5 Ways to Reach Out to Friends and Family Online (During the Holidays and Beyond)
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5 Ways to Reach Out to Friends and Family Online (During the Holidays and Beyond)

Whether seniors have friends and family primarily located in the Macomb and Port Huron area or they have family scattered far beyond Utica and Richmond, reaching out to everyone, even during the holidays, can feel very difficult. Trying to avoid illness while navigating interactions with loved ones can prove even more daunting. Fortunately, there are several strategies that seniors can do to reach out to friends and family online and connect with the people they love most during the holidays and beyond.

1. Send out a virtual holiday card.

For families looking for a way to break the ice and start an interaction with friends and loved ones far away, a virtual holiday card is a great way to get started. With a virtual holiday card, families can share information about what they've been up to (including, in many cases, why the past year has been so chaotic that communication has slowed down!) and open the door to future interaction.

2. Start a family group chat or social media group.

Social media groups are a great way to reach out to friends and family online. Friends and family members can keep up with everything going on with one another in one setting. Frequently, social media groups offer the chance to share information that family members might not necessarily want to share with everyone on their contacts list, but that they might want to make sure family members know about. They are also a great way to engage in family-wide conversations. Group chats, on the other hand, can help offer more direct communication and chatter.

3. Schedule a video call.

Video calls offer a great way for seniors to connect with loved ones near and far. With video calls, seniors may feel as though their loved ones are near, even when they're halfway across the country. They are also a great way to attend holiday events virtually, especially if illness prevents them from attending in person.

4. Make plans for a virtual game night.

Virtual game nights are a great way to bring friends and family together from a distance. Games can also allow them to celebrate together even when they can't actually come together in person. Many games, including Pictionary or charades, are perfect for a virtual environment. Family members may also choose to connect to play on online platforms. Multiplayer apps make it easy for friends and loved ones to come together.

5. Hold a watch party.

When family members cannot come together to watch holiday movies in person, a watch party offers a great opportunity to watch from anywhere. Platforms like Teleparty, or even Prime Video Watch Party, make it easy for friends and family members to connect for an online watch party. This also means everyone can watch from the comfort of their own living rooms!

Senior Helpers of Richmond Can Help with Feelings of Isolation During the Holidays and Beyond

For seniors in Utica or Richmond who find themselves struggling to connect with loved ones or feeling enhanced isolation during the holidays, Senior Helpers of Richmond can help.

Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services and how we can help seniors this holiday season.