Staying connected with loved ones doesn’t just make you feel good – it also has proven health benefits. Maintaining ties with family and friends is more important now than ever, but how do you stay close when you might not be able to see your favorite people in person? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep up with your loved ones, including technology, social media, and good old snail mail. Scroll down to explore how to stay connected with loved ones.
How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Socialize via Video Chat
Even if you can’t see loved ones in person, video calls can make it seem like you’re sitting right next to each other. If you have a smartphone, you can hold video calls through apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger. You can also conduct video calls on your computer through Skype, Zoom, and other software. Try putting your phone or computer near you during lunch or dinnertime for a virtual meal with loved ones, or schedule regular FaceTime sessions to see grandkids, pets, and other members of the family. And if you’re having trouble setting up video chat, why not ask your loved one to lead you through the process over the phone?
Schedule Regular Check-Ins with Loved Ones
Staying connected doesn’t have to involve a lot of planning. Putting a regular 15-minute phone call on your calendar is a great way to set aside time to catch up with loved ones, even if that involves a quick phone call while you’re eating breakfast or enjoying a walk around the block. You can also get creative with regularly scheduled check-ins. Try a weekly story time during which you read to the grandkids from your favorite books, or even a virtual movie-watching party with family or friends. Just flip on the same movie, press play, and enjoy some cinematic fun (virtually) alongside each other.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Snail Mail
Who doesn’t love to receive a bit of mail to let them know friends and family are thinking of them? Pick out a special card or some stationary, and make time to send out regular notes to loved ones. You can also send and receive care packages full of favorite treats, puzzles, books, and other goodies. Remember, you don’t have to wait for the holidays to send loved ones a special something in the mail.
Explore Social Media
Social media sometimes gets a bad rap, but it has completely changed the way we interact with the world around us. And social media isn’t just for young people: According to a study by Pew Research, nearly 46 percent of adults over the age of 65 are on at least one social network. Social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram are a great way to keep up with photos and updates from long-distance loved ones. You can also use social media to reconnect with friends from your past – no envelopes or stamps required!
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Figuring out how to stay connected with loved ones is more important now than ever before. Fortunately, you have plenty of options. Try your hand at social media, schedule a regular video check-in, or rely on old-fashioned snail mail to get updates from your loved ones no matter where they’re located. And while it’s certainly frustrating to be separated from loved ones, staying connected can be a fun creativity exercise that can bring you closer together than ever before.
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.