Not so long ago, the thought of seniors using social media to connect with their grandchildren might have seemed unlikely. But, my, how times have changed! Kids are now connecting with grandparents on Facebook, Instagram, and elsewhere online to stay in touch and have fun together.

Social Engages All Generations

As of 2025, AARP reports that 89% of adults age 50+ have used social media within the past three months. Facebook and Instagram are the most popular, used by 72% and about 30% respectively. For those 65 and older, 57% use Facebook and 19% use Instagram.

Seniors are posting, sharing, and following friends, interest groups and everything else the platforms offer. And there are multiple social apps to choose from, each one a bit different.

On Facebook, you can create and grow a personal network of family members and friends to share pictures, videos, information, and comments. You can message or video chat directly with someone else using the Messenger app.

Instagram is focused on visuals, so you can not only post but create a “library” of photos and videos for others to see. You can follow people you know and people you don’t, from celebrities and politicians to organizations and brands. 

Strengthening The Bonds Between Generations 

So many families are far-flung these days. For seniors, that can lead to loneliness, so participating in intergenerational activities offers tremendous benefits. That’s equally true for children, and of course it’s even more important when we’re talking about family. Thanks to social media, generations can get together remotely, even face-to-face, to share information, photos and videos of milestones and everyday life, and simply to chat.

In senior living communities managed by The Goodman Group, we see residents using social media to engage with their own grandkids in multiple ways:

• They’re playing video games on their own, sharpening skills to compete with grandkids in online interactive games. 

• They are video chatting with the whole family, especially those still too young to text or game. 

• They are taking photos and videos and sharing it on social media, of their dog, their garden, their walk around the lake and other aspects of senior community life to show the grandkids what their days are like.

Not Already On Social?

If you aren’t already active on Facebook or other social media platforms, don’t feel intimidated! Once you know the basics, you can begin sharing photos and life updates. Adult children can be a great source of help. And let’s not forget the grandkids themselves, who would probably love the role of teacher and mentor. There are also many online resources geared toward seniors, such as these:

• How to Use Facebook for Beginners (video guide)
• How to Get Started on Instagram

Join The Group 

Seniors are using social media to connect with more than their grandchildren. Online groups help you make new friends with similar interests and hobbies or learn new things. Some are specifically focused on seniors. Top Online Social Groups for Seniors offers a wealth of suggestions and detailed tips for getting the most from your group interactions.

Facebook offers millions of groups, so it’s no surprise that most people belong to several. This video guide explains How to Join a Facebook Group (Step-by-Step for Beginners). 

Staying Safe On Social 

Social media can be a lot of fun, but it is essential to practice online safety to protect your privacy and avoid scams. According to AARP, data privacy is the number one technology concern for 29% of seniors. Here are some things to keep in mind when practicing online safety: 

• Create strong passwords, different ones for each platform, and change them regularly.
• Do not reveal personal or financial information to people you meet via social media.
• Do not click on any link someone sends, unless it’s someone you trust implicitly.

Everyone’s A Winner

With social media so versatile and so accessible, it’s easy to see why grandparents and grandchildren are using these apps to stay actively engaged in each other’s lives. Beyond just staying "in the loop," these digital tools foster a unique sense of belonging and shared joy that defies physical distance. Whether it is a quick text to say hello, a shared photo of a morning walk, or an afternoon spent playing an online game together, these interactions create lasting memories for both generations.

By embracing these platforms, seniors are not only keeping up with the times but are also enriching their daily lives with new friendships and constant family connection. While the technology may continue to evolve, the heart of the matter remains the same: staying close to those who matter most. So, if you haven’t yet made the leap, now is the perfect time to log on, reach out, and see just how grand social media can be.