Staying Active with Virtual Technology During COVID-19

April 6, 2020  |  By Brandon Schleeter  |  Families & Caregivers Healthy Aging

They say “necessity is the mother of invention,” and the old proverb is certainly ringing true during this time of social isolation. While everyone is feeling the effects of being socially distant from others, the senior population is particularly vulnerable. You have probably read about actual physical vulnerability to the COVID-19 virus, but now that the dust is beginning to settle on this strange new national routine, attention is beginning to shift toward the tangible side effects that seniors are beginning to experience.

From seniors who rely on home health services for their personal needs to restrictions on shopping, seniors are experiencing higher side effects from social isolation as services continue to become scarce. That’s not to mention the strict limitations imposed on the limited social events seniors engage in. Stories from major outlets are beginning to publish detailing those risks:

COVID-19 causes more harm to seniors than just death

How to help older relatives use video calling during coronavirus

Grandparenting goes digital as virus keeps older adults home

Seniors at home now find themselves restricted from meeting with friends for lunch, attending senior center events, or visiting family and friends at home. In a creative twist to this challenge, many seniors are turning to technology to stay connected. From FaceTime to meet with family and friends to Facebook live to meet with groups, many personal and business opportunities have suddenly sprung up as alternate options. The virtual meeting app Zoom has also seen a massive surge in use.

We have listed some of our favorite virtual meetings to stay active below as well as Arrow Senior Living’s guide to using Zoom! If you are a senior at home looking for resources during this time of semi-quarantine “social distancing,” we hope these resources will be helpful for mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. If you know a senior who can benefit from these resources, please share!

How Arrow Senior Living Communities are Staying Active

Arrow Senior Living has been on the leading edge of creating engaging virtual events for residents and guests to continue to feel socially connected. Visit the Staying Active page for previous events and a link to upcoming events. Be sure to follow Arrow Senior Living on Facebook for the most up-to-date information!

Staying Active at Arrow Senior Living during COVID-19

Arrow Senior Living Facebook

Learn to Use Zoom

Arrow Senior Living Guide to Zoom

Virtual Experiences

San Diego Zoo Live Cameras

Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cameras

Tour the Louvre

Tour Yellowstone National Park

50 Best Virtual Museum Tours

Virtual Tour of the Winchester House

The Metropolitan Opera Virtual Events

Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center

Physical Wellness

Virtual Exercise with Michelle

Planet Fitness “Work Ins”

Silver Sneakers Full Work Out

Silver Sneakers “The Happiness Effect”

Silver Sneakers Diet Basics