For most of us, winter is the season when people of all ages feel lonelier and more cooped up due to the cold weather outside. However, for the elderly, loneliness is not just limited to winter. For them, loneliness can be a major problem for a good part of the year. Unfortunately, due to their decreased mobility, diminished community engagement, and reduced visits from friends and loved ones, our seniors are feeling forgotten and alone year-round. Tragically, this commonly leads to isolation and depression which is currently at epidemic proportions in this age group. Fortunately, we can utilize technology to eliminate loneliness in seniors in Bay Ridge.
Technology to Eliminate Loneliness in Seniors
Technology today affords new and exciting opportunities. With the latest technology, there are more options for seniors to stay mentally active, take part in the community, and maintain relationships with loved ones. Through a variety of technological tools and social media, the elderly can stay in touch with family and friends. All this can yield an increased feeling of connectedness to the world as a whole as well as a sense of purpose.
Video Chatting
Online video chatting is a technological tool that can make the elderly feel less lonely. Using any device that has a web-enabled camera, seniors can talk face to face with their friends and family. Applications like Facetime and WhatsApp are easy to use and can be set up on smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Video chatting offers a more personal and intimate way to chat with loved ones and make you feel like you had a real visit. It really is the next best thing to actually seeing them in person. Video chatting is especially great when children and grandchildren are spread out across the country or globe. You can watch them grow in real time! Even if loved ones aren’t able to come visit in person, they can connect through video chat with the click of a mouse.
Social Media Use
Many might think that social media is the exclusive domain of the younger generation. However, many of our older adults have enthusiastically adopted it to keep up with the times as well as their old acquaintances and younger family members.
As a result, many seniors are heavy social media users. In fact, doctors and other professionals have keyed into this demographic and set up social media pages to take advantage of this customer and patient outlet.
According to the latest Pew Research report on seniors and social media, Facebook and YouTube are at par in terms of usage with about the same number of those 65 and older reporting using those platforms.
Supportive Networks
Social media provides a way for seniors to connect with friends and family. It is also a way to meet new friends from around the world or to connect with long-lost acquaintances. Overcoming loneliness and finding community is that much easier through social media. As more and more of the population ages and sticks closer to home, the internet as a support and educational tool becomes ever more essential.
Groups for the elderly experiencing specific health conditions as well as groups tailored to their caregivers are all readily available to those elderly who have increasingly availed themselves of this supportive network. From dementia to depression to diabetes – all can give and receive support in the comfort and convenience of their home.
With social media skills, seniors can not only communicate with and reach their friends and family, but they can also stay connected to the world.
Social Media Primer for the Elderly
First, let’s start with a definition: social media is online social communication. This communication takes different forms. Through X, it takes the form of short messages (280 characters only) called Xs. Facebook allows the posting of pictures and longer-form status updates. Instagram and Pinterest are platforms where people post images and YouTube is a place where people publish videos. Moreover, LinkedIn is a way to maintain those hard-earned professional contacts from your career of yesteryear.
is owned by Meta and is the most used social media platform among older adults. It allows connection with friends, families, and groups. Users can follow their favorite celebrities, news outlets, and loved ones. People often post personal updates and pictures. As such, they stay connected and up-to-date on what’s happening in everyone’s lives.
While teens have moved on from Facebook, the older generation has found that it serves them quite well. They have recognized that others in their stations in life are also online and have used it to start discussion groups for life and health issues pertinent to them.
X (Formerly Twitter)
is for those who like to say things in a few words. For those who don’t like to type, or just want to say a short comment, X is for you. If you want to connect with other X users on a particular topic, use the “#” when searching for groups, such as #seniorcitizens or #recipes, to find others who are discussing that topic.
is a place to showcase online resumes and professional information. It is primarily for those who are still working. If someone is only semi-retired and still wants to connect with the business world, LinkedIn is a good social media network to join. You can also use it to follow influencers and industry trends so you don’t feel totally cut off from your life’s work. Afterall, there is ever increasing recognition of the value of the older worker. (See Consulteering: A New Way to Enjoy Life After Retirement)
YouTube
has quickly become a quasi-search engine with people querying it when they want quick information in as diverse areas as what investments to make to the optimal way to cook as egg. Quick tutorials and long lectures as well as movies and concerts all find a home here. Interested parties quickly find their favorite entertainers, broadcasters, and gurus that they want to follow and subscribe to.
is also owned by Meta and is primarily used to publish photos and videos. It is very image and visual heavy and best used to grasp storytelling. Short videos and quick text embedded in pictures are great for those with little patience for longer form posts.
is primarily a visual shopping platform where people go to get product and design inspirations. It’s so great for recipes and entertaining ideas. Leaving issues and agendas behind makes this “the happy place”.
Face to Face Contact
Of course, social media and technology aren’t replacements for real human interaction and care. If you need help caring for and accompanying an elderly loved one, it may be time to seek the help of an in-home health care agency. At David York Agency, we provide a variety of personal health care services that support both the mental and physical wellness of the elderly and infirmed.
David York Understands the Need for Technology for Bay Ridge Seniors
If the above information about technology has been useful, check out David York’s blog for more articles about senior care in Bay Ridge.
David York Agency Home Healthcare remains committed to providing personalized care for your loved one. If you have questions about our services, please contact us. We can help you through the difficult times and give you the break you deserve!
David York understands the challenges of caregiving and is willing to provide all the support you need. Our qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 718.376.7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best.
If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
