Getting Onto Facebook

Who's hijacking anything anyway??

Been a FB user for many yrs now plus linkedin, twitter & whatsapp as well as other online forum for particular friends/colleagues etc. professional links. I am a member of several private groups on FB.. several linked to WI. I have helped some WI pals to set up on FB. My 94 yr old aunt is on FB and Skypes regularly too. Know some 50 yr olds anxious abt online comms. It is attitude not age that matters.

Fabulous points Penstemmon. Thankyou x

Yes, absolutely fine if that's the way you want to go - just don't hector those of us who don't.

Ana, anything I post on GN is ALWAYS aimed at helping someone else. This thread was such a gesture. If you're clued up on all the workings of todays technology you're in the lucky few. But many older people missed the boat. Just like today's children won't know how to bake a cake because domestic science is no longer on the school curriculum.
I posted the thread. Don't hector me for trying to help someone else.

I am not clear on how this thread will help anyone. Are you offering a service? In which case you may be in breach of GN regulations. If you are pm-ing people who have said they are not confident with FB I think that should be 'up front'. If not how are you being helpful?

Actually Penstemmon, I think I'm about 100 years behind in some kind of parallel universe. I know you're all really nice and mean well but it's just not my time yet. I don't want to sound like a parrot or bore anyone so I'll just drop off this thread while the going's good.
Is this as good as retirement gets? I mean......is there a quick route from A to B? Or do we just stop here?

I am more confused! GN/FB etc is a tiny part of what I do. I do still do a bit of work, look after DGC , lots of socialising with friends old & new, go out to cinema,theatre,gigs. Do the garden,walk,read etc etc! Laugh,chat etc etc In between there are the necessary chores that have to be done. That is my retirement. It is not all online!

I'm not able to argue with you. I was brought up to to respect my elders and so I'm going to hold fast to this rule. Again I would say, there are some older people who would benefit from some help on understanding how to get connected to a wider social life. They don't all yet know how to do this. So if you GN's netters know such a person and you have the time and skills, maybe you could help an older person understand how to use FB or some other way that helps them know they're not sat at home alone with no one to talk to. This was the meaning of my post.

Had to share this one with you all!

I tried it but it drove me mad

nina1959 I think that many 'older' people who live a quiet life maybe always have done so and it may not be to do with age, just personaliy and preference. Those that feel isolated or discontent will probably,if they are not ill/disabled/otherwise housebound, get up and do something about it. A good friend who is in her early 70s hates on.line technology. This does not prevent her from living a very busy and full life.
My 94yr old aunt was offered the opportunity to go to a local day centre. It cost £15 which included lunch and pick up/drop off to & from home. She was dismayed at the "old" people there! A volunteer came & said to her "I can see this is not your scene"
They have arranged for a "young" (40s) man to visit her each week to play Scrabble. He has yet to win!
You may not yet be 60 nina1959 but do not make too many assumptions about older folk. We may give you a run for your money

Love the cartoon Maw, I had a Mothers Day card with a similar message ! !

I don't do FB

I did join it many yrs ago when a friend kept trying to persuade me...so I joined and within hours was unindated with "friends" requests! some of whom I didnt really want to be friends with , I had no interest in what they were doing or up to.

My original friend then wanted me to be friends with an old school friend, but I thought! well after 40 yrs if she or I had not bothered to get in contact then why now!!

I really coudnt be bolstered and deleted the account.

But now! as I do have other friends who I meet who ask the million dollar question "are you on FB" and seem shocked [shocked] when I say no...lol .I do keep wondering should I ? shouldn't ?

we shall see ...

bolstered??? "bothered" (too much orange juice last night)

If we're talking about elderly, possibly housebound and lonely people, is FB or GN necessarily the answer to their problem?
To encourage them to make friends online it's self-evident that they'd need access to the web. Would they have that access? Would they own a computer or smartphone? Would they have broadband?
If yes to these questions then possibly all that they need is that simple introduction to FB.
If no, then they're hardly likely to take on the expenditure in the hope that they might make online friends.
I have a FB account which I rarely use as I simply don't feel I need it.

Just what I was thinking mcem

To all you nice doddery old dears good morning

I know how busy retirement can be and it's good to hear about eveyone's lives and activities, some still working, many enjoying their many hobbies, their families, their trips.
It's lovely to know that you have five minutes to spare in your retirement to come on GN and chat (and FB too - or not).
I tried to persuade an older relative in her 80s to go on FB but she refused - too busy apparently. She won't use a computer despite being one of the first to become familiar with them about 100 years ago. She prefers to be gardening or socialising.
I think most older people are more adept at using computers and the internet than you think nina - we were there at the dawn of the computer age!

Only way I know what DD is up to !!

I love SilverSurfers nina

Jalima I wasn't saying they can't. Due to age, I know a few who can. I was agreeing with mcem that they might not have access.

So do I grannylyn
I am one

I think those who want to and have access, both can and do.
And don't need to be patronised by those who see them as past making any meaningful contribution to society.

Ignoring all the sniping pointless comments arguments which should really be confined to personal messages, or even better, not entered into at all - I use FB and have done for ages. I use it as a way to be nosy see what former colleagues are up to, similarly to see my two sons' activities (Yes, we do talk, but they often post immediate pictures) and the like. I've had several jobs so it's good to stay in touch, albeit in a virtual world, because there wouldn't be time in the real world, especially as some are in other parts of the world.
In my previous job in education, we were told to be careful on FB, not befriending students, obviously, and to be careful what we posted ourselves. That can all be avoided by using the security settings. I've never been compromised, seen or posted anything I'd rather not have done.
It's like most things really, it's a tool, can be dangerous is mis-used, but is still useful if done properly.