These are challenging times, especially given the serious concerns about the coronavirus. Yet at Montereau, we believe social distancing doesn’t mean we have to become disconnected-“social distancing” really means “physical distancing.” You can-and should-remain social. With today’s technology, you can see friends and family often, by video chat, on text, through photo sharing sites and social media.

More seniors online

Seniors are well-positioned today to make the most of all of these services. The number of seniors owning smartphones doubled from 2013 to 2017, according to the Pew Center for Research. The Center found a similar trend in Internet use: “When the Center began tracking internet adoption in early 2000, just 14 percent of seniors were internet users. But today, 67 percent of adults ages 65 and older say they go online.”

As of February 2019, about 40 percent of all American seniors were using some form of social media, according to the Pew Center.

Get free help

Of course, the one challenge with tech is figuring out how to use all of the latest gadgets and applications. If you’d like to get more hands-on help with your tech, consider attending an in-person or online training from AARP. These free events last an hour to 90 minutes and are designed to teach common skills that are relevant on all types of smartphones and tablets.

Stay connected

No matter how you like to stay in touch, there’s likely a device or app for that! Here are just a few ways you can make the most of technology:

• Video calls: Stay in touch with FaceTime and Skype. Both are free services you can use on your smartphone or computer to talk to those you love.
• Photo sharing: Ask loved ones to share photos through a shared folder on Shutterfly.com or Snapfish.com. You might like to simply download to your computer or phone or you can make memory books, create canvases and order prints.
• Social media: Find old friends and new ones on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Linked In. Enjoy friends’ photos and posts. Think carefully about what you post – remember that anything published on the Internet is in the world for everyone to see, not just your friends.
• Texting: Your grandkids will love getting a text from you. Today, texting is easier than ever, as most phones come equipped with a microphone that will allow you to talk into the phone, which will translate your message into a text. Along with text, you can also send photos and videos through text. However, do be aware of any data limits on your phone that make invoke charges.
• Video games: Find games you enjoy online and offline. While the apps may seem like pure fun, many build problem solving, which can increase mental agility. You might also find a community through your game center.

Stay safe

Whatever you do online, be smart. Here are a few quick tips:

• Use good passwords – the longer the better.
• Never answer emails or click on links from people you do not know. If something seems suspicious, such as a note filled with typos or saying phrases that seem unusual, it may be someone posing as a friend.
• Call any friend that asks for money or some other favor to be sure it’s really your friend. Finally, check the privacy settings on your devices and apps.

Have fun and stay connected! There’s never been a better time to learn more about technology, and everyone at Montereau is here for our residents and community in this time of crisis.