Absence can make the heart grow fonder by making individuals realize how much they miss being together. However, roughly 25% of older adults experience social isolation, and many regularly feel lonely.
The effects of loneliness spread to every aspect of a senior's health, raising their risk for obesity, depression, cognitive decline and chronic illnesses.
Here at Bethesda Senior Living Communities, we believe technology can be used as a tool to connect older adults and the people they love. For this reason, we encourage our residents to make use of resources in their area.
Locally, you may have access to computers and wireless internet connections in your public library, senior center and assisted living community. Many of these locations may also have classes to help you learn how to use email, send texts and start video calls.
Technology and virtual spaces can cut through time and distance issues that prevent seniors from connecting with their families. Here are some suggestions on ways to get started.
Schedule a family meal and use the speakerphone mode or a video chat to talk as you all eat. What you eat can also be part of the experience, as you can cook the same meal or order out from a favorite restaurant chain in both your locations.
Similarly, use a video call to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your loved ones. During nice weather, you can set up a small table on a balcony or visit a picnic area at a local park for a change of scenery during your calls.
Start a book club and invite the bookworms in your family. Reading through the same novels offers you the chance to share an experience and discuss areas of importance to you.
Streaming services make it easy for family members in multiple locations to watch movies and television shows together. You can even make it a game for your grandchildren to count down to hitting play to sync your viewing.
Jigsaw puzzles' popularity reaches across all genders, age groups and skill levels. This universal appeal makes them a great choice for spending time with family members who have diverse interests and hobbies.
Online multiplayer is available on free websites, such as Tanggle and JigsawExplorer, which give families extensive libraries of pictures to put together.
For many families, their traditions are the most memorable aspect of holiday celebrations. Video chats enable seniors to maintain many of their favorite experiences, such as singing carols, reading bedtime stories to grandchildren and watching television specials together.
Many seniors of faith struggle to attend their home church as they age. If this describes your situation, consider these suggestions for staying connected with your church family.
The practice of recording and posting videos of Sunday services is becoming quite common among churches. While different from being there in person, these videos let you continue to hear your pastors' teachings and sing alongside your congregation during worship.
Greeting cards can be mailed from anywhere, so you might wish to consider joining or starting a card ministry in your church. Even if you aren't present, you'll still be able to minister to individuals on the prayer list by sending encouragement and get-well cards. You'll also be able to help others feel remembered through birthday and anniversary well wishes.
Home Bible studies let believers learn and grow outside of Sunday. However, if distance or health prevents you from attending traditional classes, suggest your church begin a virtual Bible study or volunteer to start one yourself.
From shut-ins to new parents, there are many church members who'd find online studies and the fellowship helpful. Talk to participants and choose a platform most of them are comfortable using, such as Zoom or Google Meet. You can also use private messaging boards and forums to conduct lessons through posts.
Sharing your faith with your loved ones is one of the greatest blessings a believer can enjoy. If your family already holds devotions or prayers, ask if you can join them over the phone or in a video call.
You may also wish to start your own study if your family isn't currently holding one or call each night before bed to say prayers alongside your grandchildren. You can also offer to mentor youths in your family to provide one-on-one instruction and attention that can help kids build a secure foundation for their own faith.
