I am going briefly discuss social media, the benefits of digital inclusion and Gransnet specifically. Tim Berners Lee, the inventor of the world wide web saw it’s potential as something much more than a tool for commerce, research or communication; rather it is a new way of thinking and a means to greater freedom and social growth than ever before possible.
Social Media: Are online websites that allow anyone to join and communicate with other website users, the five key elements of social media are: participation, openness, conversation, community & connectedness.
While there are some risks inherent in online social networking, often exaggerated by the mainstream media, there are many more potential benefits. Social networking can provide opportunities for new relationships as well as strengthening existing relationships, whether your family and friends are close to home or across the world. Facebook is probably the best known, then Twitter & there thousands more based on different interests or locations.
For example Facebook was a huge help when my daughter and family lived in Greece. We would chat firstly via Facebook chat by typing messages, we could also share photos and play Scrabble. later on Skype became available with free video calls To the eldest grandson I was mostly nana in the computer but I have no doubt that the daily contact and interaction we had via Skype contributed to the strong relationship with him now that they live nearby. First grandson arrived early and unable to change my flight daughter was in contact with me right up to the actual moment of birth, an amazing experience made possible by technology and social networks.
The Gransnet local forums are another form of social media and form the local face of Gransnet.com which is the largest social networking site for Britain's 14 million grandparents and follows in the footsteps of the hugely popular Mumsnet. It was launched in May 2011 and its forums cover news, culture, health, relationships, learning, food, gardening, memories and more. Forum discussions range from ageism in the NHS to coping with daughters-in-law; from childhood sweets and games to recovering from betrayal; from what the government should do about social care to the joys of winter.
Gransnet editor Geraldine Bedell added: "Our members have already started meeting up of their own accord and local sites will make that much easier. Occasionally in the past our members have admitted to sometimes feeling lonely and they love the way the site connects them to others. Gransnet Local will extend the support and friendship we offer online into meet-ups and will provide a forum to discuss everything that's going on locally."
So the local network aims to spread the established benefits of Gransnet into local communities, reaching out to those who are not yet online and giving them a fun reason (and helping them) to get connected. By offering peer-to-peer advice and friendship, Gransnet Local will help to pull together people who might otherwise feel cut off, helping to give them a voice in their community. The site aims to reduce loneliness among older people and to showcase the advantages of digital inclusion.
The local forums on Gransnet are a place to meet like-minded local people, exchange views and swap experiences and stories and hopefully join in our meet-ups. You'll need to register as a Gransnet member to post messages on the forums, but after that you can talk about whatever you like.
To conclude I would like to quote Harry Leslie Smith theguardian.com who says “Being online aged 90 has made my old age less lonely. Others aren't so lucky..
As grief over my wife and son eased, I wanted to join the land of the living. I wish more seniors could reap the benefits I have… Being connected to the internet opens up new vistas for its users. It can bring the planet and all its wonders to your laptop. It allows you to interact with so many interesting people, but always from a safe distance. As you age, your health and mobility may become impaired, so having the opportunity and the finances to get online makes life less lonesome. It can make you more engaged with your community and your family. It is as important as having a telephone, a stable bank account and a bus pass. All of those elements and access to a computer can make your senior years more pleasant and worthwhile.”
Meeting and interacting with new friends on & offline has never been so available and be an invaluable sorce of support during difficult times and great fun the rest of the time.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/may/17/online-aged-90-less-lonely?CMP=twt_gu
Google: Harry Leslie Smith theguardian.com
Harry Leslie Smith is a survivor of the Great Depression, a second world war RAF veteran and at 90 an activist for the poor and for the preservation of social democracy. He has authored numerous books about Britain during the Great Depression, the second world war and postwar austerity
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