Retirement living in Kamloops has become significantly different over the past few years as the advancements in technology has provided much more opportunities for entertainment, engagement, and lifestyle activities for residents. Seniors now have much more access to the world around them to help foster a sense of purpose and well-being during their retirement years. Here are just a few of the ways technology can contribute to our connectivity and engagement with our world and peers.
Social Media
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have become great places where seniors can view the things that are happening in the lives of their friends, family, and even celebrities and public figures they may enjoy. These platforms are a great way to stay connected with those we are unable to see often along with having the ability to participate in forums about topics that we are passionate about. In addition to watching what happens on social media, seniors can also choose to post their own photos or discussions to share with their circle of friends and family as well.
Video Calling and Messaging
Video calling and online messaging is one of the greatest technological advances we have had as it now allows us to communicate not only through text but through video with our friends and family no matter the distance from one another. Applications such as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime are some of the best platforms to administer video calling and they are all free to use from most devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. For text messaging, applications such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are great for sharing photos and other text messages to specific contacts for free. Having the ability to contact anyone you would like, whether it be through text messaging or face-to-face video calling, is a great way to stay connected even when you are far from each other.
Virtual Classes and Online Communities
Many organizations and educational institutions such as Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube offer virtual classes and workshops that are tailored to different interests and hobbies for seniors. There are courses for learning new skills, exploring one’s creativity, and other topics such as history, science, and more. In addition to virtual classes providing the opportunity for lifelong learning, they also provide the opportunity to engage with others and meet new people with similar interests through online forums and group projects.
Health and Fitness Apps
Health and fitness apps have revolutionized the way seniors can take care of themselves without having to leave their residence. Applications such as DailyYoga, AppleFitness+, and Map My Fitness Workout Trainer are all great apps that help motivate seniors to take part in fitness activities. Many apps also provide guided workouts and stretching routines that are easy to follow along with as well. In addition to physical fitness, there are mental fitness applications such as Lumosity, CogniFit, and GEIST which provide seniors with puzzles and memory exercises to keep their brains active and sharp. These apps can be accessed through any Apple or Android device such as a smartphone or tablet. They can also be taken on the go so that you never have to miss out on a day.
Senior Living Management Software
A great resource for staying connected while living in a retirement community in Kamloops is having access to seniors living management software such as InTouchLink. InTouchLink is used at The Residence at Orchard Walk and allows for organization, entertainment, learning, video-calling, and much more. The software is an easy-to-use communication platform where retirement community staff and residents can communicate their activities and meals with others outside of the retirement community, and can also communicate their enjoyment of activities and meals to staff with simple surveys.
Virtual Travel and Cultural Experiences
Traveling comes with many obstacles and challenges during the planning process, along with the actual travel process. Luckily, technology allows for a remote option where you can still learn about different landmarks and cultures from around the world, without having to leave your residence. Websites like Beeyonder offer individuals the experience of virtual tours live from different areas of the world. During these tours, individuals can speak directly to the local guide throughout a private tour and learn whatever they like about their chosen destination. Virtual travel provides you the opportunity to visit many landmarks all in one day without having to experience any of the stress of planning in advance.
Technology has provided so many new opportunities for those in retirement communities in Kamloops to allow for new experiences and discoveries along with better social connectivity with the ease of simply opening a device. By embracing these technological advancements, seniors can stay connected with friends and family, learn more about their passions and hobbies, keep themselves on a fitness routine, and take part in new cultural experiences during their free-time.