While the advent of social media has meant navigating new technology and consequences, there are many aspects to celebrate.
Not just for the young, it is important to celebrate the voices on social media that are showing and making space for positive ageing. Mature perspectives deserve to be known, shared and able to inspire all ages.
Social media at any age for fun and business
Luisa is an Aussie Instagram influencer and businesswoman based in Brisbane, Queensland, who has been active on the platform ever since it first launched.
She is over 50, fabulous and fashionable, sharing her tips for clothing, hairstyles and life, in a warm and open manner – and her account @thesilverlining_1970 has amassed 289,000 followers!
Importantly, Luisa has been using her platform to showcase the full picture of ageing, especially from a female perspective, and the positives it can bring.
From helping change negative attitudes, to promoting small businesses, she shows that Instagram is certainly for all ages.
There are many reasons that older Australians should use social media, particularly Instagram, with the ability to share family photos with friends and family living far and wide.
Showcasing an exciting trend, Luisa then started a commercial venture in her 40s and utilised social media in that endeavour.
“Then I started a photography business and launched a business Instagram account around 2014. With that and Facebook, it was a huge part of driving clients to view my photography work and ascertain if we were a good fit.”
She adds, “It proved to be a huge part of my new business marketing strategy. Since then I’ve had four other accounts that have catered well for niche areas of different businesses.”
Social media needs mature voices
Over the years, as her approach and experience with social media has grown and developed, Luisa reflects on her current favourite aspects of using the platforms.
“Right now, the things I love most about social media are connecting with like-minded people, using it as a creative outlet for photography, learning more about important social/cultural issues, following other creative people and supporting their work.”
Highlighting a particular drive Luisa has for being present on social media, she continues, “I also love being a part of a platform that can help to change the way people view getting older and ageing.
Far from being a passive endeavour, she believes that social media allows her to “connect, learn, inspire and be inspired and be creative”.
Growing and learning: Connecting with a supportive community
Understandably new technology can be tricky to navigate, but with a bit of practice, patience and perseverance, social media can be a tool for those of any age.
Luisa encourages senior persons wishing to get involved with social media, particularly Instagram.
“Instagram is a wonderful platform for connection, motivation, inspiration and growth.”
She explains, “Using hashtags can easily connect you with other like-minded people from all around the world. It’s a way of not only enjoying similar things but also feeling less alone when life might feel more isolated.
“You can connect over any topic, hobby or passion and enjoy participating or simply enjoy observing.”
Describing situations on the social media platform that she didn’t expect but continues to be moved by, Luisa shares, “A highlight of my time on social media would be the messages I receive regularly from women who have decided to embrace their silver hair after being inspired by the community of ladies here sharing their stories.
“The messages have become an almost daily occurrence as my account has grown, but no less meaningful or impactful. When you take on a big change like giving up dye, it’s powerful to know you are not alone.
Particularly when it comes to the potential that social media has and the right and need of all voices to be present on it, Luisa powerfully articulates that need is vital.
“Encouraging more and more mature people to show up and take up space on social media is a wonderful way to break down stereotypes, ageism and stigmas,” she says.
“Not by convincing people through words but by showing how utterly wonderful life can be as we age. By taking up space. By being an inspirational part of the digital community.
“We don’t have to give things up unless we decide to. We are vital, we are wise, we are beautiful and ageing is a gift.”
Luisa certainly has been and continues to be a gift to the thousands of followers that consistently view her Instagram account, featuring open, creative and inclusive content, where ageing is celebrated, admired and shown for all its colourful possibilities.
A welcome to the community
Bringing us further into her community of “inspirational proof-ageing accounts to follow”, Luisa shares her favourites:
