Engage Virtually: Tips for keeping older adults connected

Engage Virtually: Tips for keeping older adults connected - 14915

Engage Virtually: Tips for keeping older adults connected

Tips for keeping older adults connected

Connection and a sense of community can be critical to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living.

Connect

  • Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.
  • Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them.
  • Write letters to friends and reminisce about some of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories.
  • Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.

Explore

  • Take free courses online. With subjects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone.
  • Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time.
  • Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours.
  • Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home.
  • Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book.
  • Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually.
  • Catch free performances online. Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences.
  • Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat. Many streaming services offer free trials and some even have a way to watch together online.

For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.

Source:

Administration for Community Living

Related Stories

spot_img

Discover

Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

Prepare Your Home for Holiday GuestsWelcoming friends and family into your home, celebrating time-honored traditions with delicious food and enjoying quality time with loved ones are all sure signs th

Entertainment Options for Cord-Cutters

Entertainment Options for Cord-CuttersWith cable and satellite subscription costs continuing to rise, many people are turning to the internet for alternative entertainment options. According to eMarke

Get Ready for Guests

Get Ready for GuestsTips to prepare your home for summer entertainingSummer entertaining season brings joy, laughter and plenty of ways to create special memories. From a fresh coat of paint to some s

Simple Ways to Enjoy Warm-Weather Dining

Simple Ways to Enjoy Warm-Weather DiningThe warmer months can bring a sense of new beginnings. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of the seasons, it’s the perfect time to give your dining ro

Holiday Entertainment with Friends and Family of All Ages

Holiday Entertainment with Friends and Family of All AgesHoliday entertaining is no small chore. From feeding the masses to keeping everyone happy and engaged, it can be a big job playing host during

Deck the Halls for Happy Holidays

Deck the Halls for Happy HolidaysWhether you opt for fresh-cut or fresh out of the box, trimming the tree is a staple of holiday decor in most homes. However, if you\'ll be entertaining this season, yo

Popular Categories

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here