Ways Adults Stay in Touch with Family Using Social Media
We have become more isolated since COVID-19. Older people are even more separated from their friends and families. Social media can be an easy way to stay in touch safely.
Social media is used by billions of people worldwide, and this popularity is not expected to stop anytime soon. It is used to keep up with the news, educate yourself, follow your favorite sports teams and celebrities, and even make new friends you would have never met otherwise.
But in addition to these, social media can be exceptional for staying in touch with your family. According to surveys, most people who use social media do so to stay in touch with their family and friends. It becomes a safe and convenient way for older people to communicate with their adult children and grandchildren, along with friends, without worry in a world still consumed by COVID-19.
Whether you are separated because of COVID-19 or simply because you live far away, social media can be a huge help. There are several ways to keep in touch with your family with social media.
One of the primary uses of social media is to post and share photos. These can be photos of you, your pets, the adventures you go on, your garden, or anything in between. Sharing photos and tagging or sending them to your loved ones is a great way to connect and keep in touch with your family.
It is also a good idea to learn tips on how to use photography hashtags, so you can better share your great photos with the world and bridge the generational gap at the same time. In addition to photos, you can also make posts, share videos, and even comment on the posts that your family members make. All of this can help you stay in touch and communicate with family quickly and easily.
Create a Private Group or Message
If you want to keep things private and away from potentially prying eyes, you could also set up a private chat, group, or message with your family. These are invite-only and can ensure that only those in the group will see what is posted and communicated.
Most platforms allow ways to share photos, messages, and other information with people without publicly posting, and creating and using them can be easy.
While the number of people in these groups can vary, it is generally enough so that no one will be left out. These group chats can be a ton of fun and can lead to becoming much closer with your family. They also allow for more frequent communication between you and your family instead of only relying on phone calls and video chats.
Video Chats
There are several ways for people to speak with each other using video with either social media or smartphones. Facebook, for example, has an instant message application where you can talk to someone while seeing them at the same time. It is effortless, and it only requires your computer, laptop, or other device has a camera and microphone.
Computer applications like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, among others, can combine a group of people for a video chat. These video meetings allow everyone to see each other and interact.
As long as you have access to the internet and the right equipment, your options are endless. Even much older people in long-term care facilities can often use these devices to stay in touch with their loved ones. Many facilities are still limiting the guests because of COVID-19 protocols. Despite the problems that the virus crisis throws at us, simple technology can still allow us to remain family.
Always Be Safe
While social media is incredibly convenient, it can also be potentially dangerous. You never know who will see what you post, so you need to be careful. For example, if you post you are going on a trip, someone may be able to find where you live and rob your home during the vacation, as they know you will be gone. If you post too much personal information, it can also be dangerous as people could use it to steal your identity or scam you.
Thankfully, there are a variety of things you can do to stay safe on social media. Being safe online includes keeping sensitive information personal, not leaking your password, adjusting your privacy and security settings, and many others. If you don’t take these into account, you could find yourself in a bad situation.
It is so easy to keep in touch with your family, even if you are miles and miles away.
About the Author
Ashley Lipman is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion for providing knowledge to readers worldwide on topics closest to her heart - all things digital. Since her first high school award in Creative Writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches touching the digital sphere.
Ashley Lipman
Contributor since February 12th, 2021
Editor's Note
Long-term health care is a significant financial problem since the costs of care services are rising sharply nationwide. Few of us can afford an additional bill of $4000 a month or more today - much less the $8000 or more monthly in the decades ahead.
Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, are not the answer either. These traditional health programs pay little or nothing toward most long-term health care. Don't think that Medicaid is an answer either. Unless you have little or no income and assets, you won't qualify for the Medicaid long-term care benefit.
The solution many people have found is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. Before saying it is too expensive, think again and get the facts. LTC Insurance is custom-designed, and premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Getting LTC Insurance younger saves you a lot of money, and you have many more choices. This LTC NEWS resource will show you the cost of top plans based on age - How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? | LTC News.
Long-Term Care Insurance means access to quality care. It also means choice. You get to choose the type of care, including care in your home. LTC Insurance also means income and asset protection. Care costs are exploding nationwide - your guaranteed tax-free benefits will ease the financial stress.
LTC Insurance also means your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of being your caregiver. But don't delay. LTC Insurance is medically underwritten, so your health today impacts your premium and your ability to get coverage. Your good health today is a reason to act and not delay.
Have Questions About Long-Term Care Planning?
You might have questions about long-term health care planning, and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Find the cost of care where you live by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.
Get Expert Guidance
Long-term care is very specialized, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies, as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Loved Ones Need Help Now?
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
If your parent or parents need help be sure to get them quality care. LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
Be Part of LTC NEWS
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
You can promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media. However, it must have editorial content exclusive to LTC NEWS and not just an advertisement.
Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
LTC NEWS - Your Marketing and Advertising Partner
Use LTC NEWS to drive traffic to your website and help you attract people interested in your products and services. Plus, you can improve your website's SEO so more consumers can find you when they search for your products and services.
There are various marketing options available with LTC NEWS. Traditional advertising, sponsored content articles, strategic alliances, and more are available.
Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
Shared Links
LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.
Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.
You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.
Sharing News with LTC NEWS
Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com
