The spread of the corona virus affects everyone. However, it is particularly dangerous for part of society – seniors. And that in a double sense, because the corona crisis threatens not only your health, but also your social life.
Social contacts keep you fit and protect you from loneliness. But employment and self-employment are also essential to continue integrating the older population into social life – especially now.
In times of social distancing, many activities are now taking place online. What we easily forget: The Internet still poses a major hurdle for many seniors (especially when we speak of 70 to 80 plus). That is why it is now up to us to take care of older people and bring them closer to the digital world.
We've been thinking about a few things on this huge internet out there that are making life easier for seniors – and that we should teach them. How? If possible via video telephony.
5 "Internet things" that we should now show grandma and grandpa
Skype, Messenger & Co.
You already have your grandma, neighbor or aunt on the phone and can even see them? Well, then most of it is already done. Video telephony itself is now possible with almost every smartphone. But if you want to hold a coffee chat with the family, you shouldn't miss any. So we try to explain Skype or other chat formats with video options using voice instructions and videos!
Supermarket delivery services
So, so important! The risk group should really try to protect themselves during the corona crisis – and of course this works best if they also avoid going to the supermarket. You still have to shop, luckily there are now delivery services for numerous supermarkets. Let’s show them to seniors – and as an emergency solution, we’ll just order for them
Media libraries, Netflix & Co.
If we had taken care of the most urgent – people and food – we come to a not less important part: employment. Even our grandma no longer has to watch TV when she misses her favorite show. Now is the time to share our streaming accounts and make seniors aware of media libraries, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Imagine you didn't even know Gilmore Girls, Modern Family and Friends – that opens up whole worlds.
Spotify, bookbeats, podcasts
The same applies to Spotify and Co. Podcasts in particular are an incredibly good remedy for loneliness. Invite older people to your family account, share playlists and podcasts with them – and they're at least as up to date as you are.
YouTube tutorials
Sounds weird? But it's a good thing: even if we can't really imagine our grandma with YouTubers, the video platform offers completely different worlds. There is a video for almost every area of interest, from garden tutorials to cooking school. Even knitting can be wonderfully learned again! So you can find a new hobby super on YouTube.
Here we have a few tips for you on how you can be close to your loved ones despite social distancing – and how you can do good in the corona crisis. Together, we will do it!