Tech to Foster Connection - my.aarpfoundation.org

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For a future without senior poverty."> </a> </div> </header> <main class="container pb-20">  <header class="pt-6 pb-7 space-y-4">  <ul class="flex space-x-2 text-sm uppercase font-black breadcrumbs"> <li><a class="text-link-default hover:underline decoration-2 underline-offset-2" href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org">Home</a></li> <li><a class="text-link-default hover:underline decoration-2 underline-offset-2" href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/medicare-savings/">Health</a></li> <li><a class="text-link-default hover:underline decoration-2 underline-offset-2" href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/connection/">Connection and Wellbeing</a></li> </ul>  <div class="space-y-8 lg:space-y-4"> <h1 class="text-5xl font-black leading-none text-deep-ink">Tech to Foster Connection</h1> <p class="text-2xl lg:text-xl leading-tight text-deep-ink"></p> </div> </header> <div class="border-t-2 pt-8 pb-0 lg:pb-16 lg:py-12 lg:grid lg:grid-cols-12 gap-6"> <div class="lg:col-span-8">  <img width="1200" height="690" src="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hero_Tech-fosters-connection_1200x690.jpg" class="w-full object-cover wp-post-image" alt="An older couple facetime a younger girl on a tablet" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hero_Tech-fosters-connection_1200x690.jpg 1200w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hero_Tech-fosters-connection_1200x690-300x173.jpg 300w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hero_Tech-fosters-connection_1200x690-1024x589.jpg 1024w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hero_Tech-fosters-connection_1200x690-768x442.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> <div class="lg:ml-24">  <div class="pt-8 pb-6"> <ul class="flex space-x-2 leading-none"> <li> <div class="st-custom-button cursor-pointer inline-block rounded-full p-2 bg-[#3b5998] hover:opacity-80 text-white" data-network="facebook"> <svg viewBox="0 0 32 32" class="h-5 w-5" fill="currentColor"> <path d="M19 6h5v-6h-5c-3.86 0-7 3.14-7 7v3h-4v6h4v16h6v-16h5l1-6h-6v-3c0-0.542 0.458-1 1-1z"></path> </svg> <span class="sr-only">Share on Facebook</span> </div> </li> <li> <div class="st-custom-button cursor-pointer inline-block rounded-full p-2 bg-black hover:opacity-80 text-white" data-network="twitter"> <svg viewBox="0 0 32 32" class="h-5 w-5" fill="currentColor"> <path d="M24.325 3h4.411l-9.636 11.013 11.336 14.987h-8.876l-6.952-9.089-7.955 9.089h-4.413l10.307-11.78-10.875-14.22h9.101l6.284 8.308zM22.777 26.36h2.444l-15.776-20.859h-2.623z"></path> </svg> <span class="sr-only">Share on Twitter</span> </div> </li> <li> <div class="st-custom-button cursor-pointer inline-block rounded-full p-2 bg-[#2867b2] hover:opacity-80 text-white" data-network="linkedin"> <svg viewBox="0 0 48 48" class="h-5 w-5" fill="currentColor"> <path d="M8.421,14h0.052l0,0C11.263,14,13,12,13,9.5C12.948,6.945,11.263,5,8.526,5S4,6.945,4,9.5C4,12,5.736,14,8.421,14z M4,17h9v26H4V17z M44,26.5c0-5.247-4.253-9.5-9.5-9.5c-3.053,0-5.762,1.446-7.5,3.684V17h-9v26h9V28l0,0c0-2.209,1.791-4,4-4s4,1.791,4,4v15h9C44,43,44,27.955,44,26.5z" /> </svg> <span class="sr-only">Share on LinkedIn</span> </div> </li> </ul> </div>  <div class="prose prose-xl prose-h3:text-2xl prose-a:text-link-default leading-normal text-deep-ink"> <p>More older adults are embracing technology and discovering new ways to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/technology/info-2021/2021-technology-trends-older-americans.html">AARP’s annual technology survey</a>, older adults are video-chatting with loved ones and buying new smart devices that allow them to reach out and connect with the world around them.</p> <p>Wondering how you can do the same? Here are a few examples of the growing number of technologies and tools that may help you overcome social isolation.</p> <div class="cdp-highlighted py-8 prose-base prose-h2:my-0 prose-img:my-0"> <div class="bg-off-white px-10 divide-y"> <div class="py-10"> <div class="flex flex-col lg:flex-row items-start gap-8"> <div class="space-y-2"> <h2 class="text-xl lg:text-2xl font-black">Video Chatting</h2> <div class="cdp-highlighted_body"><p>Video chat apps work on desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones; just make sure everyone you include has the same app installed so you can all connect. There are plenty of free video apps you can use, such as <a href="https://www.cnet.com/how-to/messenger-rooms-heres-how-to-use-facebooks-free-new-video-chat-feature/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook’s Messenger Rooms</a>, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/how-to/google-meet-4-steps-to-setting-up-googles-video-chat-app-free/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Meet</a>, <a href="https://www.skype.com/en/free-conference-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skype Meet Now</a>, <a href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2020/how-to-use-zoom.