Just about everyone knows that years ago if you took a cruise you were

 "either newly wed or nearly dead"!

Not anymore...

People of all ages cruise all around the world. Young people, couples, families and especially seniors. But that's not new...

What is?

Seniors Have Gone Social At Sea.

Researchers* tell us that social networking use among internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled—from 22% in April 2009 to 42% last year. And what better way to get started then to take a social networking and computer class while onboard a cruise ship.

Did You Know? 14 Million Seniors use Facebook 1 in 5 seniors using Facebook spend an average of 60 minutes online. 63% are women, 37% Men

Just about every cruise line has one.

"If you can get seniors past the fear of the technology, they get involved. They start out slow"... says Marty Trencher, editor of the online Senior Traveler Magazine.  First, they build a Facebook page, then maybe graduate to a Twitter page and once they've signed on, they jump right in"

One of the most interesting programs that attracts a lot of Seniors at sea on a Holland America Line cruise is the Digital Workshop. Seniors can learn the basics of staying connected through social networking, (Facebook and others). Learn fun ways of staying connected with instant messaging and Twitter, even how to display and share their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows®. This enrichment program, which is available on all Holland America ships except for the ms Prinsendam, offers free, informative sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained techspert on a variety of relevant topics.

The Digital Workshop offers many free, easy-to-use tips and you do not have to be an experienced computer user to benefit from the program. Novices welcome. The workshops showcase state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows7 computers, printers, scanners and a wireless network -- and conveniently have their own dedicated space on each ship. Flat-screen TVs in each session allow for easy viewing of videos and "techspert" demonstrations.

Guests can choose to attend all or just some of the 60-minute workshops, each of which is offered at various times and days throughout each cruise. Multiple workshops will be held every day. In addition, one-on-one coaching called "Techspert Time" is also be available every day.

So, forget about arts & crafts or pottery making. Stay connected with your family, friends, and the people you care about. Go Social!

Want to learn more. There's even a book for Seniors Who want to Social. Check it out...

Facebook and Twitter For Seniors For Dummies by Marsha Collier

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Ten Tips for Seniors Who Engage In Social Networking
Social networking sites give Seniors a great opportunity to network among friends and others with like interests. Seniors can share, communicate, even meet new people. However, it is important for Seniors considering joining one or more social networking sites to fully understand the safety and privacy protection of these service, before they sign on. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the social Networking waters.

1. Be sure to read and understand the Social Networking site's privacy and security policy BEFORE you sign on!
2. Learn how the Social Networking site deals with reports of abuse. Ask about what tools Social Networking site uses help protect your safety, again BEFORE you sign on!
3. Be sure to read and understand the Terms and Conditions of the Social Networking site. Yes, do this BEFORE you sign on.
4. Don't be hesitant to call the Social Networking site and ask all you questions. If they can't give you answers to your complete satisfaction, don't sign on.
5. If you are comfortable with items 1-4 above and have signed on to a Social Networking site, then first consider how public you want your Social Networking page (s) to be.

6. Guard your most personal information. Keep it off the internet. Remember, the more personal the information you share, the more vulnerable you become.
7. Make sure you know who has access to your site.
8. The less you identify about yourself the better.

Don'ts...

9. Everyone is tempted to sharing their feelings using Social Networking. We are after all, a social society. However, how you express your feelings tells a lot about you. The books you read, the music you listen to, the pictures you like, the places you visit, and the friends and people you keep near and dear. Be cautious. Once you reveal who you are, everyone knows. And, that could lead people to you, who may want to sell you something, or worse yet, scam or exploit you.
10. Check out what others write about you. Google your name, your screen name or nickname and see what's being said about you. They may not be as safety conscience as you. They may be giving away your home address, real name, or perhaps they posted a photo on their Social Networking site which gives away who you are.

Follow these simple rules and make Social Net for Seniors work for you.
 

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SENIOR TIP: Seniors who use social networking sites that cater to older users are targeted with quizzes and surveys that often have very invasive questions about your health, wealth, and personal lives. Quizzes are created for revenue. Ask yourself who profits from you answering the questions and who else gets to see your answers. Understand that any information posted in these quizzes is likely to be used by many companies. Answer a medical quiz and you may find your insurance claims, even your ability to get insurance, are affected. Quizzes can also generate targets spam ‘offers’ based on your answers. Source: Washington State Gov.

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Getting Set To take A Cruise?

Here's some more advice...

Seniors should consider Trip Insurance and make sure they get a policy that includes coverage for medical conditions and emergency evacuation services. We have always used TravelGuard and have been very pleased with the service, or you can check with your travel agent. Your health insurance plan may not cover the cost of medical treatment when you are outside the USA. Medicare does not. And, cruise ship doctors charge hefty fees for their services. A shot from the ships medical center could be $200 or more! Fortunately, most insurance companies will reimburse you for that. 

It's also important to read the details of the policy before you buy it. Understand the coverage to make sure you can get reimbursed for services directly related to your particular health situation. There is nothing worse then buying a cheap trip insurance policy, only to find out after the fact that what happened to you on vacation was not included, and your doctor and hospital bills came to over $30,000!

*Sources:

http://www.pewinternet.org/topics/Seniors.aspx