June 2008 - 

 

What is a “Blog”?

“Blog” is an abbreviation for “Web log,” which is typically an online journal or newsletter maintained by an individual that is intended for the general public and is updated on a regular basis.  Many blogs provide commentary on a certain subject while others function as an online journal.  Blog entries are most often displayed in reverse chronological order and display other material such as graphics and videos.

The authors of blogs are called bloggers.  Bloggers typically write about topics that are important to them, so the blogs often reflect the personality and views of the blog author.  Many bloggers invite readers to post comments on what has been published on the blog, which has the potential to result in many interesting and informative online discussions.

Blogging has revolutionized Internet publishing in the last several years because it gives everyone with Internet access the opportunity to become an online writer. Whether they want to talk about culture, politics, the Internet, or their favorite hobbies, bloggers have shown up everywhere. It is estimated there are at least five million blogs online today, and every day, thousands of people become bloggers for the first time.  You could be one of them!

Seniors and Blogging  

Blogs are catching on across the country in record numbers.  More importantly, blogs are becoming increasingly popular with the senior demographic and are a new leisure time activity.  Senior bloggers are writing about everything from tomato gardening to dog walking to taking care of grandchildren, according to the Associated Press.  Many senior bloggers say their hobby keeps them updated on current events, allows them make new friends from around the world, and gives them a voice in society they might not otherwise have the opportunity to express.

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, three percent of online seniors have created a blog and seventeen percent have read someone else’s blog.  Compare that to online 18-29 year olds: Thirteen percent have created blogs and thirty-two percent have read someone else’s blog, according to Pew.

Benefits of Senior Blogs

According to the Associated Press, senior blogs offer many benefits for older adults:

• Senior blogs help older adults keep their minds sharp.
• Senior blogs keep the authors updated on current events.
• Senior blogs are a great way to meet people around the world.
• It’s easy to share life experiences, wisdom, and information through senior blogs.
• In some cases, senior blogs give the authors a bit of fame and recognition for their efforts.

 

More specifically, expanding on the first bullet point above, blogging also has advantages for seniors with mild dementia.  According to Wired.com, seniors in the early stages of dementia, with mild to moderate memory loss, are writing blogs to help them make sense of their daily lives. And the activity, they say, is slowing the onset of their dementia symptoms.

 

Dementia has no known cure, and there is no proof that blogging, or any other form of cognitive exercise, can stem its progress. But bloggers say their journals have greatly improved their quality of life, by helping them to recall tasks completed and milestones passed.

 

Blogs and e-mail usage can also be an excellent way for people with dementia to maintain family and social contacts, and to counteract the depression that often accompanies their illness.

 

Senior Blog Examples

Below are just a few examples of what senior bloggers are writing about.  This list is not inclusive, but just meant as a guide to what senior blogs are available online.

• http://mymomsblog.blogspot.com/
• http://www.urbanvancouver.com/blog/ray
• http://dogwalkmusings.blogspot.com/
• http://journals.aol.com/white6416r/DadsTomatoGardenJournal/
• http://dontoearth.blogspot.com/
• http://clinmarjo.blogspot.com/
• http://agedandgrumpy.blogspot.com/

Creating Your Own Blog

If this article has inspired you to venture into the realm of blogging, but you are unsure how to begin, it is a very simple process.  All you really need is an e-mail address and a name for your blog.  There are a number of free web sites on the Internet that make it very easy to create and begin publishing entries to your own blog.  Some of the more popular blog sites are www.wordpress.com , www.blogspot.com , www.typepad.com , www.livejournal.com , and www.blogger.com .  


If you need assistance or just want general information on setting up your own blog, please contact me at (716) 487-6873 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will be more than happy to get you started.  In the meantime, Happy Blogging!