HHS Blogs

Finding Creative Ways to Engage Older Adults During COVID-19

4/20/2020
by Kathie Sizemore , Program Officer 3, Communications, Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services
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As we navigate the new reality of life during the era of COVID-19, we are having to make difficult adjustments to our comforting routines. This new reality can leave us feeling a bit disconnected and lost.

For older adults who live alone, this adjustment can be especially isolating. Finding new ways to engage and make social connections are critical. Reaching out, volunteering, exercising and trying new technologies are a few ways seniors can combat social isolation.   

Do you need a friend? AARP encourages older adults to reach out to trusted confidantes when feeling alone. Whether a family member, friend, therapist, neighbor or clergy member, identify at least one person with whom you can share your feelings and reach out to them. 

Can you be a friend? Take the opportunity to reach out to others who may be isolated.  This simple act can provide you both with a mutually caring exchange.  You can even develop a “Telephone Tree” group to check in with each other once or twice a week.  The extra time on your hands could motivate you to flip through old phone books and reach out to long-lost friends or relatives and reconnect. 

Use this time to test drive new technology. FacetimeSkypeFacebook Live and Zoom are simple ways to make a face-to-face connection.  Set a date with your tech-savvy grandkids, grab your iPhone, iPad or laptop, and let them be the guides. 

Although local senior centers are closed, they are blending tried and true methods with innovative new programming to keep older adults socially connected while physically distanced. One the one hand, they are making wellness calls and delivering meals and activity kits.  On the other, they are leading video chat groups and hosting on-line exercise classes and virtual field trips. 

The Community Partnership on Aging, which serves older adults in six east side communities, launched “Plugged-In Programming,” a Facebook group that features virtually-focused programming for older adults. The City of Broadview Heights is utilizing a new platform – wethrivetogether.org – to create social connections for older adults by engaging them in classes, discussion groups and other activities.  

Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Centers Association (GCNCA) offers iConnect, a subscription service that connects older adults to daily programming via phone or intranet. Subscribers can enjoy everything from daily morning inspirations to virtual learning, dinnertime chats, and bedtime stories.  

Physical activity can work wonders for lifting your spirit. Many centers are encouraging older adults to take advantage of Silver Sneakers, the digital version of the popular exercise class typically enjoyed onsite. This program is available at no cost for adults 65 and over on participating Medicare plans, and offers over 200 workouts that can be done in the comfort of your own home. 

Older adults who have already recovered from Coronavirus may wish to take an active role in helping others. Volunteering, while social distancing, is a great way to find motivation, take control of your situation and make meaningful connections. Whether you help make telephone reassurance calls, sew cloth face masks, or build activity kits, your efforts are certain to make an impact while filling your heart with joy. Contact your local senior center or food bank to see if they need a hand. Visit the DSAS website to find contact information for your local center.  

Yes, these are challenging times. But together, we can adapt and overcome. If you are feeling alone, take that virtual step towards making a connection. You’ll be surprised by how many people you’ll encounter who are out there waiting to engage with someone just like you.