2020 has easily been the most unprecedented year in recent world history. With the COVID-19 wreaking havoc around the world, health restrictions have limited social interaction to a bare minimum. The situation can increase social isolation, especially for seniors. Technology may help in this area, providing a new and exciting way for people to find connection. This is why, today, we’re looking at the best social apps for seniors.
Don’t worry if you prefer using a computer to a smartphone. Most of the tools on this list can be used through an app or online.
Why Turn To Technology?
Technology can’t replace face-to-face human contact. We all know this. There’s something powerful about a hug or even the touch of a hand. However, with the COVID-19 crisis in full swing, there’s a clear need for alternative ways of staying in contact.
After all, with the Government advising people to stay home or to quarantine and only go out when it’s necessary, people-to-people interaction has reduced drastically.
Seniors suffer this situation more than any other group, as they are the most vulnerable to this new virus. Processes used to protect seniors, while important, often leave them with little or no social contact. Even seeing a family member in person may be taboo, especially for seniors in assisted living facilities.
Technology is becoming a powerful tool for coping with the new challenges that we are facing. Schools and colleges have taken the lead, with many adopting online learning strategies. Tools like Zoom offer the chance to host web conferences, allowing groups of people to interact with each other in a purely digital environment.
The Best Social Apps for Seniors
You don’t need amazing tech skills or the latest devices to use technology and stay in touch. Often you’ll just need a smartphone and an internet connection.
These 5 choices are some of the best social apps for seniors. They are all easy to use and have many functions. Check them out to find the best choice for your situation.
1. WhatsApp
This is probably the most widely used social media app in the world. What started as a regular messaging app has transformed itself into a multi-purpose medium for virtual interaction owing to its exceptional audio and video capabilities.
With the most recent updates, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows up to eight participants in the same Voice/Video call. This improvement has created quite a stir in the market of online video conferencing apps.
With a decent Internet connection, WhatsApp is the go-to choice for anyone looking to stay in touch with people in the same country or abroad. The biggest benefit offered by WhatsApp is its affordability, with the cost of calls being the same for domestic and international calls.
For anyone who doesn’t already have a WhatsApp account, there is a simple procedure to get started.
- The first step is to download WhatsApp from the Play store on android and the Appstore on IOS.
- To contact people on WhatsApp, either via text or call, you need to save their numbers to your contact list.
- However, you would only be able to communicate with your contacts that have WhatsApp installed on their phone as well.
Another great feature that WhatsApp offers is its accessibility for PC users, the app can be accessed on a PC using the WhatsApp web service.
WhatsApp, with its ease of use, is an excellent option for everyone looking to communicate with their loved ones without worrying about the cost of domestic and international call charges.
2. Skype
Skype is another video calling service that has been around the block for a considerable amount of time now. It has a different user interface as compared to WhatsApp.
Unlike WhatsApp, Skype was not introduced as a dedicated messaging application, its functionality has always been greatly inclined towards providing high-quality video-conferencing experience to its users.
The process to start using Skype is fairly simple.
- The first step is to download the app from the Play store. You can also use the Web version of Skype on your PC/Laptop.
- The next step is to register a new Skype account using your email address.
- You’re now ready to avail Skype’s free video calling services and call other Skype accounts.
Furthermore, Skype also allows users to call landline numbers and cellphones, but this service is not free.
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3. Apple FaceTime
For Apple users, FaceTime is an excellent video-calling option. It comes as a default application with most apple products including the iPhone, iPad, and some variants of the iPod touch.
The sign-up process for the Facetime app is fairly simple, you just need to log-in to the app using your Apple ID and password. Apple Facetime has a really straightforward user interface, it operates by registering your phone number and email address.
The biggest drawback of Apple Facetime is that it only provides video-calling services between Apple users. This means that you can’t call Android users with the app.
4. Rave
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 around the world has led to the closure of almost every physical entertainment avenue including restaurants, bars, and even movie theatres. Now that we are stuck at home, all we can do is reminisce those movie night-outs with our friends and significant others.
The Rave application provides users the virtual experience of watching a movie with your friends. Its functionality is similar to the Netflix party program and allows you to consume content from various entertainment platforms while staying connected with your friends.
Final Thoughts
These are the best social apps for seniors, but they’re not your only options. There are plenty of other apps out there, not to mention all the online tools that you can turn to.
Teaching an older adult to use these apps might take a little time. Some may be resistant to the idea. After all, these new ways of connecting are very different than what many people grew up with.
Still, the idea is worth persisting with.
Loneliness and isolation are serious problems for seniors right now, more so than ever before. Programs for social connection are often being canceled and seniors are often being told that it’s safest to stay at home and indoors.
Yet, social connection is essential for physical and mental health. The social apps for seniors on this list might not be perfect, but they can all ease isolation, helping us to comfort and support one another.
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