There is a great deal of technology for seniors to use to keep in touch with friends and family even if they can’t always spend time with loved ones in person. Older adults often find themselves coping with significant life changes that can make them feel disconnected, such as retirement, moving to assisted living, or even losing friends and family. Here, we’ll explain some technology for seniors to use to keep in touch with loved ones anywhere in the world and maintain their emotional well-being.
Technology for seniors to have: Cell phone
With a cell phone, seniors can remain in touch with those they love. We suggest cell phones because they are equipped to store contact information of people the senior wants to talk to. Getting in touch is as easy as pressing one button. With text messages, a cell phone can become a fun and exciting way to keep in touch even when you can’t speak.
Idea: Coordinate regular phone calls
Cell phones have made it significantly easier to stay in touch with loved ones. Social connectivity can also help boost a person’s mood and positively contribute to their mental health. There are several “senior-friendly” cell phone options, which are usually simpler than standard cell phones and sometimes have larger buttons and screens to make them easier for older adults to use. One example is Lively’s Jitterbug phones. With flip phone and smartphone options, these devices are user-friendly and accessible for older adults.
Tip: Because a phone call may be easier to have one-on-one, you might consider taking turns among family members in the home when calling a loved one. If you have a partner or another adult family member living with you, remember that your older adult loved one may want to catch up with each person individually.
Idea: Create a family group text message
A group message is an easy way for family members of all generations to share and connect with one another. It can be a place to give updates, chat, and share photos of activities. This communication tool has emojis, gifs, and other fun and lighthearted ways to convey messages. Your loved one can share photos easily, and everyone can respond whenever they are available.
Tip: If your loved one is new to this technology, give them a tutorial on how group messages work. If they are already familiar with group text messages, then you’re good to go!
Upgraded technology for seniors: Smartphone or tablet
With a smartphone or tablet, seniors have the world at their fingertips. See how you can use this technology to stay in touch with the senior you love:
Schedule a recurring video call
Video calls using Zoom or FaceTime are great stand-ins for physical visits, especially for family members who live far away or for large, spread-out families. Scheduling a video call in advance can help family members plan to be available.
Whether on an iPad, a cell phone, a computer, or a senior-friendly tablet such as the GrandPad, test out video calling to ensure your loved one has what they need. If your loved one is less familiar with technology, have a family member or friend set them up on their device before the call to keep the visit stress-free.
Tip: For large family virtual gatherings, consider trying a game to help facilitate conversation so people aren’t speaking over one another. Games like Bingo or trivia are great for all ages.
Updated technology for seniors that reminds them of letter-writing
Though letter-writing may not be as popular as it once was, society hasn’t forgotten about the concept of pen pals; it has simply flipped pen-paling on its head by adding technology into it. If your loved one has a computer, tablet, or phone, these ways of sending written communications can add priceless moments and memories to your time interacting with each other. Using tech-related methods for long-standing letter-writing can also help a senior learn new skills if they aren’t already familiar with emailing and phone apps. Keeping the mind active as by learning new skills is great for the mind and emotional well-being.
Send an email
Older adults who use email may enjoy receiving notes from family and friends in their inboxes. Emails can include updates on day-to-day activities, photos, or even interesting findings for one another. This mode of communication can be especially useful when you might not have the time to schedule a long phone call or visit. Since you can respond on your own time, you might have the opportunity to be more thoughtful and carry on more in-depth conversations.
Send a postcard from your phone
Does your loved one enjoy receiving snail mail? Or perhaps they struggle with managing technology on their own. If so, you can send mail easily through a company like TouchNote. TouchNote allows you to design and easily send a postcard or notecard from your phone or computer. Your loved one will receive the personalized card in their mailbox within days, depending on where they live. You can keep them updated on family vacations, holiday celebrations, and more.
Creative technology for seniors that helps them stay connected
Even when you schedule calls and exchange emails and texts, having fun and creative ways to feel connected can go a long way in helping maintain a loved one’s emotional well-being. These creative technology ideas for seniors can keep them seeing images of family members, spending time with them virtually, and lighting up their day no matter how far away they live from their loved ones.
Digital photo album
Digital photo albums, such as the Loop frame or the Skylight frame, are a great way to keep the connection going around the clock. Family members can upload photos directly into a frame to display for their loved ones. While some products require a wired upload, some connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to upload pictures onto the frame from anywhere. Your loved one will know they’re on your mind when they receive photos of your family activities, even if they may not be able to participate.
Tip: Many of these digital photo albums allow more than one person to upload photos. Try giving a few people access to it so your loved one can see pictures of all their children and grandchildren.
Attend a virtual program together
If you’re looking for activities to do online with a loved one, the options are endless. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many museums, musical organizations, and other entertainment and educational venues pivoted to offer virtual programs. Whether you’re physically sitting next to your loved one as you both enjoy the program or you each participate separately, the event can spark new conversations and give you new ways to connect.
Touch lamp
Long-distance touch lamps are creative devices that can help you feel close to your loved ones even when you cannot speak in the moment. Friendship Lamps offer loved ones the opportunity to stay connected with just a touch. The lamps are linked; when one person touches their lamp, the other illuminates. This creative and fun device can reassure your loved one that they’re on the minds of their faraway family members.
Regardless of your loved one’s tech-savviness, technology can do wonders to bridge the gap between geographic distance and busy calendars. Explore the options above for novel and meaningful ways to connect with loved ones, wherever they are.
