As we’ve discovered during quarantine, being socially distant doesn’t have to mean being socially disconnected. If there is one good thing to come out of COVID-19, it’s this: seniors are now more tech-savvy than ever! There are many different communicative technologies available today that can be downloaded to our smartphones in a matter of seconds. With that in mind, our assisted living team serving West Deptford is going to talk about some great senior communication apps along with their best features. Note: all of the apps mentioned below can be downloaded through the App Store on an iPhone or Ipad.
Caribu
This communicative app is particularly useful because it helps seniors to
connect with their young grandchildren not only through audio and video but
also through fun activities. This free app, available for both smartphones
and tablets, offers a wide selection of children’s books and other fun,
interactive games that seniors can play with their beloved little ones.
Zoom
Arguably, the most popular communicative tech on the market today is
Zoom. This video calling software rose to popularity during the pandemic as a
way to connect with loved ones, friends, and coworkers when face-to-face
interaction wasn’t an option. Even though quarantine is over and vaccines are
now easily accessible, Zoom is still a relevant communication tool for seniors.
It is especially useful for seniors to connect with family members who do not
live close by. Some of Zoom’s best features are:
- Free download
(for calls 40 minutes or less)
- Supports video
calls for two or more people
- Can easily
enable camera on or off along with muting the microphone
- Can change the
background behind you to spice things up!
Online Walkie
Talkie Pro
Remember walkie-talkies? Well, now they’re back in a whole new way! The
smartphone app, Online Walkie Talkie Pro, acts like a real walkie-talkie with
high-quality voice and video capabilities. Users set to the same public
channels can all talk to one another by holding down the PTT button. For
example, seniors can ask their friends to set their app to channel 2, and then
they will all be able to join a group chat that utilizes all the real sound
effects of a walkie-talkie!
Facebook Messenger
Facebook’s Messenger app is also free and available on all smart devices.
Messenger allows seniors to send messages, pictures, and videos with anyone
they’d like – as long as all users have an active Facebook account. This app
also has the capability to set up video calls with a small group of
people.
Senior technology assistance at UMC at Pitman
At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, associates are available to
help residents with communicative apps on their smart devices. Our associates
have the patience, compassion, and knowledge to connect seniors to these new
ways of technology in order to promote the most connected and fulfilling
lifestyle.
For more information about technology usage at UMC
at Pitman in Gloucester County, please contact us today or visit our
website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/
Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/08/23/communicative-tech-for-seniors-best-apps/
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