The fact is that many seniors are waiting this pandemic out from home. Nervous about making a move to a senior living community, they are sheltering in place until the virus subsides. Yet, these “at home” seniors also need to ward off isolation and loneliness. The following are ways they can continue to stay connected, courtesy of Era Living.
- Schedule virtual visits with friends and family – Skype, Zoom, and Facetime provide a great way to see and catch up with family and friends without having to leave home. If you’re looking for a more straightforward solution, a quick phone call works as well.
- Play your favorite games online – Whether you like cards or board games, it’s easy to now play online. Websites like Arkadium offer a variety of card and board games that you can play with others or on your own. You can also download apps on your phone to play games with others.
- Join an online discussion group or book club – You can find groups on sites like Senior Chatters or Buzz50.com that provide a way for seniors to talk about different topics online.
- Communicate the old-fashioned way – If you don’t have a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer, consider sending a hand-written note or card…in the mail. You can also volunteer to write letters to spread messages of hope. The nonprofit Letters Against Depression allows people to write hand-written letters of support to people suffering from depression. And, check your local Oasis Senior Advisors to see if they have created a letter-writing campaign to keep in touch with seniors.