Many older adults have adult children who live in different parts of the country. Lack of communication with family members can lead to a variety of health issues for older adults, including depression and a decline in cognitive function. Long-distance communication isn’t what it used to be, but there are lots of simple methods for older adults to keep connected with family and friends. Thanks to technological breakthroughs, aging parents may quickly contact their loved ones. Here are 4 tips to help older adults in keeping in touch with family members.
Video Call
When a simple phone conversation isn’t enough, video call is an excellent method to communicate with those who live far away. If your older loved one has a smartphone, they can already make video calls to anybody on their contact list: The program ‘FaceTime,’ which permits video messaging with other Apple users, comes pre-installed on the iPhone and iPad. Similarly, Android phones provide a feature called “Hangouts” that may be used for the same reason. If an older adult has access to a laptop with the internet, Skype is a popular alternative for video communication. This makes it simpler to communicate with family members or caretakers.
Social Media
The youth is no longer the only ones who are on social media. Social media, such as Instagram and Facebook, is becoming increasingly popular among older adults. Setting up a profile is straightforward, and it may provide a simple way to stay in touch with friends and family. Older adults may share photos of their own, message family members, and view images of their children or grandkids on these social media platforms.
If your older loved one uses the internet regularly, maintaining in touch via e-mail is a terrific idea. In addition to sending “letters” online, you may also attach photos to keep the family member up to date. Do keep in mind that older adults typically have difficulty seeing small text, thus increasing the font size on their device is crucial.
Phone Call
Phone calls have long been the most common form of long-distance communication. If your older loved one resides in a senior living community, ensure that they have a private phone line. It’s also a good idea to save critical phone numbers in the contacts list, such as those for family members, carers, and physicians. You may also give them a smartphone; however, it is ideal if you set it up for them because this is typically a new and scary problem for older adults who have never used a smartphone. For individuals who live far away from their aging parents, having a caregiver explain to them how to use a smartphone is a wonderful idea.
Choose The Trace
At The Trace, we are dedicated to providing you with excellent lifestyle and care services in our senior living community. We encourage you to pursue your hobbies and interests through our extensive schedule of activities and events, all while feasting on nutritious and delectable meals served in a restaurant setting. Furthermore, with our distinctive senior living programs, we are happy to build a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.
