Having an active social life presents a number of health benefits, but it can be hard to stay connected with others as responsibilities and situations evolve over time. In order to maintain friendships and seek out new ones as an older adult, you have to be intentional with your time. While technology is not without its flaws, it can help you stay connected with others.
Explore New Ways to Connect Using Technology
Connecting with others using technology requires only access to a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, and a mobile data plan or internet connection. Just be sure to stay up to date on the latest online safety tips and social media security best practices in order to keep yourself safe. Here are just some of the ways you can connect with others using technology.
1. Join an Online Community
Online communities include things like online forums or social media. These are both places where you can discuss your favorite hobbies or interests with like-minded individuals. Reddit is a very active discussion website that is divided up into subreddits — essentially online forums — featuring conversations on nearly any area of interest you can think of. Meanwhile, Facebook and YouTube remain two of the most popular social media platforms for older adults. Most social networks let you follow individual users or channels based on your preferred interests.
2. Use Video Chat Apps to Connect
Video chat apps, such as Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet, are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family when you’re unable to meet up in-person. Most smartphones and tablets come equipped with a video camera and microphone right on the device, so the barrier to entry is low. Using video allows you to watch for visual cues and helps you connect on a more personal level. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be chatting with long-distance friends and family in no time.
3. Work as a Team online in Cooperative Games
More older adults are playing video games than ever before, and this is a trend that’s only going to continue to grow. While single player games can be a fun way to pass the time, most modern gaming devices allow you to connect to the internet to play games online. One prominent feature of online gaming is the ability to chat with others using a headset or keyboard. Not only is this a great way to stay connected, but it can also be a way to strengthen bonds with grandchildren.
4. Discover Online Learning Opportunities
If you have internet access and a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, then you also have access to a wealth of knowledge that is available online. We previously mentioned YouTube as a popular social media platform for older adults and it is a great place to learn new skills. There are also a number of websites dedicated to researching and learning new hobbies. You might even consider registering for an online class for a more structured learning experience.
5. Find Volunteer or Employment Opportunities
Even if you’re seeking in-person connection, oftentimes the best place to begin your search is online. The internet is a great place to find a new job or seek out volunteer opportunities near where you live. There are various popular employment sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn. If there’s a particular charity you’re interested in volunteering at, check their website or social media profiles for volunteer opportunities.
Make New Connections at Newcastle Place
While technology is a great tool for staying connected, there is another way that you can meet new people with intention, in a setting where new friendships happen every single day. At Newcastle Place, a senior living community in Mequon, Wisconsin, we understand the positive impact of living intentionally among others. Once you become a resident here, you can choose among your favorite ways to stay active and connect with others, from wellness opportunities and fitness classes to group dining, game nights, and more.
Contact us or complete the form below to learn more about life at Newcastle Place.
