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.
From FaceTime to Zoom, older adults can use technology to overcome social isolation. Below we’ve listed just a few of the ways older adults can use technology to create and maintain social connections.
Use online tools to connect with friends and family. Need help getting started? Stuck at Home Guide: How to Get Online, a guide from engAGED partner Older Adults Technology Services, contains helpful tips for getting started online, on social media and on Zoom meetings.
Help others. Volunteer and share your skills from home. Develop a virtual mentoring relationship with a student through a local college or connect with your local Area Agency on Aging to find opportunities to help others during the COVID-19 crisis. Contact the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or (800) 677-1116 to find your local Area Agency on Aging.
Take a virtual vacation. You won’t need a passport to take a trip to Paris and visit the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. Interested in an outdoor adventure? Take a trip to South Africa to go on a live virtual safari. Want other options? Check out this list to explore other ways to take a trip without leaving home.
Listen to a podcast. Many podcasts release new episodes on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Podcasts cover a wide range of exciting topics from daily news to cooking tips to comedy—and more. To listen to podcasts on your phone or computer, you may need to download an app such as Spotify or Stitcher. To find a podcast that interests you, take a look at this list of popular podcasts from NPR or browse other titles specifically for older adults.
Read or listen to a book online. Visit USA.gov/libraries to find free offerings from your local library. Want to discuss the book? Start an informal book club with friends or family members. You can also listen to a free audiobook narrated by your favorite author. Find audiobooks at Librivox and Audible. Check out this list of other sites to find more audiobook options.
Start your journey to lifelong learning and take a class. Is there a topic you’ve always wanted to know more about? Spend some time browsing Open Culture or Coursera to find topics such as learning a new language to modern poetry.
Stay fit. Take a virtual exercise class. Many Area Agencies on Aging provide fitness classes. Contact the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or (800) 677-1116 to find your local Area Agency on Aging. In addition, the YMCA (www.ymca360.org) provides many fitness classes both pre-recorded and live that allow you to take things at your own pace.
Watch a concert, opera, or dance performance. Several organizations and performance venues are sharing both live and recorded performances that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home. Interested in dance or opera performances? The list below includes something for everyone!
Kennedy Center Digital Stage
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Ailey All Access
NPR Music’s compiled list of live virtual concerts
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s VSO Livestream
Royal Opera House’s YouTube Channel
Vienna State Opera’s live performances
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.
Click here to learn more about EngAGED
