Seniors are fortunate to be living in a time when they can visit with friends and family members without having to leave their homes. Socializing online is the perfect way to beat the risks associated with isolation for older adults who may need to stay at home for prolonged periods. Here are several different ways your aging loved one can socialize online without getting bored.
Use Mobile Versions of Social Media Platforms
Some social media platforms are complicated for seniors to use on computers. However, mobile versions of these platforms tend to be more simplified. You can help your loved one create social media accounts to check on friends and family members.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, his or her online activity may need to be supervised closely, and a home caregiver can help. Families looking for top-rated homecare providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Play Online Games with Other People
Words with Friends is one online game seniors can play in an interactive atmosphere, and there are several other games they can choose from. Playing online games gives seniors a chance to engage in friendly competition, and many of the best apps provide intellectual stimulation as well. Seniors can also track their goals and progress to make playing games even more exciting.
Learn How to Use Video Chats
Video chatting has become one of the safest ways for seniors to socialize with their family members. There are several virtual chat platforms seniors can experiment with until they find the ones that make them most comfortable. Seniors can set up regular Skype calls with their families, or they might want to do Google Hangouts with several people at once. Either way, they’ll enjoy seeing everyone’s smiling faces.
Using the Internet safely for socialization is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Rhode Island families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Take Classes Online
Online lessons give seniors a chance to expand their social circles to include people outside their families. It’s also easier to socialize when they already have something in common with the people they meet. Classes offered online tend to occur on a regular basis, which helps seniors add socialization to their weekly schedules.
Participate in Volunteer Opportunities
Many organizations need people to volunteer using online resources. For instance, your loved one could volunteer his or her writing skills to compose blog articles for a charitable organization. Alternatively, he or she could send emails to potential donors or people who could benefit from the charity’s services. Since many organizations include volunteers in their meetings, your loved one will get to know other people who support the same cause.
Look Up Old Friends
Most people today have created some type of online profile. Seniors can try looking up their old classmates to see if they can reconnect. They’ll enjoy seeing how everyone’s lives turned out, and they may even rekindle old friendships that bring them joy. If your loved one tries this idea out, make sure to talk about online safety. While most people are kind, older adults need to protect themselves against individuals who might claim to be people they’re not.
A home caregiver can monitor your loved one’s online and physical safety when you need to take a break from your caregiving duties. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Rhode Island Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979.