If we have learned anything from living through the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we all need socialization. This is especially true for our senior population, which, unfortunately, is among the most at-risk to suffer from the severe consequences of catching COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), eight out of ten COVID-19 deaths reported in the United States have been in adults aged 65+. This makes it imperative to learn and use modern technology to help keep seniors from being isolated and possibly becoming depressed.
Ways to keep seniors connected with family and friends
Cell phones
As our adult population ages, the more comfortable they will become with using cell phones and even smartphones. However, according to a Pew Research study in 2017, only four in ten seniors owned a cell phone. Seniors may be uncomfortable using a smartphone, or may believe they’re cost-prohibitive. It’s important to encourage seniors about the benefits of owning a cell phone for easy and quick communication with friends and loved ones. Check out a comprehensive list from PCMag, including the best smartphones and cell phones for seniors.
Tablets
For seniors who enjoy playing games on a larger screen or streaming movies or TV shows, a tablet may be the perfect option. A tablet is larger in size than a smartphone, but smaller and lighter than a laptop. Tech Radar put together an exhaustive list of the best tablets on the market in 2021 for seniors. In this article, they compare all the top brands and share their results.
Laptops
While tablets seem to be the latest “must-have” item, laptops remain a cheaper alternative. Laptops are ideal for seniors who enjoy connecting with loved ones via video calls or even attending “telehealth” medical appointments if their medical provider offers these services in lieu of in-person appointments. Check out this great article from AssistedLiving.org regarding which laptops are perfect for older adults.
Apps
Thanks to new technological advances, there are free apps available for download on a smartphone, tablet or laptop that allow you to video chat with loved ones who are also using the same technology.
FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are a few of the popular and easy applications to use. With a little tutorial from a child or grandchild on how to navigate these videoconference applications, a real live conversation can happen in no time – offering your loved one the peace in knowing they can see their family when in-person visits are paused at their senior living community.
Schedule a tour
If you’re a senior or caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request more information about a community near you.
**This blog post was published on January 26, 2021.
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Find a community
If you’re a senior or caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request information about a community near you.
