Showing posts with label resources for seniiors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resources for seniiors. Show all posts

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Ways to connect as we open up


Here are nine ways to connect with seniors whether they’re happy and bored or feeling lonely and anxious.
Pick up the phone
Phone calls, from sons, daughters, siblings’, grandchildren, or friends, are having a wonderful effect on seniors. Getting an impromptu call or scheduling one in advance helps loved ones get the social connection that happened naturally before the pandemic from family visits.

Make a video call
Thanks to technology, some families were already connecting using video call apps like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Hangouts or Zoom.

Connect seniors with their peers
Help connect your parents with their peers or community groups outside the family. Is there a fellow resident or friend whose company your mom enjoys? A church or other community group your dad is especially missing? Many community groups have gone online.

Host a family dinner or game night online
Many families have arranged to have dinner together online to enjoy the social time they’re craving. If the senior in your life likes playing games organize a video call to play together. Try games such as charades, 20 questions, karaoke or trivia.

Connect Mom to a friendly voice
Seniors can get additional support and enjoying friendly chats with volunteers thanks to the many volunteer programs available to seniors. In BC if you are a senior who wants someone to talk, you can call 211, or if you want to volunteer to talk to a senior call 211.  All across Canada  seniors at high risk of feeling isolated are also getting daily calls from qualified volunteers, who reach out to proactively help those in need.

Set goals together
If you have a loved one who’s well, consider setting mini-goals together, such as doing something physically active each day to boost the release of endorphins. Seniors who are self-isolating at home, can stretch, perform stand-up-sit-downs or lift makeshift weights (such as soup cans or books). Or set a goal where you both agree to reach out to friends you haven’t spoken to in a while, then check-in and share how those calls went. If your parent is accustomed to using a computer, you could both look at online tours together. Whenever you can give someone an incentive to think positively and focus on actions they can take to stay well, it can be helpful. It helps create a sense of control and purpose when so much is beyond our control right now.

Change your opening
If asking your loved one how they’re doing is sending you both into a downward spiral on every call, consider changing the opening question. For example, you could say something like this: This is a challenging time for everyone, but reflecting on what we are grateful for, and what we are appreciating about our day, can spark a more positive conversation. You could ask, “What are five things that went well in your day today?” The answer doesn’t matter as much as the positive feelings and thoughts that come from intentionally looking at what’s going well, in spite of tough circumstances.

Validate feelings
If your loved one is feeling very concerned, afraid or worried, let them express those feelings. If you shut them down, some of us may become withdrawn thinking no one wants to listen. Remind yourself and your loved one that this is a challenging time for society and humankind. It’s OK to feel however they’re feeling. If they’re upset during a call, give them space without trying to problem-solve.  Validate their feelings, and then share some of yours to connect over common ground.

Arrange an outdoor visit
My wife and I are going to visit her aunt this week and we are going to do a chat with her from the balcony (weather permitting. Families who have gathered at a safe distance in parking lots to serenade their loved ones on their birthdays get a big lift from these expressions of love.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

A Senior’s Guide to Stay Connected – Part 4

The following are a collection of videos that was created by a number of producers, and they have been put together into one series because they are geared to the way the majority of seniors learn. 

SERIES 4: OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS
Video Conferencing
How to Set Up FaceTime Want to use FaceTime to call and video chat with your family and friends, but not exactly sure how to get started? Watch this video tutorial to learn the steps of setting up FaceTime on your iOS device.

Using FaceTime This tutorial is a demonstration of how to use FaceTime, showing how to make and receive calls and exploring FaceTime options in depth.
Skype Course ln this course you will learn: What Skype is Download & Install Skype Create a New Skype Account Log-in & Out of your Account Find family and friends Make your first Video Call Instant Messaging Why Learn Skype?

How To Install And Use Skype For Free This video describes step-by-step how to install and use Skype to make audio and video chat calls.

