COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults: Create Connections Without Technology
As communities around the country adapt to physical distancing in order to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, activities that promote social engagement have become critically important tools to reduce social isolation. To help promote social connections among older adults during this time, engAGED and the Eldercare Locator have developed the list of resources and activities below to help older adults stay engaged and connected to their communities. This webpage is a supplement to Creating Social Connections During COVID-19, a flyer produced by the Eldercare Locator in partnership with engAGED.
For older adults who do not have access to the internet and smart phones, creating social connections takes a more traditional approach and includes a variety of activities, some examples are listed below.
Reach Out to People
Pick up the phone. Try to call a family member or friend every day. Whether you swap book, meal or TV recommendations, or plan fun activities for the future, just making the connection is important. Do you have young grandchildren and know some of their favorite books? Take some time to read them a bedtime story over the phone.
Write a note or send a card. Mailing a short note to a friend or family member is simple to do and can bring a smile to someone’s face while cheering you up too.
Need extra compassion and support? Many organizations have developed call lines that provide a friendly voice who can offer emotional support. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn whether one is available in your community. If not, call one of the telephone services listed below.
Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line: 1 (800) 971-0016
AARP Friendly Voices: 1 (888) 281-0145 (English) or 1 (888) 497-4108 (Spanish)
Stay Active, Mentally and Physically
Move more and sit less. Make a point to move frequently during the day, even if it’s just a few gentle stretches or laps around your home. If you can walk outside, keeping a 6-foot distance does not exclude talking to neighbors and enjoying the sunshine. Or, turn on the radio and dance!
Flex your brain. Feeling creative? Draw a sketch, write a poem or short story, or start journaling. This is a great time to record what you are seeing, thinking and feeling through different mediums. Why not send a sketch you’ve drawn to a friend or family member and ask for one in return?
Practice meditation and deep breathing. Find a quiet space to sit in your home. Close your eyes and focus on breathing naturally. The goal is to relax your body. For those who are new to meditation, Psychology Today recommends starting with three-to-five-minute sessions.
Note: engAGED is not endorsing any of the tools or strategies found on this page. Have resources from your agency that you would like to feature? Send them to info@engagingolderadults.org.