Apps and Programs To Help Seniors Stay Connected
It’s easier than ever to stay in touch with people. The advancement of telecommunications, apps and computer programs means friends, colleagues and businesses are rarely more than a few button presses away. But while those who have grown up and worked with technology for most of their lives may think these methods of communicating as second nature, that’s not always the case for older adults who may not even be aware of the tools available to them. Fortunately, there are some great apps and programs out there that can make staying connected with the world and people around them an easy, straightforward process.
YouTube
YouTube has something for everyone, and while it remains a great platform for user-created entertainment, there are also some major benefits seniors can get from it. News stories and analysis, educational content, and how-to videos are just a few topics that can help older adults build a better connection with the outside world. A senior who loves cooking but doesn’t have a recipe for a dish can quickly find a video with instructions and the necessary ingredients with a simple search. Or someone who’s having trouble getting a feature on a new appliance to function properly may find more detailed instructions in a video on the platform that the instruction manual doesn’t specify. It even offers suggestions for videos that are similar, making it a great way to discover new interests.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is an app and online service that lets people connect with their neighbors, especially ones they may not know. Anyone participating in the service can post messages and create discussion topics about what’s going on in and around the community. It’s a great way for older adults to learn about what’s happening around them and events they may otherwise have been unaware of. Notices of block parties, yard sales and even general information like scheduled road work are often discussed in messages. It’s also a great way to get to know people since Nextdoor’s community areas are generally larger than a single neighborhood.
Facebook can be a great way for seniors to connect with loved ones and those around them in different ways than a simple phone call. Being able to see pictures and videos of friends, send instant messages and view updates offer them the chance to build bonds with people at their own pace. There are also communities of people with similar interests that allow them the opportunity to discover new friends near and far. No matter whether that interest is cooking, bird watching, sports or any of the myriad other hobbies out there, it’s a fantastic way for older adults to deviate from their usual routine and try something new — all from the comfort of their own homes.
Video Calling Apps
There are a wide range of video calling apps available, but all of them have one thing in common: They make staying in touch with someone as simple as a few button presses. For seniors, this is a wonderful way to see loved ones, chat with caregivers and get face-to-face interaction with people without needing to be physically present. And while there’s never a substitution for in-person interaction, there are times when being able to physically see someone is more advantageous than a phone call. Video offers an opportunity to see facial expressions and pick up on visual cues in a conversation that voice alone can’t match. Apple Facetime, Google Duo, Microsoft Teams and Skype are just a handful of the numerous options available, but all of them offer a free option.
Conclusion
Communication is important at every stage of life, but for seniors who may find themselves somewhat disconnected from loved ones and friends, technology can bridge the gap and make staying connected easier than ever. If you’d like to know more about how the caregivers at Visiting Angels Chelmsford can help seniors connect with others, call us today at 978-244-0200. We proudly serve seniors and their families living in Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Winchester, Woburn, and Surrounding Areas.