How to use Skype - Beginners Guide Before Zoom there was Skype and many seniors may already be familiar with Skype. Skype is a video, audio and chat app by Microsoft. The app free and is available on Mac and PC and on iPhone and Android. It allows you to chat with your contacts that have a skype account.

2020 Google Hangouts Meet Tutorial Hangouts Meet is a video conferencing tool by Google that allows you to join or start a meeting with colleagues. You can easily facilitate these meetings by sharing your microphone and screen. You can share your screen, chat with participants, and integrate with Google Calendar.

How To Use Zoom | Video Conferencing Tutorial for Beginners ZOOM is free video-conferencing software that is simple to set up and easy to use for all skill levels. This software allows you to use your phone, tablet or computer to host or join online video conferences. This video covers: How to use ZOOM, how to host a meeting, Video conferencing features, how to join a meeting.

Facebook Messenger Video Call Tutorial In this video, we show you the basic steps needed to start a video call using Facebook Messenger.

Facebook
Facebook guide for beginners New to Facebook? The presenter walks you through the basics and is geared to those below the age of 75: Joining Facebook & Privacy Settings, editing your profile, Finding & adding friends, Facebook pages, Your News Feed, Messages & Messenger, Facebook Groups: the secret, closed & public, Using Facebook Search

Facebook for Seniors, Grandparents & Boomers This video takes a slightly different approach to learn Facebook and is designed for those over 75. It begins with a screen walkthrough of how to create a profile on Facebook. Use the times below to go straight to the questions:
                        ·     How do I post on Facebook?
·        When I write a name in a comment, what does it do?
·        What is social media?
·        My family says I need Facebook, what is that?
·        I just got an email, why do I need a Facebook?
·        Who can find me on Facebook?
·        Can everybody see everything I post on Facebook?
·        Can you get a computer virus from Facebook?
·        What are the ads and notifications on the right side of my Facebook page?

Learn Facebook: Easy Video Tutorial For Seniors Another introduction to Facebook and it focuses on how to upload pictures, tag people, add videos using cut and paste and how to connect with other Facebook users.

10 Things You Should Never Share on Facebook Posting too much information on Facebook might be unsafe for you and your family. Here're 10 things you should delete from your Facebook.

YouTube
How to Create a YouTube Account This video shows you how to set up a YouTube Account.

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Here's some advice on how to make sure your first video turns out great!

12 Cool YouTube Tricks You Should Be Using These are 12 useful YouTube tips and tricks that you should be using. Many of these cool YouTube tricks will give you more functionality and make your overall viewing experience better.

Instagram
Instagram Tutorial 2020 - Beginner's Training Guide This video will walk you through using Instagram, step by step. The presenter is fast, but all you have to do is stop, play the section again. This video starts with a new app download, a new profile, exploring Instagram, following new people and posting your first photo or video.

Pinterest
How To Use Pinterest For Beginners A 2018 Tutorial. Pinterest is a social media website that allows you to save websites, blogs, videos and any other content to boards by pinning pictures. This video will walk you step by step with Pinterest sign up, setting up Pinterest, how to create a Pinterest account, your account, and actually using Pinterest.


WhatsApp
How to Use WhatsApp - 2020 Beginner's Guide WhatsApp is own by Facebook along with Instagram. It’s a messaging app similar to text messages on your phone. You can also make calls on the app and send and receive photos and videos.

Texting
Text and Email Emoticons Explained: What They Mean and How to Create Them on a Keyboard This video introduces the emoticons and the emojis you may have seen in texts, emails, social media postings and ore and explains what they mean and how to create them on your keyboard.

Monday, April 27, 2020

A Guide to Stay Connected – Part 3

If you know a senior who wants to learn to use social media videos, then send them the links so they can learn how to stay in touch with loved ones using their phones, tablets, iPads, laptop or desktop.

SERIES 3: TECH SAVVY SENIORS
The next series is called Tech Savvy Seniors: Tips and Tricks and How to Videos by Jim Costa Films and it offers seniors a view on how to use social media effectively. Jim Costa has a series that is useful to anyone, but he does focus on helping senior citizens become tech-savvy and helping seniors to become more familiar with technology to improve and better their lives. Jim has been a professional photographer and video producer for over 3 decades.

