Fox Run's Facebook is a One-Stop Shop for Community Information

NOVI, MI (June 1, 2017) -- Social media sites like Facebook may have begun as a place for teenagers and college kids to share photos and updates about their lives, but these days, young people aren’t the only ones logging onto the uber-popular social networking site. In fact, older adults – among them residents of Fox Run retirement community in Novi, are one of the fastest-growing segments of new Facebook users.

According to a 2016 Pew Research Center study, 62% of online adults over age 65 now use Facebook. That figure has increased six percentage points from late 2014, when 56% of online adults over age 65 used Facebook.

People of all ages find Facebook useful not only for sharing photos and connecting with faraway friends and family but also for catching up on news and learning more about companies and organizations of interest to them.

Keeping pace with the most current ways that people communicate and connect with one another, Erickson Living – the manager of Fox Run - has jumped on the bandwagon and launched a Facebook page. It serves as a place for current residents and staff members to connect. It also provides prospective residents with a unique glimpse at the communities, their amenities, and the many vibrant people who live and work at them.

“The Facebook page has two goals: awareness and connection,” says Erin Vernon, social media program manager at Erickson Living. “Through Facebook, we aim to increase engagement and interaction among residents, prospective residents, employees, and family members. There are 19 Erickson Living communities located in 11 states. Facebook provides the perfect venue to showcase the lifestyle we offer and to invite everyone to connect and come together.”

People interested in learning more about Erickson Living’s communities have various resources at their fingertips. They can attend events on the campuses and schedule individual appointments and tours with the sales counselors. And now, Vernon says, the Erickson Living Facebook page is one more place for them to get honest and candid information.

“Consumers are always more interested in what other customers have to say,” says Vernon. “Residents, employees, family members, and industry partners regularly chime in on the conversations. Our residents and employees are the stars of Erickson Living, and our Facebook fans love hearing about them.”

In addition to Erickson Living’s Facebook page, Fox Run launched its own Facebook page (facebook.com/FoxRunNovi).

Mel Tansill, Fox Run’s communication manager, serves as administrator of the community’s Facebook page. He says it is a valuable communications tool to provide updates about new construction on campus as well as about upcoming events and activities.

And, he adds, it is an ideal place to share human interest stories about community members and staff members. Current residents use the page to connect with one another. For prospective residents, it’s a way to get an inside look at what life is like at Fox Run.

“Many of our future residents and their families research the Internet when it comes to senior living options,” Tansill says. "Our Facebook page is another excellent resource for them.”

Geri Angel, one of the many tech-savvy people living at Fox Run, joined Facebook in 2011. She enjoys seeing photos and updates from family and friends, including distant relatives and people from her past.

She has visited the Fox Run Facebook page and says it will become an even more valuable tool as more people follow and interact with it.

“I also stay current on news and upcoming events, as people I know always have an opinion on current events,” she says.

Community Resources Coordinator Megan Smith frequently posts photos from events and activities on Fox Run’s Facebook page. She looks forward to seeing more current and future residents interact on Facebook.

“Great content is added by Mel, and as it gains popularity and variety, the page will be a great place to connect and to publicly brag about where we work and live,” Smith says.

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Caption for image: Fox Run launched its Facebook page, a great source for information and updates about the community. This story was written by Meghan Streit.

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