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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS MODERN SENIOR PAGE 13

with four other administrators grown the estimates nearly 3.5 billion, or one in three Although both Wolfe and New would
membership to more than 23,000 in the people, use Facebook, followed in descend- be considered seniors, participation in the
past four years. ing order by YouTube, Instagram, WeChat, Facebook group and interest in local history
Participating in the group, said Wolfe, Tubmlr, TikTok, Weibo, Google-Plus, is by no means defined by age.
gives members an opportunity to exchange Reddit, Twitter, and Pinterest. “Yes there are many people in their 80s
info, but also to clarify varying recollections The Pew Research Center shows tech- who grew up here,” said Wolfe, “but there’s
of the same person, place or event. “And we nology usage from smart phones to social a big influx of people who moved here who
get a written record.” media steadily increasing amongst seniors. want to know about the area.”
She has also connected with site con- A 2019 study tracking social media usage New sees social media as a new form of
tributors face-to-face, like Adrienne New, amongst age groups found usage of any repository for local history, but also a way
whose efforts to save a historical building platform is, predictably, highest amongst to build community.
in nearby Rose Lake, Idaho prompted her to three age groups: 18-24, 25-29, and 30-49 “We have to keep finding that common
get more involved on social media. year olds. Facebook usage for 50-64 year- ground,” said New. MSN
“The key is to share this info,” said New. olds, however, was close to the average at
Although Facebook is the most dominant 68 percent usage and 46 percent for those
social media platform, it’s not the only 65 and above.
one. The non-profit site, OurWorldInData

A Team Approach to Aging Well

38TH ANNUAL MONTANA GERONTOLOGY CONFERENCE

Planning for the 38th annual Montana Gerontology Society life to increasing awareness of isolation, loneliness, and depression in
Conference is well underway. This year’s theme, A Team older adults. Dr. Arbore’s presentations promote better-informed and
Approach to Aging Well, will provide many excellent oppor- healthier communities whose members have increased understanding
tunities for learning and connecting with others in the field of the issues of aging, inner loneliness, sorrow, stress, and anxiety,
of aging. The event occurs April 16th and 17th, at Missoula’s and reach out to listen, make connections, and support each other as
Holiday Inn Downtown, 200 S. Pattee Street. Discounted they adjust to the experiences of older age.
guest room rates are available by mentioning the Montana Julie Rickard, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at Parkside Mental
Gerontology Society when making reservations. Health in Wenatchee, Wash. She is the founder and director of the
The event will host two keynote speakers, Dr. Patrick Arbore Suicide Prevention Coalition of North Central Washington State, and
and Dr. Julie Rickard. CEO of Moment by Moment Suicide Prevention. She will talk about
Patrick Arbore, Ed.D., is a nationally recognized expert in the field CONtINUED ON PAGE 14
of elderly suicide prevention and grief services. He has devoted his

Creating affordable housing opportunities for all Montanans

Reverse annuity mortgages give
senior homeowners the financial flexibility

to continue independent living in a

community they love.

406.841.2840 HOUSING.MT.GOV/RAM