As we age, our social circle tends to dwindle in numbers, due to various circumstances such as moving and illness. At the same time, we tend to find it harder to stay active and get out of the house. Due to the difficulty of keeping in touch in your golden years, it’s no wonder why social isolation in the elderly is such a prevalent issue. Here’s how you can encourage yourself and your aging loved ones to keep in touch with family and friends in your 60s.
Regular Calls
An old-fashioned phone call goes a long way in making sure you and your loved ones remain in touch. Phone calls are simple and intuitive enough that you can navigate yourself and your loved ones through one at any age. If you or a loved one are interested in embracing some newer technology, you could make calls even more interactive. For example, video calling through apps such as Facetime and Skype allows you to see each other’s faces mid-conversation, simulating a face-to-face chat.
Texting
If you and your loved ones own cell phones, texting is the fastest way to communicate with your loved ones, allowing you to say hello in a matter of seconds. While vision and mobility issues may be a potential obstacle, there are various accessibility options such as larger texts and keypads available in smartphones on the market. Furthermore, voice memos are a convenient way to send a message using your voice that doesn’t involve the inconvenience of calling, or the cumbersome action of texting.
Take Advantage of Social Media
Social media has been around for long enough that it’s not just for the younger generations anymore. The elderly are the fastest-growing demographic on Facebook, showing the platform’s popularity among the older crowd. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can be used by older adults to not only network remotely with friends, but even forge new connections.
Regular Visits
Unfortunately, no amount of technology-aided communication can replace the experience of meeting one another, face-to-face. It’s well worth the effort to arrange face-to-face visits whenever possible, such as when you or your loved ones are on vacation. Arranging regular visits that occur repeatedly, such as monthly or weekly, is a great way to ensure that you don’t drift apart. Organizing activities such as dinner dates, movie nights, and picnics are also a creative way to keep meet-ups fun and interesting!
Seeking Professional Help
For older adults residing in a senior living community, the community’s dedicated team of carers can assist them in various ways to keep them social. For example, younger team members may be more tech-savvy in navigating social media and smartphone apps. Furthermore, amenities such as transportation programs make it more convenient to reach your destination, providing you with the convenience and safety to meet your friends and family more often!
Our retirement community is a fantastic environment to keep your loved ones socially engaged! Our wide range of amenities such as activities, transport, and a supportive team ensure that your family remains as close as ever in your loved one’s golden years. Learn more by exploring our community’s senior living options.
