The Role Of Technology In Social Connections For Seniors

It can feel like a new app or device is coming out daily, making adapting to technology much more complicated and overwhelming. The good news is that you can enjoy technology's benefits without keeping up with the latest and greatest. By mastering a few basics, you will start to understand the importance of technology in facilitating social connections for seniors. 

How Does Technology Facilitate Social Connections

Humans are social creatures who thrive on social connections. Throughout our lives, we ingrain ourselves in different communities, such as school and work. As we age, the social circles we depend on shrink. We graduate from school, leave jobs, and move. And as we enter our senior years, health and physical mobility may start to play a role in keeping connections strong. 

Technology removes the connection barrier from homebound seniors and those who may not have nearby loved ones. Technology allows individuals to stay connected with their friends and family, no matter where they are in the world. 

What Technology Should I Use?

Technology is a broad term that can incorporate various devices, applications, and messaging tools that you can use to connect with loved ones. 

Devices 

A device is the physical tool you use to facilitate your social connections. Common devices that people of all ages enjoy are smartphones, tablets, and laptops. 

• Smartphones: A smartphone is a cell phone that connects to the internet so you can download applications and games. Most cell phones you purchase nowadays are smartphones. They’re perfect for calling, texting, and video chatting with your loved ones. 
• Tablets: A tablet is similar to a cell phone, except it doesn’t have a phone number attached to it to make calls. You can download applications that allow it to message and video chat people, but it’s not the device's default use. Tablets are perfect if you want something that doubles as an e-reader or portable gaming device. 
• Laptops: Laptops don’t make calls and can’t send texts, but you can email and use social media on a laptop. You can also make video calls on a laptop. Laptops are great if you enjoy spending time online or on social media. 

Social Media

Social media is a broad term, but it typically refers to applications allowing you to connect with others. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of social media sites and platforms. A few popular ones that older audiences tend to gravitate toward are Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. 

• Facebook: Facebook is one of the most well-known and commonly used social media websites. Facebook allows you to “friend” people you know so you can share updates, photos, and videos with them at any time. You can also privately message or video chat with any of your friends using Facebook Messenger. 
• Instagram: Like Facebook, Instagram allows you to connect with your friends through “followers.” You can then share photos and videos with anyone who follows you. 
• Snapchat: You can connect with your loved ones through Snapchat using their phone number. Snapchat then allows you to send quick videos and photos that are deleted after the receiver views them. It’s a fun way to have fun connections with your friends and share random updates on what you’re doing. 

Messaging

Phone calls are no longer the only way to reach out to your friends and family. Tons of messaging applications make connecting with your loved ones easier and more intimate. 

• Texting: All smartphones and non-smart cell phones should be able to text. A text is a short message you type on your phone that can be sent to any mobile device as long as you have the phone number. It’s a great way to send quick reminders or tell someone you’re thinking of them. If you have family outside the US and want to text a non-US number, you can text through a messaging application called WhatsApp. 
• Video Calls: If you’ve been away from a loved one for a while and want to see their face, you can call them using a video call. Video calling applications, like FaceTime or Zoom, allow you to call anyone using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
• Email: The art of letter writing may have diminished over the years, but you can get your fill of prose by crafting a well-worded email to your loved one. All you need to send and receive emails is an email account, which you can set up for free. You can then connect your email to any device.

Technology Support With Visiting Angels 

At Visiting Angels, we recognize the power of encouraging seniors to embrace technology in today’s digital world. We also understand that jumping into technology can be overwhelming, so as part of our services, we can help seniors embrace technology for meaningful connections. 

Our caregivers can help seniors use their smartphones for texting and video chatting, sending emails, connecting virtually using various video-calling platforms, and engaging on social media. You can learn more about our at-home care services by contacting our Northeast Ohio office today!