Senior Helpers Shares Ideas for Staying in Touch Through Technology

Staying in touch through technology may be easier than you think

The Internet enables users to engage in online shopping and communication with other family members and social groups and reduces isolation and loneli­ness. Web cams and video technology offer instant virtual communication environments within different areas of a house or in different cities.

Several free or low-cost technological tools, beyond cell phones and medical alert devices, can be especially helpful for seniors trying to stay in touch with family, friends, and caretakers. Loved ones can find some comfort in knowing that their elderly family members have tech­nology available to them. After checking out a few of these technological tools, you will soon become a “Silver Surfer!”

• Skype™ ( www.skype.com) is a software platform that enables free video and voice calls with other Skype users.
• Presto™ (www.presto.com) is an affordable “printing mailbox” ser­vice that allows someone who does not have a computer to get set up with a Presto email address to receive emails and photos that get transformed into printable electronic letters.
• www.genkvetch.com is described as “social networking for those who recall rotary phones and 45-rpm records.”
• For baby boomer women’s health news and information visit www.thirdage.com (also described as being “For the Woman Who Wasn’t Born Yesterday, and Makes the Most of Today!”).
• To “build your personal profile, share photos, publish a blog, join groups, subscribe to e-newsletters, connect with others, and more-all for free” go to www.aarp.org/onlinecommunity.
• “For seasoned travelers of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s”go to www.my­boomerplace.com.
• Facebook (www.facebook.com) is a popular social media site that enables you to stay in touch with friends, check out family members’ pictures, and play word games.
• FamiliLink (www.Famililink.com) is a website that enables seniors to stay in touch with their online family and friends.