In the series, he offers tips, how-to advice and suggestions on tech topics including learning computers, smartphones, software, apps, photography, videography, video editing, audio production, lighting and more. Using a step by step process these videos provide a series that introduces seniors, to understand communication tools and Internet technology. Each video has a number of tips and tricks geared to help seniors gain a better understanding of social media. To connect go to

The series has 104 videos. Here are a few of the ones he has created:

Technology Seniors should learn
Technology Seniors Should Embrace This video introduces new technology that senior citizens should use to better their lives by staying active, healthy and safe.

Technology Senior Citizens Should Learn to Use This video offers tips and advice on technology that senior citizens should learn to use to improve their quality of life.

Technology for Seniors and the Elderly Part 1 of 2 This video discusses how senior citizens can first get access to and start to use the internet.

Technology for Seniors and the Elderly Part 2 of 2 This video continues the discussion of how senior citizens can first get access to and start to use the internet.

Technology to Help Seniors Remain at Home This video shows the technology available to help senior citizens remain in their homes rather than move into assisted living.

Email
How to Set up a Free Outlook, Gmail, Mail, AOL or Yahoo Email Account These step by step instructions will guide you through the process to set up your own email account and then send you the first message.

How to Keep Your Email Secure From Viruses and Malicious Software This video is a tutorial on how to keep your email secure from viruses and malicious software.

Google
Our recommendation is to reverse the order of the three Google tips videos…as the third one has the beginner basics that will hold interest and motivation to learn. 

Mastering Google Tips & Tricks This video offers 14 tips and tricks to master the search engine, Google. It is video #1 of 3 in the series and offers insider tips to learn secrets of searching Google for the best and most relevant results.

Mastering Google Tips & Tricks Video 2 This video offers 14 tips and tricks to master the search engine, Google. It is video #2 of 3 in the series and offers insider tips to learn secrets of searching Google for the best and most relevant results.

Mastering Google Tips & Tricks Video 3 This video offers 14 tips and tricks to master the search engine, Google. It is video #3 of 3 in the series and offers insider tips to learn secrets of searching Google for the best and most relevant results.

iPhones
How to Extend The Battery Life of Your iPhone Battery Part 1 of 2 This video offers 10 tips and tricks to extend the life of your iPhone battery. It is video #1 of 2 in the series and offers insider tips to learn secrets to extend the life of your iPhone batteries.

How to Extend The Battery Life of Your iPhone Part 2 of 2 his video offers 10 tips and tricks to extend the life of your iPhone battery. It is video #2 of 2 in the series and offers insider tips to learn secrets to extend the life of your iPhone batteries.

Mistakes Your Making With Your iPhone This video offers 9 tips and tricks to extend the life of your iPhone and offer ways to avoid common mistakes.
iPhone Insider Tips This video offers 15 tips and tricks to extend the life of your iPhone and offers ways to make the most of your smartphones.

iPhone Camera Insider Tips Many of us use our phones to take pictures and videos. This video offers 7 tips and tricks for your iPhone camera to ensure you take the best photos and videos possible.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

A Guide to Stay Connected – Part 2

Sometimes the telephone is not enough, we need to see people. Seniors are aware of the importance of how to use social media to communicate as 90% of how we communicate and build relationships is through visual cues, not oral cues. Seniors should be able to use social media to entertain and educate while safely using the tools they have in their possession. Self-isolating is upsetting and can be harmful to elders, so to fight social separation many seniors could use social media tools. The concern is that countless seniors don’t.

