Contributed by Karen Weeks of Elder Wellness
Today’s senior citizens have an advantage that previous generations lacked: the Internet. With
access to the countless resources available online, today’s elderly can fight loneliness and
cognitive decline even as their health and mobility become limited. Here are seven ways that
seniors can socialize, learn new skills, and stay active, all from the comfort of home.
- Social Networks
Social networks let seniors keep in touch with friends and family, see the latest pictures of
children and grandchildren, and play games and share in discussion with friends and
acquaintances. Social networks also have the benefit of being easy to use, making them a great
entry point for less tech-savvy seniors.
- Online Games
Aging adults can keep their minds sharp with single-player online games like crosswords,
sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles, as well as “brain training” games. Online multiplayer games provide
the same stimulation with the added benefit of a social element, although not all of them are
suitable for beginners. Check out this list for games that are easy to learn.
- Online Music Lessons
According to National Geographic, playing an instrument has the power to “enhance and build
connections within the brain,” even if you don’t start playing until late in life. Online music
lessons are an excellent option for seniors who can’t travel for in-person instruction. For seniors
with arthritis, woodwind instruments like the clarinet offer more pain-free playing than more
common instruments like the piano or guitar. Even if seniors have never picked up a clarinet in
their lives, they can find the right fit with an online clarinet buying guide.
- Free College Courses
For seniors with a thirst for learning, free online courses are the perfect way to stay mentally
engaged in retirement. Whether they want to dabble in a diversity of subjects or pursue a
passion that was pushed aside during their career, seniors can find relevant courses through
websites like Coursera, Udemy, edX, and more. This rundown from Lifehack will help seniors
choose the best educational resource for their needs.
- Fitness Videos
Staying active is just as important for seniors as it is for younger adults. However, getting to the
gym isn’t always easy for seniors, and they may feel too intimidated to go at all. Online workout
videos provide a great alternative to a gym membership. While there are many free exercise
videos to be found online, not all of them are appropriate for people with limited mobility. Heart
and Soul Fitness is a welcome exception, with dozens of free videos designed for seniors.
6. Citizen Science
For older adults who are curious about the natural world, contributing to citizen science projects
is a fun way to explore interests and feel like a part of a broader community. Seniors can use
the Internet to report bird sightings, submit recordings of frog and toad calls or examine
microscopic images for interstellar dust.
Retirement quickly becomes boring if you’re not learning and doing, but the effects of age make
it difficult for many seniors to get out of the house. By making use of resources available online,
seniors can find stimulation and interaction no matter their disability status. These six
suggestions are just a taste of the possibilities. If the senior in your life has an interest that isn’t
covered here, do a little digging—you’ll be amazed at what you can find online.
Seniors in Maryland who have trouble seeing the computer screen or using a computer keyboard or mouse should contact Maryland TAP to learn about different computer access methods and assistive technology that could make the computer easier to use! mdtap@mdtap.org
