new skill we learn, there’s a learning curve to the different social media platforms, and some are easier to learn and use than others. I think the secret is to find a few you enjoy (or think you will) and focus on those. And remember that everyone is a newbie at everything at first, so don’t feel badly about “messing up.” Personally, I’d much rather play around with social media than do Sudoka puzzles by myself; both engage your brain, but puzzles are too solitary for my liking.
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Thank you for input how to handle our new life challenges which, if we master them will change our life and put us back on the map
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You are so right about this! Technology will continue to evolve and at an ever-faster pace. Being involved now will make it easier to adapt. References to twitter are ubiquitous, so now I now have an account. Playing catch-up, I know, but better now than never!
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Love this article. This is the reality of many seniors. Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Blogging is a passion of mine too, I’d love you to check out my website when you have a moment – Any feedback would be welcomed.
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Thank you – I did sign up for your blog would love to see it
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http://www.thegooglingsenior.com/blog – Love you to check it out.
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Please disregard previous link it is http://www.thegooglingsenior.com.au/blog
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