Online Social Networking: Health and Wellness Benefits for Seniors

Online, 'a Reason to Keep on Going'
By Stephanie Clifford, New York Times, 2009.06.02 Tue

There seems to be a growing consensus online that connections to friends and social networks are the key to happiness and longevity. In the past, as people became older, their personal connections tended to decay as friends physcially moved, died or became incapacitated. But online social networks have the ability to reverse that trend, so that older people can meet new people and connect to their peers.

Recognizing a need, Chris McWade co-founded MyWay Village, which runs a social network targeted specifically for older people. Members can upload photos, send messages, play games, and post stories with family members and other members. But seniors are also on more traditional social networking sites. One senior woman, Mollie Bourne, stays connected with her grandchildren through Facebook.