Family connections matter, especially for seniors, and especially during the holiday season. According to both the CDC and World Health Organization, loneliness and social isolation are serious threats to both your physical and mental health. Seniors are also at an even higher risk for loneliness than other populations. Using technology to stay connected during the holidays can help prevent this seasonal loneliness and the associated health risks.
The holiday season, though advertised as the “happiest time of the year,” can actually be an extremely lonely time for seniors without family nearby. Retirement, grown children, reduced mobility, and potential loss of loved ones can create a “perfect storm” of loneliness for some seniors. That’s why it is so important to stay connected with family, no matter how far away they may live. Thankfully, modern technology makes it possible to stay connected with family during the holidays, even if you can’t be together in person. Here are some tips on using technology to stay connected during the holidays, so you can avoid the “holiday blues” and loneliness some seniors experience during this time of year.
Why Virtual Connections Matter
Being “together” over a screen isn’t the same as being together in person, but it still matters. While ideally you would get together with loved ones in person, especially for holiday meals and celebrations, this isn’t always possible. Large gatherings can be risky or even dangerous for seniors with chronic health conditions, particularly during winter cold and flu season. Winter may also bring unsafe traveling conditions and canceled flights. So, for these or other reasons, you may find yourself unable to attend family gatherings in person. But that doesn’t mean you have to be alone!
Using technology can enable you to catch up with family, friends, and loved ones, be a part of celebrations, and avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. Studies show that even simple forms of digital connection, like text messaging or email, have a positive effect on mental health (1).
Easy Ways to Use Technology to Stay Connected
There are a few simple ways you can use technology to stay connected to family members during the holiday season. Here are a few of the most popular platforms and apps.
Video Chat: Zoom, Facetime, or Skype
Video chats are a great way to see family members or friends that you can’t visit in person. You can connect face to face, see how much the grandkids have grown, and appreciate holiday decorations. It’s a good way to be a part of family gatherings even if you can’t be there in person. You could even video chat with a family member during a group meal or event, so you can still see, hear, and participate virtually.
Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype are the most popular forms of video chat. FaceTime is by far the easiest to use, so we recommend that application for most seniors. However, only Apple devices can make FaceTime calls. You can, however, accept a FaceTime call on any operating system that has a web browser. If you have an Apple device, FaceTime is a preloaded app. You simply click on the app, click “New Facetime,” and select the person you’d like to reach. It’s the same as making a phone call. This is a great way for seniors to video chat with loved ones.
If you don’t have an Apple device, Zoom and Skype are great second options. Many people use Zoom for their jobs and are already familiar with the interface. If not, Skype is a great option with free video calling. Please note that you and your loved one will both need to download the Skype app. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to video chatting.
For a non-synchronous video chat option, try the Marco Polo app. This allows you to send video messages back and forth and watch them at your convenience.
Digital Messaging
While video chat might seem like the best way to avoid loneliness, digital messaging has been shown to be just as effective for communication, or maybe even better (2). Voice chat requires a strong internet connection, and you need to both be present with good internet connections at the same time. This can present some technological challenges. It can also be difficult to see and hear in some situations, like a large gathering with a lot of background noise. For these reasons, email, text, and other forms of digital messaging are a great way to stay connected.
Most seniors already have a smartphone and email account, so it’s an easy way to stay in contact. Just make sure you reach out to those you love. For long-lost friends and relatives, social media is a great way to stay in touch. You can use direct messaging on Instagram and Facebook to connect with people even if you don’t have their current phone number or email address.
Don’t underestimate the power of a message, be it text, email, or social media message. Just a few messages can go a long way to feeling less alone in the world.
Setting Up a Video Chat for Seniors
If you need step-by-step directions to set up a virtual connection, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to set up a video chat in the most popular apps.
FaceTime. FaceTime is the easiest video chat app available. However, FaceTime calls can only be initiated with an Apple device.
- To use FaceTime, first use this link to download the app, or search the App Store on your Apple device.
- Once the app has downloaded, tap on the application to open it.
- Find out if the person you wish to chat with has an Apple device. If so, they will need to download the FaceTime app as well. If they do not, you can still call any smartphone–read on.
- If the person you are video chatting with has the FaceTime app, select “New FaceTime,” which is a green button with a video camera icon. Type the name or phone number of the contact you wish to call, and tap their name or icon from the drop down list. You can add multiple names if you want to have a group video chat. Once you have the name(s) you wish to contact, click the green button at the bottom of the screen labeled “FaceTime.” That’s it! As long as they answer, you’ll have a video chat session.
- If the person you want to contact does not have an Apple device, click “Create Link” at the top of the screen, which is the gray or black button with a chain link icon. You can then send the link in a text, Instagram, or Facebook message. Scroll to the right in the list of icons that come up to see all of your choices. You can also choose “copy,” then open your text or email, and right click and select “paste” to send the link. The recipient can then open the link and video chat via a web browser.
Skype. Skype is fairly simple to use, and a good option for seniors with a non-Apple smartphone or Microsoft-based laptop.
- Download the Skype app using this link.
- Once the application is downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer, open it up. If this is the first time you’ve used it, you’ll need to create an account. Click “No account? Create one!”
- Enter your phone number or email address.
- Once you have created your account, sign in. You may need to verify your account using your email and/or phone number. Follow the onscreen instructions. You may need to close and re-open the app when you are done.
- The app will ask for camera and microphone permissions. Choose “allow”. Also allow notifications.
- Select “Calls,” then “Meet Now” from the left side navigation bar.
- Click “Host a Meeting.”
- Copy the meeting link that pops up and send it via text or email to the person(s) you want to contact.
- Click “Start Call.” Once they answer the call, you should be in a video chat! If you have issues, get support here.
Zoom. Zoom is a more complicated video chat option, but users who work remotely will already have the app and may be more familiar with it. Use this link for a step-by-step guide to using Zoom.
Virtual Holiday Activities and Ideas
If you know you won’t be able to gather in person this year, create some virtual holiday traditions and activities! Some fun ideas include:
- Join family and friends in watching the same movie at the same time, with a group text message chain so you can share comments or reactions.
- Play an online game together via an app, like Scattergories or Uno.
- Cook and eat a meal together while video chatting.
- Have an ugly sweater party and share pictures of everyone’s ugliest holiday sweaters.
- Host a gingerbread house competition, and video chat during the decorating or just share pictures throughout the process. Vote to determine the winner!
As you can see, with a little creativity and some willingness to embrace technology, you can use technology to stay connected during the holidays, no matter how far away your loved ones may be.
Stellar Living wishes you a merry and bright holiday season! Senior living communities are another great way to avoid loneliness during the holiday season! With tons of activities each week and new friends and neighbors just outside your doorstep, loneliness doesn’t have to be a part of your holiday celebrations. Tour a community near you today.
