4 Ways to Reach Out to Friends and Family Online (During the Holidays and Beyond)
The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends. It presents a time to celebrate the love and joy that you bring to one another's lives. However, with rising travel prices and the ever-looming COVID-19, flu, and cold illnesses, getting together may not be as easy as it once was. If you are unable to meet with your loved ones in person this year or are just unable to connect as often as you'd like, consider interacting with them virtually. Whether you prefer messaging, video calls, or just sending a note to say you are thinking of them, you are sure to find a way to connect with your family and friends from this list. Below are some ways seniors can start reaching out to friends and family online during the holidays and beyond.
Video Call
The most common way to connect with people and feel like you are actually together is through video calling. These days there are many apps available to connect with others through video chatting. The most popular are Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts and FaceTime (for Apple users) or Google Duo (for Android users).
This article from Tom's Guide can help you review the pros and cons of each service. This way, you may select the app or service that best suits the needs of you and your loved ones.
Play Games Online
Do you want a way to connect with someone without having long message threads or video calls? There are games that can be played through your devices that will allow you to play with family and friends.
From classic games like Scrabble and Yahtzee to video games like Mario Kart to board games such as Monopoly and Life, the internet is full of fun ways to interact with your loved ones, but in your own time. Some games may require all users to be logged in simultaneously, but most do not. There are fifteen apps described on this page for you to try out with your friends and family.
Stream a Show or Movie Together
Many streaming platforms now include a way to watch shows and movies with others whether they are in another room, another city, or even another state. As long as all parties subscribe to the streaming service, everyone can gather together for a movie night.
Teleparty on Google Chrome, allows you to stream Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, and Prime Video. It can help you sync with your friends and family with the addition of a group chat feature to discuss all of your favorite parts as they happen.
Apple users can use SharePlay to watch and listen with other Apple users. Android users also have their own version of SharePlay available.
Send e-Cards and Messages
Are you just looking to connect with a quick note? There are many websites available to send e-greetings to your friends and family. Websites like American Greetings and Blue Mountain, let you personalize a card to send to your loved ones for a small monthly fee or for free, respectively.
Many of these services also allow you to attach a gift card to show your love through a gift.
Still Need Help?
Do you want to connect with your loved ones but are having trouble figuring out the technology? Consider hiring some help. Senior Helpers Fort Wayne offers in-home senior care that includes assistance with hobbies, transportation, and light housekeeping. If you or a senior loved one are in the Arcola, Auburn, Fort Wayne, Garrett, Grabill, Huntertown, Laotto, Leo, New Haven, or Woodburn areas, contact us today. Find out how we can help you in reaching out to friends and family online this holiday season and beyond.