Many of us have older friends or relatives who are living by themselves and are isolated due to the pandemic. Isolation can turn into depression, but you can make a difference. Here are a few ideas to make their day better, and probably yours, too. Power up your Zoom Share Screen and here we go:
1. Scan some old photos, the ones from decades ago. Share your screen and ask your dad who those people are. The stories will come pouring out.
2. Find some family movies that have been digitized. Share your screen and relive better times.
3. Ask your aunt the name of her elementary school, go to Google Maps, and find it. Chances are it’s still there. Ask her who her favorite teacher was or her best friend. If not her school, how about her childhood home? If it’s not there anymore, use the Google Maps compass to circle around the neighborhood – she may see the park down the block or her friend’s house across the street.
4. Call an elderly friend and ask what her first car was. Find it on Google images. Ask her who taught her to drive and if she ever went on a road trip.
5. And, the one I love the most: What was their favorite song in their teenage years? Go to YouTube, enter the name of the singer, the song, and ‘karaoke version.’ Who doesn’t like a sing-a-long? (My favorite? ‘Hit the Road, Jack’ with Ray Charles, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olgpvUsmpUw)
And if you’re missing company, call up your kids, grandkids, and friends. Show them your photos, where they were taken, and your memories of that day. It will make you happy and happiness is contagious. They’ll be happy, too.
P.S. If you need help with Zoom and/or Screen Sharing, you know where to find me.
Nancy‘s Tech Help for Older Adults
310-365-9951 • [email protected] • www.nancys-tech-help.com
Nancy Spear is available at Nancy’s Tech Help for Older Adults, and her column here is sponsored by Ting Internet.
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