There’s a good chance that you’ve seen your teenage grandchildren using TikTok, whether they’re spending hours watching videos or recording themselves following the latest dance trend. It’s common to think of TikTok as an app made specifically for kids and teenagers, but actually only a third of TikTok users are under the age of 20.

In fact, about 14% of users are between the ages of 40 and 49, and 7% are over the age of 50. However, some seniors may still be wary of TikTok if they don’t use social media or simply don’t know what TikTok is.

At HarborChase Senior Living, our communities promote active lifestyles where residents are encouraged to follow their passions, celebrate every day, and discover new things. So what is TikTok, why do people use TikTok, and how can seniors benefit from TikTok? We’re answering all these questions!

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a global social media platform that uses short-form videos to allow people to create their own content. Most videos are under a minute, making it easy to express yourself creatively and quickly. 

Younger audiences use the app to create videos of themselves singing, dancing, and lip-syncing to music; however, there are many other possibilities outside of just song and dance. The app also offers the option to use audio clips, filters, and editing tools to control how long your video is. 

How Do I Use TikTok?

There are plenty of informative video tutorials that can tell you how the app works and how to create videos, but the best way to learn is to try it out for yourself. Simply download the app onto your smartphone, create an account, and you’ll immediately be able to scroll through a feed of videos that appear on the home page. 

To get to a new video, swipe up on the screen with your finger. When you see a video that you like, you can click the heart-shaped button on the right side of the screen.

Over time, when you “like” videos that you enjoy watching, the TikTok algorithm will tailor your feed to feature video content specifically picked for you and your interests. For instance, if you enjoy watching people cook or you love funny videos of cute animals, your TikTok feed will reflect that.

Why Do People Use TikTok?

There are plenty of reasons why people use TikTok, but the most common? It’s fun! The short-form videos allow for quick entertainment and creativity, which is why it’s so easy to spend hours scrolling through the app without realizing it. 

Video content goes much deeper than just dancing and singing trends. For instance, many psychologists use the platform to share advice, and other medical professionals create videos with wellness tips and explanations for various health conditions. 

If you enjoy cooking, there are plenty of professional chefs, influencers, and home cooks who share videos detailing recipes and cooking techniques! There’s an entire area of TikTok dedicated to sharing book reviews and a large number of creators who post gardening tips. In short, TikTok has a space for any unique interest, and it can be a valuable resource for finding new information. 

How Can Seniors Use TikTok?

While many seniors might feel as though they’re too old to use TikTok, there are many creators over the age of 65 who have become TikTok stars in their own right, with their videos receiving thousands of views! Many seniors began posting for fun during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and adults have found that TikTok is an authentic platform that allows them to be themselves and showcase their talents on their own terms. 

TikTok has helped many retirees overcome ageist stereotypes that insinuate older adults and technology don’t mix; for seniors, TikTok offers a safe place where they can become the star of the show and say goodbye to societal ideals of how an older adult should act. 

If you’re camera shy or simply don’t want to post your own videos, TikTok is still a wonderful place to gain new information or unwind while watching fun videos. But if you have a special talent or insightful knowledge that’s worth sharing, TikTok just might be the perfect platform for you! 

We invite you to visit our HarborChase blog for more information on technology, social wellness, and more!