Even if they don’t live near you, try to stay in touch with your friends, family, and loved ones. You’re thinking to yourself, “Easier said than done.” Perhaps you haven’t spoken to someone in a long time and are hesitant to contact them now. After all this time, what would you talk about? Maybe you’ve stopped phoning your kids or working friends because you don’t want to bother them with their jobs and families. Years ago, it used to be more difficult to communicate with your loved ones. It’s much easier now, thanks to current technologies. 

Getting in touch

Many smartphones have cameras and built-in systems that allow you to video call. Or if your phone doesn’t have this built-in feature, you can download a free app that will allow you to do it.

• If you have an iPhone, you might be familiar with FaceTime, a built-in feature that allows you to make video calls to other people who have iPhones.
• Video calling is also available on tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. You can download video calling software at no cost to you. Try Skype, ooVoo, Talky, and Google Hangouts.
•  If you don’t have a device with a camera, you can buy a camera online or at your local retailer (Walmart, Target, BestBuy, etc.) and attach it to your laptop or desktop through a USB cable.
• Phone calls: Picking up the phone and calling your loved ones has never been so easy. With mobile phones, it’s easy to stay in touch with friends and family, even on the go.
• Texting: Texting is an easy and fast way to say hello or just check in on your loved ones.
• Email: Email is great if time differences are an issue when staying in touch with loved ones. Send pictures, stories, attachments, and videos with ease.
• Social media: Using platforms like Facebook and Instagram make sharing pictures, videos, and life updates easy. If you haven’t used forms of social media before, ask your grandkids if they can give you a hand.
• Exercise: at EliteHealth we offer a full lineup of online exercise classes that will keep you in shape and connected. Visit elitehealth.com to see our schedule.
• Zoom Events: connect with friends, learn how to improve your health with our doctor talks, and meet friends at our zoom events available every day. Check our schedule and join! It’s free. It is a great opportunity to invite a friend to join as well.

Staying in touch with people and socializing also has some surprising health benefits:

• Fewer mental health issues: Being social keeps your mind active and helps prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
• Better physical health: Socially active people tend to be more physically active. When you are with friends or family, you are more likely to make healthier choices.
• Longer life: Live longer and happier by having a good group of friends. Loved ones are there to support you and take stress off of you.
• Feeling like you belong: By maintaining relationships through technology, it allows you to feel like you have a support system. Even though your family and friends may not be there in-person, they are still able to be there for you through communication.
• Less isolation and loneliness: Staying connected with people helps you stay positive and decreases your risk for feelings of loneliness and depression.

Don’t let distance get in the way of your relationships. These relationships not only play a key role in keeping you happy. They also keep you healthy! Keep forming new connections and continue old ones through the power of technology.