With today’s tech-centric world, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with the people you love. But, as a senior, it may feel a bit intimidating since you did not grow up with the digital age blooming around you. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected that utilize the best of today’s capabilities. The following blog post, one of many presented by Judy Helm Wright, offers brief information on the topic.
Understanding Online Security
Before we get into ways to enhance your digital world, it’s important that you – or your senior loved one – make a plan to amplify digital security. There are many ways to protect yourself from hackers and other online criminals. Make sure to review your antivirus software and contact your internet services provider if you need enhanced security measures.
Why Stay Connected
The most compelling reason to remain in touch with your friends and family is that loneliness, according to Stonegate senior communities, increases your likelihood of death by 26% and is just as damaging as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes each day. Staying in close contact with those you love enhances your well-being and will significantly improve your quality of life.
Ways To Keep Up
● Video calling. If you grew up watching The Jetsons, you’ll remember how futuristic TV screens with video calling capabilities looked. Well, the future is here, and video calling is as simple as pressing a button or telling your video-enabled device to connect you to someone on your call list. If you have an iOS device, you can use Facetime to call individuals or groups.
● Telephone. If you are not comfortable with video, the good old telephone remains a viable option. Keep in mind, however, that today’s younger generation is more inclined to text rather than call, so it’s a good idea to become acquainted with today’s texting lingo and emojis.
● Online gaming. Even your youngest grandchildren are playing games online. Look for ones you can play together (connect via a gaming platform or video chats while you play) and you will reach them on their level while they teach you about today’s technology.
● Window visits. Unfortunately, even when you live close, it is not always possible – given that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic – to be in close proximity to our loved ones. You can also stay in touch using a combination of low and high-tech methods, such as scheduling a window visit with the kids and grandkids. Technology can come in handy here, as well, however, and you can link up video game devices to play through the window, text each other, or plan a family movie night where you hook up a projector and they provide the screen.
● Cards and letters. Younger children and grandchildren may enjoy getting a physical card in the mail. But, they will also delight in sending and receiving digital e-cards, which you can find online for all occasions. E-cards are easy to personalize, and they are a great way to fill your loved ones’ inbox with happiness and good cheer.
Staying in touch as we age is so important. Without the loving connections that we’ve worked so hard to form our entire lives, we can get depressed and our health can suffer. Don’t be afraid to let today’s technology keep you in touch. Although it may be intimidating at first, rest assured that your family can walk you through how to engage online, and you may even find that you communicate more often than you ever imagined.
With today’s tech-centric world, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with the people you love. But, as a senior, it may feel a bit intimidating since you did not grow up with the digital age blooming around you. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected that utilize the best of today’s capabilities. The following blog post, one of many presented by Judy Helm Wright, offers brief information on the topic.
Understanding Online Security
Before we get into ways to enhance your digital world, it’s important that you – or your senior loved one – make a plan to amplify digital security. There are many ways to protect yourself from hackers and other online criminals. Make sure to review your antivirus software and contact your internet services provider if you need enhanced security measures.
Why Stay Connected
The most compelling reason to remain in touch with your friends and family is that loneliness, according to Stonegate senior communities, increases your likelihood of death by 26% and is just as damaging as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes each day. Staying in close contact with those you love enhances your well-being and will significantly improve your quality of life.
Ways To Keep Up
● Video calling. If you grew up watching The Jetsons, you’ll remember how futuristic TV screens with video calling capabilities looked. Well, the future is here, and video calling is as simple as pressing a button or telling your video-enabled device to connect you to someone on your call list. If you have an iOS device, you can use Facetime to call individuals or groups.
● Telephone. If you are not comfortable with video, the good old telephone remains a viable option. Keep in mind, however, that today’s younger generation is more inclined to text rather than call, so it’s a good idea to become acquainted with today’s texting lingo and emojis.
● Online gaming. Even your youngest grandchildren are playing games online. Look for ones you can play together (connect via a gaming platform or video chats while you play) and you will reach them on their level while they teach you about today’s technology.
● Window visits. Unfortunately, even when you live close, it is not always possible – given that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic – to be in close proximity to our loved ones. You can also stay in touch using a combination of low and high-tech methods, such as scheduling a window visit with the kids and grandkids. Technology can come in handy here, as well, however, and you can link up video game devices to play through the window, text each other, or plan a family movie night where you hook up a projector and they provide the screen.
● Cards and letters. Younger children and grandchildren may enjoy getting a physical card in the mail. But, they will also delight in sending and receiving digital e-cards, which you can find online for all occasions. E-cards are easy to personalize, and they are a great way to fill your loved ones’ inbox with happiness and good cheer.
Staying in touch as we age is so important. Without the loving connections that we’ve worked so hard to form our entire lives, we can get depressed and our health can suffer. Don’t be afraid to let today’s technology keep you in touch. Although it may be intimidating at first, rest assured that your family can walk you through how to engage online, and you may even find that you communicate more often than you ever imagined.
Turn to Judy Helm Wright for more information and assistance with personal growth and assistance with dealing with the difficulties and roadblocks in life.