Increasingly, virtual communities are engaging homebound older adults and helping to address social isolation. Loneliness and social isolation are serious public health issues affecting older adults. Social isolation can lead to mental and physical health conditions. including depression and premature death.
Tens of thousands of homebound older adults live in near or total isolation. Fortunately, online communities and virtual friendly visitor programs can help ensure social engagement. The New York Times editorial board reports on a New York City program that brings together homebound older adults and combats loneliness.
All types of engagement can take place in these virtual communities. Depending upon your interests, you could hear live music, discuss a book, take a history class, watch a skit or just talk and make new friends.
Whatever you do to engage socially is good for your mental and physical health.
How to find a virtual community? You could ask your local senior center or place of worship whether they offer one. Even if they do not, they are easy to set up online.
Some programs offer to bring a computer to your home, along with someone to set it up and show you how to use it. Some programs offer daily classes. From there, you can make new friends and be in touch directly by phone or computer. Of course, you could also meet in person.
You might also want to check out virtual friendly visiting programs.
Whatever you do, so long as you find joy from doing it, it’s a benefit. It gives people purpose. It counteracts the social isolation of being homebound, which can lead to depression and heart disease.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Online social networks may extend your life
- Who’s your health care buddy?
- Improve your health with a buddy
- Older adults struggle to age in place and get care
- Adults use dining app to make new friends
