A large survey conducted by the Pew Research Center determined that six in ten seniors now use the Internet.  The percentage of those 65 years of age or older using Facebook and other social media sites continues to rise and is now 46% compared to 73 % of all adult Internet users.  More than one-half (52%) of female Internet users 65+ years old use social networks versus 39% for men in that same age group.

Senior Centers and Councils on Aging are adding programs for members to learn how to use the computer and online social media sites, such as Facebook. 

Connie DiLego, Director of Elder Services in Plymouth said, "We have eight computers at the Nook (the nickname given to the Senior Center).  We have three instructors who teach technology-related courses ... everything from how to get on the computer to checking and sending email ... how to make your own Facebook page ... even how to sell on EBay! These classes are very well attended!  Our seniors just love creating their own Facebook pages and posting their news and photos.  They especially love being able to 'visit with' their family, who may not be nearby to keep in touch with their activities.  Social media has opened up a world of opportunities for our participants."

She added, "Our long-range plan is to expand technology horizons to include seniors in Plymouth who are isolated or shut-in.  We are in the very early planning stages of developing a program where we can teach seniors to use the computer for learning, to take online courses or join in our activities via Skype.  This would be an incredible way for them to stay connected.  Time, money, technology, and staff are limited, but it is our mission to reach out.  We have 13,000 seniors in Plymouth.  More than 5,000 are participants at The Nook, but we need to reach and include more."

STUDY: Facebook's Role In Pew Research Center's State Of The News Media 2014

Pre-planning is the opportunity to get your questions answered and find out what options you have for planning either your own funeral or the funeral of a loved one. You will have the opportunity to explore whether cremation or burial is most appropriate for your needs.  You'll begin the process of making decisions about the type of funeral service that meshes most closely with your values.   During the pre-planning conference, the funeral director will also record your wishes and desires so that this information is readily available for your family when it is needed.   

People pre-plan for a variety of reasons.  Certainly, funeral planning isn't something people want to think about every day.  But, if you put it off, family members may not be prepared, either emotionally or financially, to make the many decisions that must be made. 

As part of the arrangement process, the funeral director will help you to think about how best to create a personalized memorial that will hold special meaning to those in attendance.  

Pre-planning is often a part of general estate planning, and enables you to set aside appropriate funds in a vehicle that is considered an exempt asset when qualifying for Medicaid.   You will also have the opportunity to determine pricing, and to decide whether pre-paying for your arrangements is appropriate for you.

People pre-pay for funerals for a number of reasons:  to eliminate the need for family members to come up with the funds at what might be a difficult time; to receive price guarantees when available; to set funds aside when qualifying for Medicaid; and to get a sense of control over an inevitable cost.

One certain benefit of pre-planning is that you can get cost estimates for the funeral you are considering and make any necessary adjustments during a time when you are thinking rationally and not overwhelmed with emotion. 

And ... recording one's desires helps to ensure that your wishes will be carried out; and that loved ones are relieved of having to make difficult decisions about what you would have wanted.  Pre-arranging allows you to compare services, facilities and prices for different types of funerals, and to choose what is best for you and your family.  There are so many options available today, and a funeral director can help you select the service options that will be best suit your budget and needs.