By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Some thought it was a class about birds, but for some residents at a Bloomington retirement community who took time to learn what Twitter was all about, they enjoyed it.
Researchers at Illinois State University conducted a 13-week study at Westminster Village where assisted-living residents were shown how to use Twitter. Westminster Executive Director Barb Nathan told WJBC’s Patti Penn it’s a way to keep seniors engaged.
“We actually have technology classes and technology drop-in sessions because the world is changing,” Nathan said.
The study showed that while many residents had trouble getting past the initial fear of the unknown as and only a few stay committed for the full 13 weeks, those who did found it an easy way to keep up with family and friends and even found new interests.
“I really did not think I would see a person who is in their 90s pull out their iPhone and look something up,” Nathan quipped.
Some researchers says learning new technology and engaging in social media has cognitive benefits for people as they age.
Westminster plans to offer another ‘Golden Tweets’ training session in the fall.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
