Staying socially connected is more important than ever — especially as we get older. Whether it’s catching up with the grandkids, chatting with old friends, or finding new people who share your interests, social networks can be a great way to stay in touch and feel part of something.

But not every platform out there is made with older adults in mind. Some are too busy, too confusing, or just not very welcoming. The good news? There are a handful of social networks that do work well for older users — and one of them is right here in New Zealand.

Here’s a look at the best social networks for older adults, and how they can help you stay connected, informed, and entertained.

1. Senior Moments (seniormoments.co.nz)

Let’s start close to home. Senior Moments is a New Zealand-made online community built especially for older adults. It’s designed to be easy to use, free from clutter, and full of content that actually matters to you.

Here, you can:

• Share stories and photos

• Join conversations in the forum

• Get tips on health, tech, and lifestyle

• Find local events and news relevant to seniors

• Ask questions or give advice in a supportive space

What sets Senior Moments apart is that it’s built by people who understand the needs of older adults. There’s no pressure to perform, no complicated features, and no annoying ads. Just good conversation, useful information, and a genuine sense of community.

If you’ve ever felt like most websites are built for younger people — you’re not wrong. That’s exactly why Senior Moments exists.

2. Facebook

Facebook is still the biggest social network in the world, and many older adults in New Zealand use it regularly. It’s a good way to stay in touch with family, especially if they live in other parts of the country or overseas.

You can also join local community groups, follow pages that interest you, and use Messenger to video call or chat with friends and whānau.

Just be aware of privacy settings and the occasional spam message — once you’re familiar with how it works, it can be a very useful tool.

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a simple app that lets you send messages, photos, and make free video or voice calls. It’s great for group chats — whether it’s your walking group, your book club, or just the wider family trying to organise Sunday lunch.

It’s private, easy to use, and works well even if your mobile signal isn’t great.

4. YouTube

While not a traditional social network, YouTube is popular among older adults for good reason. You can watch videos on just about anything — gardening, music, cooking, news, exercise routines, or even tutorials for learning new tech skills.

You can subscribe to your favourite channels, leave comments, or just sit back and enjoy.

Final Thought

Getting online doesn’t have to mean putting up with noise or nonsense. Social networks like Senior Moments offer a calm, friendly, and genuinely useful space to connect with others — at your own pace, and on your own terms.

So if you haven’t already, join the conversation here at seniormoments.co.nz — we’re glad to have you.