Instagram is for midlife adults, empty nesters and baby boomers… it’s not just for our kids.
Are you on Instagram? If not, #youaremissingout. I joined Instagram last year and I absolutely love it. Don’t tell my Facebook friends but I think I enjoy it a great deal more! You can pinpoint exactly what you are interested in seeing. There is a hashtag for everything! It is amazingly entertaining without much effort. You can avoid the political nonsense on Facebook that seems to be showing up more and more. I enjoy learning what other people are seeing and experiencing all over the world. I have made contacts in Australia, South Africa, Chicago, New York and in Paris just from our postings on Instagram. There are business opportunities as well as up to the minute trend information and ideas. Whatever is new and hip, hot and savvy, it’s on Instagram.
It is the kind of thing that you can utilize to whatever degree that is right for you. I enjoy travel and food, so I look for hashtags for hotels and for chefs or restaurants. I was invited to a winery dinner in San Francisco at an amazing hotel because of my interaction on Instagram. Have I got your attention yet? Be creative, be adventurous, learn something new!
If you aren’t interested in photography, this is certainly not the place for you. But if you are, come join me and the other #midlife generation and see what everyone else is enjoying! I have come to the conclusion that we can use Instagram to our advantage. If we, as a group of #emptynesters, #midlife adults, #boomers and #babyboomers start using hashtags that signify our generation, we can grow a community of people who love the same things! A brilliant idea!
How to get going on Instagram
Once you have installed the App for Instagram, all you have to do is take a photo from your smart phone and briefly describe it (if you want) and post. Other instagrammers who follow you can “like” and leave comments. Even people who just follow the hashtag or “category” can like what you do! I love the creative fulfillment of taking and sharing my photos. I have found that whatever you take a photo of there is someone who is interested in your hashtag. These are just some of my Instagram postings and hashtags that I have used: #city,#San Francisco,#breakfast,#Saturday morning,#flowers #beauty,#healthyeating,#puppy and #puppylove. The list of hashtags is only limited by your imagination.
I follow friends, chefs, fitness people, organic farmers , even a twenty-something young mom in Iowa who photographs beautiful barns, as well as a myriad of other types of people and their passions. I have learned a great deal, found recipes and been exposed to amazing places I have never seen and maybe never even heard of. I have been inspired, surprised and delighted by the seemingly unlimited number of extraordinary photos.
I know that there are several social media platforms and just how much time do we really have to spend on this.? If we are honest, like me, you spend more time on Facebook than you want and then wonder where the time went. Instagram is quick, lighthearted and positive. I love that. My goal was to share my experience and encourage you to check it out. If you are already doing it, to start using an additional #midlife hash tag so we can find each other easier! For example: #midlifetravel, #midlifeadventure… you get the idea. Sometimes new things can seem rather daunting and this is not one of them. Instagram is for our generation as well. It is for empty nesters, for mid-lifers, baby boomers and virtually any other adult over the age of our kids! There is room for every generation! We all have so much in common, this could be whole lot of fun. As you know I am all about a new #idea and or a new #adventure!
If you have questions, email me (suzannestavert@me.com) and let me know. If you would like to follow me on Instagram, my username is suzannestavert. Let me know your username and I will look you up as well!
Suzanne
PS. If you look to the right on this page you can see several of my photos on Instagram.
I’m there…not often, but I try to show up a few times a week. And if I haven’t figured out how to load a profile pix in the next two days, you can help me this weekend!
Kim: You are so funny! Click on the profile “head” and it will give you options from where to upload it. I can help too!
I’m trying!
Tam: Good girl – let me know how I can help you!
I love Instagram too! It’s a great way to meet travellers who share your interests – unlike Facebook which is friends who may or may not be interested in photos of food ( or palm trees) – two of my favourite subjects.
Hi Michele: I love that you love Instagram too! What is your handle? If I am not following you I will. Its so fun for me that you feel the same way!
I am loving Instagram! (I know, late to the party, but still, AT the party, right?) Going to follow you now, Suzanne. I’m betsywuebker. 🙂
Hi Betsy! Actually I think you are right on time to the party! I will follow you back and I look forward to seeing your photos.
I’m not on Instagram yet and have been wondering if I should try yet another platform. I know it is popular with a younger crowd and didn’t know how many “older” folks are using it. Sounds like it might be worth checking out.
Donna, come join us “older crowd” We have a lot to say and share with each other! Let me know when you join and I will follow you.
You’ve got me convinced! You’ll be the first person I follow.
Best, Irene
Irene: You go girl! I am excited to have you join me. Let me know if I can help you in anyway and let me know your handle so I can follow you. I tried MoreTime2Travel
OK, I’m stumped already! How do I follow someone?
Great post, Suzanne – I, too, really enjoy Instagram and agree with your preference!
I’ve followed you on igram and look forward to your photos. Cheers from a fellow traveling empty nester 😉
Thank you Anne! I will now start enjoying your Instagram as well. I will also visit your website! Thank you for commenting and reading.
I love instagram but I do not post very often. I need to start doing it more as I do get a lot of engagement there. Plus it is fun!
Yay!Chris, I hope I gave you a little nudge especially if you get a lot of engagement! What is your handle?
I, too, love Instagram! If you’re a visual person, it’s definitely the place to be!
Yay Doreen! I could not agree more!
Instagram has been on my To Do list but I’ve been resistant (afraid?) for some reason. I love taking and sharing photos so I’m definitely excited by your post to finally dive in. I love that the mid-life crowd (and at 65, I’m on the leading edge of that) is actively sharing here. I’ll get set up and would love to connect with everyone. Thank you for the inspiration and kindly kick in the pants to get going.
Nancy! I am very impressed! Glad to see you on Instagram! I look forward to liking your photos!
I love Instagram! In fact, I have three accounts. Are you going to be at Blogher? I thought I saw you on the list – if so, hope to connect with you at the Midlife event! Following you on Instagram – I am @Organizedisland.
HI Raquel: I am so glad to hear you are on Instagram. You win, you have three accounts! Yes I will be at Blogher – we definitely need to meet! See you soon!
Hello Suzanne! I found your blog via the Blogher California attending roll … and I am so glad I did! I too, starting blogging as a transition from full time motherhood to my what’s next! I am particularly excited to see … you also reside in Orange County! I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you at Blogher this week!
PS I am an avid instagrammer … Your tips are wonderful in getting more people to the fascinating world of IG! I am off to follow you my dear!
Hi Tamera! You are so sweet! It is great to meet you. I will go and visit your site as well. Please email me suzannestavert@me.com and we can exchange cell numbers and text and meet up at Blogher.
I am signed up on Instagram but haven’t done anything with it for more than a year. Your posting makes me think i should get back to it.
Lets get you started again. I believe that Instagram is a very effective tool for travel bloggers.
We love instagram and have been using it for a few years. If anyone needs help with it let us know.
Thank you for reading Nat! I am so glad to hear from another Instagram lover!
I just got the Instagram app this weekend but got distracted and didn’t finish figuring it out. I love the idea and hope to get going on it soon. Thanks for the inspiration to give it another go! Love your pictures! I’m an empty nester too and just started a blog. I’m really, sadly not technically savvy but I’m enjoying the learning process and enjoying reading other’s blogs!
Join us on Instagram, it is a whole lot of fun! None of us knew anything before we started blogging. You learn as you go! Please join us on The Women of Midlife Facebook Group and on Midlife Boulevard. Your world will change over night with these amazing midlife women!