Until you reach an age when you are retired, as much from the outside world as from your place of employment, you will never understand just how important it is to stay connected to loved ones. Not only are our adult children vitally important in our lives as they have always been, but grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even extended family like cousins and their children can keep us connected to life, in general. It is this sense of family that keeps us going from day to day, and this is what you might want to know. Not only is understanding why staying in touch important but so, too, are a few ways to make it happen.
Regular Visits if Geographically Possible
When your parents decided to downsize at some point, they probably looked into the benefits of supportive living. This is something that falls somewhere between independent living and assisted living in that there is some amount of care available, but not to the extent where they need a caregiver on call 24/7. Senior residences like the Pathway to Living location in Olney, Illinois offer this type of plan and they do encourage regular visits from family if at all possible. They truly understand just how important this sense of connection can be.
Social Media
Social media is a great resource for staying in contact with loved ones all over the world. It only requires internet connectivity and either a computer or some sort of mobile device. Even a cell phone has a browser or an app that can enable seniors to set up a profile. Whether posting on each other’s pages, messaging back and forth, or sending photos regularly, it is a great way to stay socially connected, which is why it’s called “social media.” Bear in mind that even posts every few days keep seniors going, knowing that there are still people out there who care and that although separated by distance, they are never alone.
Video Chats – Scheduled and Spontaneous
Video chats are so much fun, especially when they are spontaneous. With our busy schedules, we often set up regular times to video chat with our aging relatives. However, it’s those spontaneous ‘surprise’ video chats that liven things up! It’s always fun to startle mother as she’s in the kitchen battling with preparing dad’s favorite meal. Or, video chatting dad when he’s trying to put together the latest contraption your mother ordered off Amazon. These add a spark of laughter in the lives of your elderly parents and should always be something used as that extra special way of saying “I love you.”
The important thing to know is that your parents love you and would never want to be a burden. They do, however, want (expect?) to stay connected, and this is often that one last driving force keeping them going day after day, year after year. You have so many ways to stay connected that previous generations never go to enjoy, so take advantage of them while you can. A little joy in the life of your elderly parents can go a very, very long way.