Using Technology to Help Seniors Stay Connected
We live in a world where social distancing is the new normal. While this is difficult for everyone, it can be even more so for older adults who benefit greatly from socializing with friends and family.
Thankfully, communication technology abounds. As such, it’s now easier than ever to engage in meaningful interactions with loved ones who are hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away. From traditional phone calls to video chat to social media, here are some of the best ways for seniors to keep in touch with the ones they love most.
Digital Security
Thanks to the technology available to everyday consumers, it’s easier than ever to connect with others. However, technology doesn't come without its drawbacks. Upticks in cybercrime continue, making it essential to take steps to protect your data and devices. If you’ll be spending more time online, make sure to have the proper software and protocols in place on all of your devices and networks.
Phone Calls
With so much new technology, it can be easy to forget about the old-fashioned phone call. But this is still an effective form of communication, especially at times when video chat isn’t an option. Don’t hesitate to call your loved ones, even if it means leaving a voicemail and waiting for them to call back. Keeping in touch right now is crucial, and a phone call gets the job done.
Video Calls
Perhaps the best overall form of communication, aside from person-to-person interaction, is a video call. If you have a modern smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, you likely have access to video chat. In fact, it’s often just as easy as making a phone call.
Seeing the face of your family member or friend makes a big difference in the quality of the interaction. Not only does it benefit you to see your kids, grandkids or friends, but it also benefits your loved ones who can see for themselves that you’re doing well. FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are some of the most popular apps for video calls, and each of them is easy to use.
Virtual Vacations
If you want to take it a step further with video chat, consider a virtual vacation with your loved one. There are many museums that are offering online exhibits and virtual tours, including the National Gallery of Art, Musée d'Orsay, Van Gogh Museum and British Museum. This can make for a fun, educational experience that you can share with any friend or family member who wants to join you via video chat.
Social Media
More seniors are embracing social media by the day. This is especially true of Facebook, which is the world’s most-used social media platform. Platforms like Facebook allow you to share and view photos, videos, and many other kinds of content. Plus, if you want to start a private group that includes only close family members and friends for sharing content, that’s easy to do. Social media is also a great way to reconnect with people whom you’ve lost touch as well as stay connected on a regular basis with the most important people in your life.
Since social distancing has made it more difficult to see people in person, it’s essential to find other ways to keep in touch, and technology can be a boon. Be sure to establish digital security on all of your devices and networks, and try all of the communication methods listed here. Finally, if you want more tips on a variety of topics, check out other articles on Senior Resource Guide's website.