How Seniors Can Stay Connected With Video Apps
Video apps have become an integral part of the day-to-day lives of younger generations. We believe that with a little bit of tech support, they can also help seniors in assisted living communities to stay connected with the wider world.
There are plenty of free chat apps to choose from, like Zoom, Facebook Messenger Rooms, and Google Meet. The question is, what role should these apps play in the lives of seniors and what impact can they have?
Read on as we share the latest on increasing connectivity with our aging loved ones.
Why Preventing Social Isolation Matters
Oftentimes, seniors who live alone face increasing social isolation. This is one of the many drawbacks of aging at home, although some seniors in assisted living communities may still feel isolated from out-of-town family members and friends.
Research shows that for seniors, social isolation can increase the risk of health issues like heart disease, cognitive decline, and depression. By fostering a deeper sense of belonging and connection, seniors may see better short-term and long-term health outcomes.
Can Video Apps Increase Social Fulfillment?
Video apps have been available since the 2010s and saw a huge increase in usage during the early stages of the pandemic. While current research is limited, early studies indicate that video chatting can reduce feelings of social isolation in seniors.
There are potential limitations worth mentioning. Face-to-face interactions are still the best form of socialization. Video apps can supplement in-person contact, but they can't replace in-person contact.
Seniors may need assistance downloading apps to their phones, tablets, or computers. Remember, even easy-to-use technology comes with a learning curve. Be prepared to walk elderly parents and loved ones through things like making an account and starting a chat.
Making Better Use of Video Apps for Seniors
How can we start using video apps to enrich the social lives of senior residents? Here are a few ideas to get started.
Scheduled Calls with Loved Ones
Scheduled video calls are easy to incorporate into your loved one's routine. They add variety and provide something to look forward to each week or month.
Ask additional friends and family members if they'd like to join the schedule. Make sure anyone who wants to start video calling your parent has the same app to keep things simple.
Finally, check in with your parent to see how these calls fit into their existing schedule. You don't want them to skip group activities, meals, or outings in order to keep up with calls.
Recorded Videos for Daily Chats
It's no secret that trying to coordinate schedules between adults isn't easy. If someone wants to video chat with your parents more often but can't find a good time, consider recorded video messaging.
Apps like Marco Polo and Glide allow users to record to short videos and send them back and forth. These videos are more engaging than text messages and make it easier to share stories, anecdotes, and updates.
Online Participation in Lectures and Classes
Video apps don't just connect friends and family. They also open up an entire world of online lectures, classes, and workshops.
Due to Zoom's exploding popularity, many continuing education programs offer live events via Zoom. While some involve passive observation, others encourage hands-on participation. This is a great way for seniors to keep up with their hobbies or passions while exercising their mental muscles.
Mastering Video Chat Accessibility
Only a handful of video apps provide live closed captioning for free. While you can add captions to Skype, Google Meet provides more customization options and captioning accuracy.
If your loved one is hard of hearing, setting up closed captioning is a must to make good use of video apps. We recommend using a large font setting and white text on a black background. A larger screen (e.g., a tablet or computer screen) will provide better visibility than a smartphone screen.
How Woodbury Mews Reduces Social Isolation
As we mentioned earlier, video chat can supplement in-person interactions, but shouldn't be seen as a replacement. Here are the ways in which we create engagement and reduce social isolation here at Woodbury Mews.
Group Programs
We keep a busy schedule of group programs and activities for our residents. While all activities are voluntary, we do encourage our residents to attend and provide transportation for off-campus outings. Some of our residents' favorite activities include:
- Spanish class
- Music therapy
- Poetry 101
- Chair aerobics
We strive to provide diverse options to ensure that there's something for everyone. We also select activities that combine fun with mental and physical exercise to care for both the mind and body.
Community Dining
Eating is not just a necessity. It's also a cultural experience. At Woodbury Mews, we understand the power of sharing a meal, rather than eating in solitude.
While all our assisted living floor plans do include private kitchens, we offer residents community dining experiences. The goal is to pair better nutrition with a chance to dine in the company of friends and neighbors.
Family-Oriented Activities
Assisted living for senior care can offer families peace of mind knowing that their aging loved ones have the care, safe lodging, and community they need to thrive. However, it's still important for residents to maintain meaningful relationships with their children, grandchildren, and beyond.
Many of our activities are family-oriented, meaning residents' loved ones can join in the fun. Private apartments also make it easy for loved ones to come and visit. One of our floor plans even has a second bedroom, which many residents use as a guest room to accommodate visiting friends and family members.
Woodbury Mews: Prioritizing Social Fulfillment
Combating social isolation is one of the most important things seniors can do. Video apps make it easier than ever to stay connected from afar. Community living provides those additional in-person interactions that can't be replaced.
Woodbury Mews offers boutique-style senior living in New Jersey. From our activity calendar to our personal services like cleaning and ADL assistance, we create an environment where seniors can thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our community.