The View from 80+
Seniors: Get Tech-Savvy
By Colleen Kelly Mellor
Recently a reader called me “an influencer,” and I have to say I was flummoxed. I thought she was kidding, for I have never mastered the most popular social sites—Instagram or Tik Tok. I tried to post on these but then lost sight of each after I hit “Send.” They’re probably out there in the stratosphere, circling, in desperate search of a home.
But apparently I’ve struck pay dirt (figuratively—not financially) in Facebook land, for I’ve been getting 3,000 views (one even has 9k; the “k” meaning thousands). Now, admittedly, I like Facebook (tho the young say it’s a medium only we older folks use) because I get a lot of information from friends who recommend tradespeople (roofing…landscaping…masonry, etc.) and I learn who not to hire as well. I also discover favorite shows or movies recommended by friends.
Because Facebook friends post pictures and info on restaurants, ice cream shops, destinations of interest, I factor their opinions in my decision-making, regarding where I eat and what I do. These folks have become my personal Yelp! (a site that reviews restaurants). In that respect, we’re an invaluable resource for each other.
But lately, I’ve learned something else: I can now know how many folks have landed on any post of mine for there is a picture of an eye and the number of views next to it. And if you’re a person who writes to inform or entertain (me), this number-counter is invaluable.
But it’s puzzling: For instance, the picture I posted of a plant in my garden that sprung up out of nowhere, garnered 8.4k views. True, it was an invading, warrior-type plant—a thistle— but still. I was amazed that many botany-loving types abound and actually commented on this post (They advised I uproot it.). But seriously—How’d they find it?
Then, there’s my pic of Veterans’ Home resident George and me, standing side by side. Well, George is 95 years old; he’s a certified Patriot and Honor Flight veteran but this photo attracted 8.9k views. (Picture above)
When I asked in another post if there were other folks like me who liked to avoid crowds and parties on holidays, that post got a whopping 1k views. Apparently, there are far more misanthropic folks than I realized.
My first podcast (and only one, so far) attracted 1.9k viewers. A video (reel) of my pool (not me), after I did laps, garnered almost 2k views.
Pics of my adorable grandchildren only corral 400-600 views but husband Paul and I sitting in the Vets Home with him wearing my wide-brimmed hat, as if he’s a migrant worker, claimed 1.1k views.
So, do you see a pattern here? Thistle….veteran (OK veterans are understandably popular)…misanthropes….??? Well, that’s just it…I don’t see a commonality, but maybe that’s the idea.
Random shots across the worldwide web. And, somehow, people find my posts. I’ve begun to add hashtags, such as #Veterans, #RIVeteransHome, or #CuteFamily to target posts to specific audiences.
I work to gain as much knowledge as I can in the tech world because if I need to go into a nursing home/residential facility at some point, I’ll choose a facility that offers optimal WIFI. I don’t plan on being alone (cognitively) in my dotage.
The internet will provide me interesting information and a ready supply of friends. When one’s personal mobility is challenged, traveling via technology will be of prime importance.
There’s a world of friends out there. I plan to tap into that.
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Former Providence Journal feature writer, monthly columnist, author and speaker, Colleen Kelly Mellor, (colleenkellymellor@gmail.com) writes of her experiences from her 80+ year old perspective. She’s at colleenkellymellor.com where her latest book—Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s (Amazon) gives Caregivers tips, hope and humor.
Colleen also co-hosts the Alzheimer’s Support Group that meets the 2nd Monday of every month at 9:00 AM, at the Pilgrim Sr. Ctr. In Warwick. All are invited.
