Why do so many younger members quickly leave SF?

[dseag2]

I've now seen younger members in their 50's like Rah-Rah, Smiley Holly and MMinSocal go missing. I was pleased that they joined because they offered a different perspective. It is unfortunate that they left. I'm only guessing that one must have a thick skin to participate in this forum. Perhaps those in their 50's haven't developed the ability to let negative comments slide off their backs like we in our 60's, 70's and 80's have? Perhaps they are more altruistic than those of us who are more jaded.

Not sure what the answer is, but if this forum doesn't become more welcoming to younger members and their views it will quickly become stale. If you just want to spout the same old beliefs then good for you, but in my view we should do more to nurture and appreciate the views/posts of younger members.

 

[Alligatorob]

Why do so many younger members quickly leave SF?

I had not noticed, but it does seem you are right.

I agree a mix of ages is better, but people in their 50s do have different outlooks on the world. The big ones, retirement and... well the end of it all seem a lot closer to us older members.

You do make a good point about trying to be more accepting, for some that gets harder with age. I'd like to think that for me it is getting easier, but its hard to judge oneself on such thing.

It would be interesting to hear from some of the longer term members on this issue.

 

[Marie5656]

Good question. Wonder if some are thinking they are TOO young to feel comfortable here...due to those of us in our 70s and 80s? We should try to welcome new members more.....
I joined in 2016, but lurked for quite a bit before starting to participate. Hope folks have suggestions

 

[palides2021]

Don't forget, these younger folks probably are working, still have kids at home, etc. They might be busy. I wouldn't give up on them yet. I know sometimes I'm busy and want to get on here, but don't have the time.

 

[SeniorBen]

Perhaps they're intimidated by the snappy repartee manifested in our discussions and pronouncements that can only be achieved after three or more scores lived or through strong medication.

 

[grahamg]

"No "staying power"!

 

[Bretrick]

I can say this site is so much better than other sites for over fifties.
Some of them are really unfriendly and have cliques than gang up on members making them feel very unwelcome.
One particular forum I am still a member of, but almost never visit now is so off putting I had trouble enjoying my time there.

 

[palides2021]

I can say this site is so much better than other sites for over fifties.
Some of them are really unfriendly and have cliques than gang up on members making them feel very unwelcome.
One particular forum I am still a member off, but almost never visit now is so off putting I had trouble enjoying my time there.

I find that interesting, @Bretrick! I have not been on other sites to compare, but I find SF a wonderful group of people! You and others here have made it possible for me to also enjoy my time on this site. Thank you!

 

[win231]

Maybe the younger ones read about the older folks' aches & pains & don't want to be reminded of what's in their future.

 

[Bretrick]

I find that interesting, @Bretrick! I have not been on other sites to compare, but I find SF a wonderful group of people! You and others here have made it possible for me to also enjoy my time on this site. Thank you!

Thank you.
I suppose I do not grump and I try to spread knowledge and a little pleasure.

 

[Jules]

Deleted.

 

[Lawrence]

I feel that the youngsters feel awkward dealing with people on a senior's forum that are their parents' age. Like having to live in the same seniors home where your parents live.

 

[Jules]

It may just be that the topics we tend to discuss aren’t of interest to them. There have been some older members lately who also disappeared.

 

[Lavinia]

I can say this site is so much better than other sites for over fifties.
Some of them are really unfriendly and have cliques than gang up on members making them feel very unwelcome.
One particular forum I am still a member of, but almost never visit now is so off putting I had trouble enjoying my time there.

You also find that they keep talking about the same things over and over again.

 

[Bretrick]

You also find that they keep talking about the same things over and over again.

Plus they are much more serious. Jumping on those who do not agree with them.
Even the Moderators are harsh. They will make statements and close their own posts so no one has a right of reply.
Moderators even close a post if it goes slightly off topic.
This site has none of that so I will hang around for a little longer.

 

[Fyrefox]

Actually, I’ve always found this site rather lively, and a breath of fresh air. The topics are numerous and varied, and so much more engaging than a similar site where topics include such chestnuts as, “What’s in your refrigerator?” - - Puh-lease!

 

[Tish]

@dseag2 That is a really good observation.
To be 100% honest with you, I really don't check a member's age, I treat everyone the same.

It's so sad that the younger ones have left, I am not sure if it is the lack of political/religious conversation or as you have observed they are sensitive.

I wish I had the answer, I really do.

 

[ElCastor]

Many popular groups are probably heavily into politics. I completely understand how a group like this can be consumed by politics -- I've seen it happen, but by the same token many, particularly younger ones, would dearly like to discuss the news of the day. Pretty hard to do that around here, and for good reason, but for some, that prohibition is a turn off and they leave.

 

[oldpop]

I would not think it is the members. The people here are very welcoming IMO. I would suppose we plant a seed and they may come back when they are a little older. I like it here because I am among people who think somewhat like I do. Otherwise most of my converstions are with thirty somethings and they have no idea where my head is at.

 

[Lee]

It is not just the younger members that don't stick around, it is also many of the older crowd have either left or only visit occasionally. I fall into the occasional category I suppose although I used to participate a lot more

 

[Bretrick]

Actually, I’ve always found this site rather lively, and a breath of fresh air. The topics are numerous and varied, and so much more engaging than a similar site where topics include such chestnuts as, “What’s in your refrigerator?” - - Puh-lease!

So what is in your refrigerator?

 

[Lavinia]

In my experience, there isn't a site quite like this one. As Bretrick has stated, on other sites the admins can be very censorious towards those who do not support their views. This means that you do not get a balanced discussion.
It also has to be said, that many sites are 'romance sites'. Here you can chat to those of the opposite sex without them thinking you have ulterior motives.

 

[Pepper]

I never would have considered myself a senior in my fifties, no matter what AARP says! I never would have sought a forum such as this. Fifties is middle age, not senior, IMO.

 

[Alligatorob]

This site has none of that so I will hang around for a little longer.

Hope so, you help make this place interesting! And you are one of the younger folks, just turning 60 a couple of weeks ago, I think.

In my experience, there isn't a site quite like this one. As Bretrick has stated, on other sites the admins can be very censorious towards those who do not support their views. This means that you do not get a balanced discussion.

I have not been on any of those sites, just this one. However I do appreciate your point, censorship here seems to be mostly limited to strongly political things and some words. Both without taking sides.

It also has to be said, that many sites are 'romance sites'. Here you can chat to those of the opposite sex without them thinking you have ulterior motives.

Now you have me interested in those sites, LOL!

I think you are right, it is good to be able to communicate without those "ulterior motives". I sometimes don't even know if a member here is male or female, it matters little.

 

[Alligatorob]

I never would have considered myself a senior in my fifties, no matter what AARP says!

I agree, getting that first AARP advert was a bit of a shock.

Fifties is middle age, not senior, IMO.

I agree, and am beginning to see sixties the same way.