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Engage Virtually to

Stay Connected

c

onnection and a sense of com-munity can be critical
to well-being as people continue to dis-tance and
isolate. It can be challeng-ing, especially for older
adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay
attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your phys-ical health, and consider these ideas from the
Administration for Community Living.

Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or recon-nect with people you haven't seen in a while.
• Take advantage of video call plat-forms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them.
• Write letters to friends and remi-nisce about some of your favorite memories.
• Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories.
• Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and com-munity
bulletins.

• Take free courses online. With sub-jects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign lan-guages
there is something for nearly everyone.
Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live webcams that
allow you to watch the animals in real
• Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collec-
tions online through virtual tours.
• Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experi-ences you can access anytime from the com-
fort of home.

• Check your library's free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow with-out leaving home. Consider joining a virtual
book club to connect with oth-ers enjoying the same book.
• Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtual-
ly.
• Catch free performances online.
• Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences.
• Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat. Many streaming services offer
free trials and some even have a way to watch together online.

For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or
eldercare.acl.gov.

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