When seniors are connected to their loved ones and engaged in their community, it can have positive effects on their health and well-being. While that may sound simple to do, it’s not always easy in practice, especially if you and other family members don’t live near your senior loved one, or if they don’t feel emotionally close to their community. Try these tips to help your aging loved one stay engaged physically, mentally and socially.
70% of seniors are now connected to the internet—if your loved one is among them, see if they need help setting up social media accounts to help them feel more involved in their family and friends lives.
Plan regular walks together. If you live near your loved one, make a weekly walk date and stroll around their neighborhood together. Not only does this help keep you both active, it also offers an opportunity for them to say hi to their neighbors along the way. If you don’t live near them, set a weekly walk date anyway–but do your walking on video! Walk in place together during a video call.
Share meals. Go to their home, or bring them to yours, to make a favorite family recipe together. Or if you don’t live near them, order food for each of you from a meal delivery service to arrive at a designated time. Then talk on the phone or on video via FaceTime or Skype during the meal.
Encourage them to attend events with you or on their own. Even if they’re not feeling up to going out, they can check out virtual concerts, lectures, live-streaming religious events, and even tours at museums or zoos. If you find a virtual event that focuses on something you both enjoy, why not join them? Or look into what local businesses and organizations have “senior mornings” or “senior days.” Depending on their level of independence, you could offer to bring them to the event if needed, or simply encourage them to attend on their own.
Foster family ties. Whether you are a caregiver for your loved one or just the main point of contact with them, it’s important for you and your loved one to keep other family members connected to you both. Plan family visits to see your loved one. In between visits, send them small things to make them smile, like a “thinking of you” card with a photo enclosed, or letters or drawings from your kids. Invite your family members to join you for phone and video calls with your loved one. This gives your senior loved one extra love from others, and gives you a little break while others are engaging with them.
Is your loved one struggling with loneliness? Look into connecting them to virtual counseling.
Remember, older adults who stay socially engaged have better physical and mental health—it can help their brain function and even extend their life.