Each video has a number of tips and tricks geared to help seniors gain a better understanding of social media. If you know a senior or are a senior who wants to learn to use social media videos, we have selected links that can help you learn how to stay in touch with your loved ones using social media.
SERIES: NAPOLEON’S IDIOT
The second series has a stranger name for a series on how to use social media, it is called Napoleon's Idiot, but it is a very good series. The series is about a number of conversations between a father and his daughter about social media. The father asks the questions he has and that members from his retirement home have and she answers the questions clearly in detail and it is entertaining to watch the interactions between the two. They share the screen as a video as she walks him through the answers to his questions
To connect to Napoleon's Idiot Series go to
We have selected some videos out of the  51 video series:
Teach your Parents New Technology with a Renewed Mind 5 things you can do to help your parents/grandparents learn new technology:
1. Don't buy them a new device and leave them high and dry
2. Allow them to touch it, feel it, and operate it
3. Don't assume they know what you're talking about
4. Find out what they want to do on their device
5. PATIENCE
How to Change my Facebook Password Changing your Facebook password every 6 months is highly recommended in this Episode of Napoleon's Idiot.
Getting Rid of and Disabling Facebook Messenger Chat Heads Want to know how to get rid of and/or disable those Facebook Messenger Chat Heads, the answer is here.
Can't Comment on Post on Facebook? This is why! If you see a post and want to comment sometimes you can and sometimes you cannot, this video explains why you can't comment on a public post and how can you can make it to where no one can comment on your post.
Facetime vs Skype - What's the Difference This video explains the difference between the two and actually shows how Facetime works.
How to hide the city you live in on Facebook - Staying Safe Online This video shows you how to hide the city you live in on Facebook and get even more private on Social networking sites.
Explaining the Difference between Instant Messaging and Messaging on Facebook This video explains the difference between Instant Messaging and sending a Message as you would an email.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Resources for Seniors

Here are some resources for Boomers and those that care for them:


Consumer information - International Council on Active Aging(Canadian Based)

is dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting professionals in the retirement, assisted living, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields to dispel society's myths about aging. We help these professionals to empower aging Baby Boomers and older adults to improve their quality of life and maintain their dignity.

Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health: CCSMH 

The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) is hard at work ensuring that seniors' mental health is recognized as a key Canadian health and wellness issue. Working with partners across the country, the CCSMH is busy facilitating initiatives to enhance and promote seniors' mental health. Below is a listing of what's new at the CCSMH, but there are always more projects in development. Please bookmark this site and visit us frequently for updates.

Providing care to an older person can be a demanding but rewarding experience. Education and support services are critical in preventing and addressing abuse and neglect and promoting overall wellness. To this end, the Government of Saskatchewan set out the following principles to guide policy and programming for older adults. The spirit and intent of many of these principles are already reflected in our laws and serve as a helpful starting point for any interactions with older adults in our communities.

This fact sheet provides information on abuse and neglect of older adults living in the community. It updates the 1990 fact sheet, Elder Abuse. The information will be of greatest interest to professionals and community service providers who want to learn more about abuse and neglect of older adults. Materials written for seniors and their families may be obtained from seniors' centres and other community resource centres. Information on abuse in institutions is the subject of Abuse of Older Adults in Institutions, another fact
sheet available from the Clearinghouse.

Good Information for Older Adults and their families about Anxiety,  Dementia and Depression

Elder Helpers (US Based)
This website is dedicated to the Elder Helpers program, which aims to match volunteers with elders in need of help within their own community.


There are some national organizations as well as the Canadian Government which offer services to seniors. This page lista those resources. 

The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Established in 2010 through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging provides training, technical assistance and educational resources to aging providers, LGBT organizations and LGBT older adults. The center is led by Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) in collaboration with 18 leading organizations from around the country

The ‘National Service Framework for Older People’ sets quality standards for health and social care. It will help older people to stay as healthy, active and independent as possible, for as long as possible. The NSF for older people will: ensure that older people are treated with respect, prevent unnecessary hospital admission, and support early discharge, reduce long term illness by providing specialist care, promote healthy lifestyles and independence for those in older age

October 1st is the International Day of Older Persons. People are living longer and 23% of the UK will be aged 65 and over by 2035. The main aim for this website is to celebrate the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and tackle negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.