How to Use Technology to Keep in Touch with Your Loved Ones
Feeling isolated is a major concern while we’re all staying at home during this time. Being physically disconnected from your friends and loved ones while social distancing can take a mental and emotional toll. But thanks to the internet and modern technology, it’s easier than ever to stay connected from afar – even if you’re unfamiliar with ways to communicate using technology. Here, we’ll explore options for virtual communication and discover how to use technology to keep in touch.
Smart Phones for Smart Socializing
Odds are, you or your loved one has a mobile smartphone such as an iPhone or a similar device. Today’s smartphones are incredibly intuitive and easy to use. They even have features like voice recognition, allowing you to operate your phone, make calls and send text messages just by talking. And while you can converse with your loved ones through good old-fashioned phone calls, there are many other ways to use your smartphone to communicate. Text messaging has more features than ever, like recording audio messages and using emojis and images to communicate. There are also a variety of instant messaging applications available like WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and more that provide the same texting capabilities and can be linked to your email account.
Cell phones aren’t the only smart devices you can use to keep in touch with loved ones. Other devices, including tablets, like an iPad, and even smart watches like the Apple Watch are great ways to instantly communicate. With smart watches, calling or texting is always at your fingertips, or rather, your wrist. The main benefit of tablets is the larger screen size, making it ideal for the next best thing to physically socializing – video chatting.
Video Chat Makes Staying Connected Easy
Video chatting has revolutionized the way we communicate. Available on almost any smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer, video chatting apps make face-to-face connection simple. The best video chat app for seniors really depends on individual preferences and what kind of device you’re using. Zoom and Skype are two of the most popular video chat apps used today and are among the easiest to use. By far the most common method of video chatting today is FaceTime. Usually accessed on a smartphone, using FaceTime is just like making a regular phone call, only enabling your phone’s camera to allow you to see the person on the other end of the line and vice versa. FaceTime and video chat capabilities come standard on all modern smartphones , avoiding the need to download another app.
Video chat is one of the best ways to communicate using technology. You can make memories with others from miles away instead of missing out on them. Plus, there are many virtual games apps, such as House Party and Jackbox, which you can play over video chat. However you choose to do it, video chatting is truly the next best thing to genuine physical connection.
Use Email to Check in on Loved Ones
While sending an email to a loved one might seem standard, it’s still a quick way to keep tabs on family and friends. And today, email is easier to use than ever before. You can access your email from your smartphone or tablet and explore the myriad features that come with it. A fun way to spread some joy to your loved ones is to start a weekly or monthly newsletter, updating the people in your life on what’s been going on lately with you and your family, sharing interesting or humorous links you’ve come across on the internet, and sending pictures to friends or family members who live far away. The best thing about email is that today it’s practically a universal form of digital communication.
The New Social – Social Media
A record number of seniors are now using social networking to stay connected with family and friends. Facebook is far and away the most popular social media platform. Odds are, you already have a Facebook account. But if you don’t, you may want to consider it, since it’s possibly the most interactive and engaging way to keep in touch with people from around the world. Viewing and sharing photos with loved ones, reconnecting with old friends and colleagues, and updating the people in your life are just the start of what you can do on social media. Some families create a private Facebook group so share pictures and stay in touch. Private groups allow you to connect with the people you want without posting anything public to all your Facebook friends. Beyond staying connected, Facebook and other social media platforms provide a fun way to engage your current interests and discover new ones. There are millions of activities, recipes, entertainment and inspiration to explore on Facebook alone. Other social media platforms include the photo-centric Instagram, the text-based Twitter, and LinkedIn for those who like to keep up with professional ties. Social media is certainly not just for younger generations anymore.
All About Connection
There’s never a lack of connection at Edgemere. Our residents’ physical and emotional well-being is our highest concern during this time, and social wellness is an integral part of that. Staying connected with loved ones using technology is a tremendous way to stay emotionally well. In every level of our full continuum of care, we’re discovering new ways to keep people socially engaged while we practice social distancing. And high-speed Wi-Fi internet throughout our community ensures you’re always able to stay virtually connected with the people in your life. If you’re intimidated by virtual communication, our friendly team members can teach you how to use technology to keep in touch. During this time, we want you to know that we’re here to support you. If we can help you or your loved ones in any way, please don’t hesitate to call us at 214-265-9100 or contact us through our website.