Staying Connected

Staying Connected

Interested in social engagement and connection? Begin here with these Commit to Connect resources:

• Social Isolation: Who Is At Risk?
  People of all ages, backgrounds and income levels can experience social isolation and loneliness, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the situation.
• Social Isolation: What’s in a Name?
  Although related, social isolation and loneliness are not the same thing.
• Key Facts About Social Isolation and Older Adults
  Learn more about how social isolation impacts older adults and how this can be addressed.
• Social Isolation: Is Your Health at Risk?
  A growing body of research shows the health risks of social isolation.
• 10 Benefits of Social Relationships
  People thrive when we get and give ample social support — that feeling of being cared for, listened to, and loved.
• Giving the Gift of Connection
  Connecting with other people is a huge part of our lives — and it’s essential to our health and well-being. It’s also a huge part of what makes the holidays special. The good news is there are many ways we can connect, even if we’re physically apart. And if you’re still looking for hat perfect gift idea, you can’t go wrong with the gift of connection.
• The Gift of Connection Infographic
  The Administration for Community Living released this infographic to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers through the holidays. 
• Engage Virtually Infographic
  Staying connected is essential to good physical and mental health. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them.

Not sure how to get started? These resources have lots of suggestions:

• AARP Local
  Free search tool that helps people find local events, news, volunteer opportunities, and resources.
• Create Connections Using Technology
  engAGED National Resource Center from USAging. Ways older adults can use technology to create and maintain social connections. 
• Create Connections Without Technology
  engAGED National Resource Center from USAging. Tech-free resources and activities to help older adults stay engaged.
• Feeling Good & Staying Connected Activity Guide
  California Department of Aging. Ideas to help people of any age stay engaged.
• Social Isolation and Loneliness Toolkit
  National Institute on Aging. Health information materials for older adults, caregivers, and health care providers.
• Staying Connected at Home During COVID-19
  Eldercare Locator and engAGED National Resource Center. Suggestions for how to prevent social isolation and loneliness while staying safe. Available in English and Spanish.
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation
  SAMHSA. Fact sheet on feelings and thoughts people may have, and suggested ways to cope.
• Guidelines for delivering telewellness programs to older adults with disabilities
  Tips for designing wellness classes delivered via video conferencing, or “telewellness” classes, for older adults with disabilities. 

Connect While Helping Others

• Best Practices for Virtual Volunteers
  AARP Foundation. Guide offering tips and tricks for giving back at a distance.
• Community Connections
  AARP. Helps you to connect with people in your community and find support when you need it.
• Create the Good
  AARP. Connects you with volunteer opportunities to share your life experiences, skills and passions in your community.
• Explore hundreds of virtual opportunities to share your talents, skills, and knowledge – from home.

Activities You Might Like

Try out these activities that you can do alone, together with your family and friends, or as a way to meet new people.    

Get Creative

• Combat Social Isolation
  Erie County, NY Senior Services. Ideas for activities to stimulate your mind and combat boredom.
• Stuck at Home (Together)
  AARP and Foundation of Art & Healing. Encourage creative expression and enable social connection with these tools and resources.

Share Your Story

• PBS American Portrait
  Give a glimpse into your life and get a peek into others’ perspectives as part of this collective, connective project.
• StoryCorps Connect
  Record a StoryCorps interview with a loved one remotely using video conference technology.

Just Want to Chat?

• AARP Friendly Voice
  Sometimes, hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help in challenging times. Trained AARP volunteers will call to say hello. 
• Connect2Affect’s Chatbot
  Provides friendly conversation to build social connections. Conversations are secure, private, and accessible 24/7.
• SAGEConnect. Matches volunteers with LGBT elders for casual, friendly conversations.
• Virtual Senior Center
  A senior center without walls, using technology to connect home-bound and socially isolated seniors to their communities.
• Warmlines. Unlike a hotline for those in crisis, provides emotional support that can prevent a crisis. Lines are typically free, and offer confidential support from peers who have experienced mental health conditions.
• Well Connected
  Virtual community offering free phone and online activities that build community through conversations, games, and education.