Active Living: Having a Bloggin' Good Time

By Michele Blandino

To paraphrase a slogan made popular nearly a generation ago "this isn't your grandmother's blog" - or is it? Believe it or not, blogging is becoming increasingly popular among senior citizens.

With personal computers having been a mainstay in our lives and homes for close to twenty years, more and more seniors are logging on and taking advantage of the far-reaching capabilities of cyber space.  In fact, a study completed as part of the Pew Internet & American Life Project estimates that 26% of senior citizens regularly go online. In addition to browsing the internet, these seniors are participating in online auctions, paying bills electronically and shopping. And, they are discovering a new outlet for their creativity in blogs.

For the uninitiated, the term "blog" is short for "web log". A blog can take many forms; some are personal diaries, while others offer information regarding a specific topic. Some folks make entries in their blogs several times each day while others only make entries periodically. The point is, when it comes to blogs, there is no "right" or "wrong" way; a blog can be whatever you want it to be.

Getting Started

Many seniors turn to continuing- or adult-education courses to learn how to set up and maintain their blogs. Others use books, such as Julie C. Meloni's Blogging in a Snap, or Brad Hill's Blogging for Dummies. Others just jump right in and set up their blog on one of the many free web-log hosting web sites such as Blogger.com and Writingup.com.

The Benefits

Seniors who set-up and regularly maintain blogs report a number of benefits. The opportunity to learn a new skill helps them to keep their minds active and occupied. For many seniors, spending time creating and maintaining their blog is a welcome change from the typical hobbies and recreation opportunities made available to them. And, in many cases, a blog helps seniors to keep distant family members apprised of their well-being.

The Internet and blogs have also enabled many seniors to connect with other across the country and around the world who may have similar interests. These virtual relationships help many seniors battle feelings of loneliness and isolation that are common for people of their age. Finally the opportunity to share information often makes seniors feel valued and useful; not a bad benefit for something that most find enjoyable.