The COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed daily life for everyone. To slow the spread of coronavirus, it’s recommended that everyone stay home as much as possible and keep their distance from others. Although social distancing is critical while we go through this crisis, it brings about some serious challenges.
Humans are naturally social, so the lack of contact with family and friends is difficult. People of all ages have been impacted by coronavirus, but seniors are particularly vulnerable during this time. The virus is more dangerous for older adults, so social distancing is especially important for seniors.
Social isolation and loneliness are big concerns for older adults even in a normal world. With the current social distancing guidelines, seniors may be even more secluded. Family and friends may be unable to visit if there’s a risk of spreading the virus, and in-home senior care providers may have reduced their hours or paused visits altogether. Lack of social interaction can increase the risk of cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and a number of other problems in older adults.
Fortunately, today’s technology is a great way stay connected. Although communicating through the internet isn’t exactly the same as face-to-face contact, it can be a very meaningful experience while we make our best efforts to stay safe and healthy.
Best Devices for Seniors
Here are some of the most helpful types of technology that can benefit seniors during the coronavirus pandemic:
Smartphones
Smartphones are rapidly rising in popularity among older adults. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 53 percent of people age 65 and older own a smartphone. If you don’t currently have a smartphone, it may be a worthwhile purchase.
Cell phones provide an easy way to call or text your loved ones. Smartphones with cameras allow for video chatting, too, so you can see each other while you talk. You can also access the internet with your smartphone, which lets you stay up-to-date on current events or interact with people on social media. Smartphones are a portable, reliable way to connect with friends or family.
Tablets
Tablets offers the same features as smartphones, but they have a bigger screen. They’re a great option if you find it hard to navigate a small screen or read the text on a smartphone. Although they’re not quite as lightweight and portable as smartphones, tablets are a good middle ground between cell phones and laptops.
Laptops
Laptops are a good option for video chatting with your loved ones. The large screen is also great for watching videos or playing games. With so many services being offered online due to the pandemic, a laptop can help you with a number of tasks. You can even have a virtual visit with your doctor or schedule a grocery delivery online.
Smart Home Devices
Voice-operated devices like the Google Assistant and Amazon Echo make it very easy to stay connected. If you can connect your smart home device to your smartphone, you can call family and friends just by talking to it. You don’t have to scroll through your contact list on your phone or manually type in the number.
Smart home devices have a variety of other features, too. For example, they can play music, set alarms, control your TV or lights, and answer simple questions.
Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert devices don’t provide a way to speak with loved ones, but they do keep you connected with medical professionals in case of an emergency. Many seniors are spending more time alone now due to social distancing guidelines, and having a medical emergency while alone is a common fear for older adults. A medical alert system offers a reliable way to get in touch with an emergency operator, which can give you peace of mind.
How to Use Technology to Stay Connected
Today’s tech offers many ways for seniors to communicate with others from home. Here are three of the most valuable uses of technology for seniors:
Video Chatting
Video chatting services like Skype and FaceTime allow you to interact face-to-face with your friends and family in real time. While talking on the phone can be an effective way to communicate, seeing your loved one’s face as you chat can be much more meaningful.
Some video chatting services require you to make an account, but you may have a video chatting app already installed on your phone or tablet. Most services can host group calls, so several people can join in the conversation. You could schedule a weekly video conference with your family or a group of friends, or you could try to check in one-on-one with someone every day.
Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, and other social media websites can help you see what your friends and family have been up to. You can use social media to update the people in your life on what’s going on with you as well. You could share pictures, write posts, or comment on other people’s posts to stay connected.
Looking at someone’s social media posts isn’t the same as having a conversation with them, but it can be a fun way to stay entertained and informed while you’re social distancing. Social media can also help you connect with new people. For example, there are lots of Facebook groups for people who share hobbies.
Remote Healthcare
Keeping in touch with your healthcare providers is as important as keeping in touch with friends and family. Your doctors may advise against scheduling an appointment for a non-emergency concern during the pandemic, but technology lets you communicate with medical professionals from home.
Most senior care providers are currently offering telehealth services so that patients can get the help they need while staying safe at home. You can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to video chat with your doctor. They may not be able to conduct all of their usual tests during a video conference, but they can answer your questions and give you advice.
You can use technology to access mental health services, too. Smartphones provide remote counseling services, which can be an excellent resource if you’re feeling lonely or isolated. Regular meetings with a counselor are good opportunities for meaningful communication, and your counselor can help you find healthy ways to cope with loneliness, stress, or other concerns.
Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Minimizing in-person contact with others is important right now, but we can still interact with our loved ones and stay connected to the world with technology. Try to use the technological resources you have to reach out to family and friends. Keeping in contact with those closest to you is one of the best ways to cope with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, Blue Moon Senior Counseling can help. Our licensed therapists offer remote counseling services so that you can speak with a mental health professional from the safety and privacy of your own home. Contact us today to learn more.