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-noprompt="">Zoom</a>, or <a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/download/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WhatsApp</a>. Schedule a weekly phone call with loved ones or try one of these <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g32098665/best-games-to-play-on-zoom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fun online group games</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="py-10"> <div class="flex flex-col lg:flex-row items-start gap-8"> <div class="space-y-2"> <h2 class="text-xl lg:text-2xl font-black">Voice-Enabled Smart Speakers</h2> <div class="cdp-highlighted_body"><p>Using only your voice, you can hear the latest news, delicious recipes, your favorite music, your loved ones on the phone, even jokes. You can also play all sorts of games like Song Quiz where you guess the titles of popular songs from the past 60 years. If you live alone, smart speakers can become a companion of sorts and give you someone to talk to. Learn more about smart speakers <a href="https://connect2affect.org/smart-speaker-basics/" data-noprompt="">here</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="py-10"> <div class="flex flex-col lg:flex-row items-start gap-8"> <div class="space-y-2"> <h2 class="text-xl lg:text-2xl font-black">Online Interest Groups</h2> <div class="cdp-highlighted_body"><p>To find social groups and events in your community, visit <a href="https://www.meetup.com/">Meetup</a> or <a href="https://nextdoor.com/">Nextdoor</a>. Meetup facilitates thousands of online and in-person “meetups” every day. Want to find people who love dogs, walking or board games? Search the site for a get-together. Nextdoor instantly connects you to other people living in your neighborhood, giving you a forum to share information and learn the latest local news. It’s a great place to discover events near you, find items for sale or being given away, and strengthen connections in your own community.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Another website to explore is <a href="https://seniorplanet.org/">Senior Planet from AARP</a>, which offers courses, programs, and activities to help older adults learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.</p> <p>In addition, dating sites like <a href="https://www.ourtime.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OurTime</a> and <a href="https://www.silversingles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SilverSingles</a> are designed exclusively for people over 50. You upload a profile and a photo, and then the sites find you potential romantic matches. Another site, <a href="https://www.stitch.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stitch</a>, allows you to search for platonic friendship matches.</p> <p>For help learning how to use the latest technology to strengthen and build personal connections, visit <a href="https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/online/">Senior Planet from AARP</a> for free online tutorials.</p> </div> </div> </div>  <aside class="hidden lg:block lg:col-span-4 lg:mx-10 lg:space-y-44 border-y-2 lg:border-y-0 my-12 lg:my-0"> </aside> </div>  <div class="lg:ml-24"> <div class="space-y-16"> <section> <section class="flex flex-col gap-y-12 lg:grid lg:grid-cols-3 lg:gap-x-6 lg:gap-y-16"> <div class="col-span-1 flex flex-col bg-off-white pb-6"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/how-to-spot-scams/"> <img width="1200" height="690" src="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Spot-Scams_1200x690.jpg" class="h-[220px] w-full object-cover wp-post-image" alt="A close-up of a hand typing on a laptop keyboard in a dark setting." decoding="async" srcset="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Spot-Scams_1200x690.jpg 1200w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Spot-Scams_1200x690-300x173.jpg 300w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Spot-Scams_1200x690-1024x589.jpg 1024w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Spot-Scams_1200x690-768x442.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> </a> <div class="px-5 py-4 space-y-2"> <div class="space-y-1"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/how-to-spot-scams/" class="block font-black text-base lg:text-sm text-red-accessible uppercase">Article</a> <h3 class="text-2xl font-black leading-tight"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/how-to-spot-scams/" class="hover:underline text-deep-ink">How To Protect Your Personal Information Online</a> </h3> </div> <div class="text-lg lg:text-xl pt-1 leading-tight text-deep-ink"><p>With scams on the rise, knowing how to keep your personal information safe is a must. Learn the skills for staying safe online with these tips and a free course.</p> </div> </div> <div class="font-black text-lg lg:text-base text-red-accessible mt-auto px-5 after:content-['_\203a'] after:text-xl after:ml-1"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/how-to-spot-scams/" class="hover:underline">Learn More</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-span-1 flex flex-col bg-off-white pb-6"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/tactics-to-tame-your-inner-critic/"> <img width="1200" height="690" src="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Tactics-Tame-Inner-Critic_1200x690.jpg" class="h-[220px] w-full object-cover wp-post-image" alt="A woman rests her face on one hand while holding a pen in the other in a casual writing position. She's softly smiling while looking off into the distance." decoding="async" srcset="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Tactics-Tame-Inner-Critic_1200x690.jpg 1200w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Tactics-Tame-Inner-Critic_1200x690-300x173.jpg 300w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Tactics-Tame-Inner-Critic_1200x690-1024x589.jpg 1024w, https://my.aarpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CDP_Hero_Tactics-Tame-Inner-Critic_1200x690-768x442.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> </a> <div class="px-5 py-4 space-y-2"> <div class="space-y-1"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/tactics-to-tame-your-inner-critic/" class="block font-black text-base lg:text-sm text-red-accessible uppercase">Article</a> <h3 class="text-2xl font-black leading-tight"> <a href="https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/tactics-to-tame-your-inner-critic/" class="hover:underline text-deep-ink">3 Tips For Taming Your Inner Critic</a> </h3> </div> <div class="text-lg lg:text-xl pt-1 leading-tight text-deep-ink"><p>Practicing mindfulness can help when that little voice inside you turns negative. 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