As days of quarantine and isolation have stretched into months and in-person events have been canceled, virtual meetings and events have become the new normal. For most people, this switch to a more virtual way of interacting has not been a big learning curve. Navigating through Zoom and other online meeting platforms has been pretty simple and easy to do. However, navigating online resources is challenging and frustrating for millions of older adults.
Social isolation has been a hidden health risk among seniors during the lockdown. We want to decrease the feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing some helpful tips on how to attend virtual meetings. That way, you or your loved one can start attending virtual events, book clubs, hobby clubs, and catch up with friends.
How To Attend a Virtual Meeting?
Zoom is currently one of the most popular platforms used to attend virtual events or meetings. You can use it on your phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop (a device that has a camera, microphone, and speakers). Zoom may seem a little intimidating at first, but it’s actually quick to set up and easy to use application. Click this link to follow a step by step guide on how to join a Zoom meeting.
Another popular application to join online conferences and events is GoToWebinar. This platform can also be used on your phone, laptop, tablet or desktop. It is just as easy to set up and use. Click this link to read a step by step guide on how to sign up and join a GoToWebinar event.
The final virtual meeting platform we’d like to discuss is Google Hangouts. The great thing about google hangouts is that if you already have a Google account (Gmail address and password), you already have a Google Hangouts account. Click this link to read how to join a Google Hangouts meeting with friends.
Why Virtual Meetings?
This pandemic has had psychological impacts on most people due to the increased levels of anxiety, panic, adjustment, and chronic stress. The elderly, who are aware that they are the most vulnerable group, continue to face chronic stress, loneliness, social isolation, fear, and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of when this will all come to an end and the continuing threat that this virus holds for them. Therefore, improving mental health is critically important. Virtual events/meetings allow older adults to reconnect with the world around them, from the safety and comfort of their own homes.
Now that you have all the tools needed to set up your accounts, go out and enjoy the virtual world. You can always ask a loved one to help get you set up. And speaking of virtual events, we’d like to invite you to our upcoming Summit For Seniors in Quarantine where we are breaking the isolation through entertainment. Be the first to get a sneak peek of our upcoming fan-favorite guests for the summit and more information.
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