Creative Ways for Older Adults to Stay Connected

Staying active and nurturing hobbies are two www.mcafee.com/activate download important ways for older adults to feel socially connected, yet distancing measures www.mcafee/activate have isolated many aging people from their www.mcafee.com/activate peers and loved ones.

Enter a new, virtual world of socializing and entertainment. Many adults over the age of 65 haveTurned to www.mcafee.com/activate product key the internet to stay connected in lockdown, getting familiar with technology such as Zoom catchups, online shopping and virtual classes.

Older adults, especially those more vulnerable to COVID-19, may face prolonged social distancing. But these www.mcafee.com/activate download virtual www.mcafee.com/activate activities are a great way to challenge the mind, engage the body and combat isolation by providing www.mcafee/activate a way to connect with others in the community.

1. Attending a Virtual Senior Center

Social distancing measures have meant the closure of senior centers, isolating numerous older adults who had relied on these centers — and their events — for companionship and support.

Some centers are going online. San Diego's Oasis partnered with Cox Communications to create a fully virtual environment, with its entire schedule live-streamed and interactive. Participants www.mcafee.com/activate can join www.mcafee/activate classes in subjects such as tai chi, dance, philosophy and Spanish via video conferencing apps, allowing them to talk — and two-step — in real-time, together. 

Vickie, an Oasis regular,  described how interesting it was to return to the online center and reconnect with members  www.mcafee.com/activate product key of her line dancing class while reviving her physical skills. Not only do such vitual connection nature existing connectionthey also help with staying active and engaged in pre-lockdown hobbies.

2. Sewing Masks for the Community

With protective face masks  www.mcafee.com/activate download now compulsory in public settings, sewing masks for neighbors or community organizations without sufficient resources can make a real difference. That sense of contribution www.mcafee/activate can significantly improvequality of life for aging adults.

At the Westhills Village Retirement Community in Rapid City, S.D., for example, several residents banded together to sew mask for fellow residents, staff and the local medical community  www.mcafee.com/activate product key in a bid to stay active and positive.

There are plenty of patterns for cloth masks available for free, through sites like Free swing open source projects, as well www.mcafee.com/activate as many organizing in list of protective masks.

3. Playing Classic Games, Online

Even if you can't get together with family right now, you can still enjoy the communal fun of playing board games together.

Skibblis a free, online Pictionary-like game that can be played on laptop or desktop, with the ability to add as many friends — or grandchildren  www.mcafee/activate— as desired.

For word aficionados,Pogo offers the official online version of Scrabble to be played on computer. Those www.mcafee.com/activate download with Facebook accounts can play the similar Lexulous on the social media platform, while  Words www.mcafee.com/activate product key with friends is an intuitive, well-designed smartphone app for Scrabble-like play.

On the phone or tablet, there's a great selection of family-friendly board games too, with  Android app for classic games such as Clue, The Game of Life, chess, checkers and, of course, Monopoly. These usually www.mcafee/activate cost a few dollars — once loved ones have the app, players can challenge them to a friendly game. 

4. Being the (Virtual) Teacher

Learning new skills is great for keeping mentally and emotionally active, but so is teaching others the wisdom gleaned over a long and well-lived life.

In England, several schools operateinititatives to connecti pupils with older people, from helping retirees write autobiographies to working together on ceramics or photography projects. www.mcafee.com/activate product key According to one organizer, these intergenerational partnerships provide inspiration and www.mcafee/activate improved wellbeing for both students and adults, while strengthening local communities.

During times of social distancing, older adults might find joy and stimulation in taking on a teacher role — by discussing www.mcafee.com/activate historic events during their childhoods or young www.mcafee.com/activate download adult years, or asking adult children or grandkids www.mcafee/activate to collaborate in putting together their life story.

Whether over a video app or daily phone call, These meaning ful connections can prove the key to keeping people close www.mcafee.com/activate download  — even when they're physically apart.