Thrive-Health Guide Southern West Virginia August 2020 - Page 28

Engage
Virtually
TIPS FOR KEEPING OLDER
ADULTS CONNECTED
By Family Features
Connection and a sense of community can be critical
to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate.
It can be challenging, especially for older adults,
but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a
few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember
to pay attention to your social and mental
health while taking care of your physical health, and
consider these ideas from the Administration for
Community Living.
CONNECT
l Use social media to stay in touch with friends
and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t
seen in a while.
l Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces
of family and friends while you talk to them.
l Write letters to friends and reminisce about some
of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back
and share their own favorite memories.
l Keep up to date with current events and stay connected
to neighbors by reading local newspapers and
community bulletins.
EXPLORE
l Take free courses online. With subjects ranging
from computers and cooking to studio arts and
foreign languages, there is something for nearly
everyone.
l Explore zoos and aquariums across the country
through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live
webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real
time.
l Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands
of museums and galleries are currently
displaying their collections online through virtual
tours.
l Tour one of the many national parks offering
28 • THRIVE • AUGUST 2020