Hi there! 👋 Welcome to the blog that’s just right for you – “20 Virtual Activities for Seniors to Stay Connected and Socially Engaged” 📝

As we all know, social distancing and isolation can be challenging especially for seniors; they tend to feel lonely or disconnected, which affects their mental and emotional well-being. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of activities to keep our beloved seniors socially engaged without leaving the comfort of their homes 🏡 Let’s get started!

1. Online Games 👾

Playing games is a great way to stay mentally active and connected with friends and family! 👪 Thanks to the internet, playing games is easy as pie. You can play online Bingo, Solitaire, Chess, Scrabble, and Trivia games with friends or strangers. Some games offer video or voice chat features, so you can have fun conversations while playing.

A group of seniors playing an online game with a smile on their faces

2. Social Media Platforms 📱

Social media allows seniors to connect with those outside their geographic area, communicate, and share moments with their loved ones. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn are some of the most popular social media platforms for seniors. They can join groups related to their interests and hobbies, such as gardening, cooking, and wildlife photography.

An image of a senior smiling while scrolling through social media on their phone

3. Virtual Museum Tours 🏛️

Museums worldwide have created virtual tours, which allow seniors to explore galleries, exhibits, and art collections from their couch. Some museums include The Louvre (France), The National Gallery (UK), Vatican Museum (Italy), and The Art Institute of Chicago (USA).

A senior learning about art and culture while on a virtual museum tour

4. Digital Books 📚

Seniors can download digital books on their device, including tablets, e-readers, or smartphones. It’s easy to read, highlight, and take notes with digital books. Some popular websites for digital books are Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books, and seniors can choose from different genres like romance, mystery, self-help, and biographies.

A senior enjoying reading a digital book on their tablet

5. Virtual Classes 🎓

Virtual classes have become a trend during this pandemic, and seniors aren’t left behind. Some online courses cater to seniors, and they include topics such as languages, cooking, gardening, and technology. Websites like edX and Coursera offer free courses, and seniors can take advantage of this chance to learn something new.

A senior smiling while learning and watching a virtual class on a laptop

6. Video Conferencing 📹

Video conferencing tools allow seniors to interact with friends and family members face-to-face in the safety of their own homes. Some popular video conferencing platforms include Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Facetime. You can have group video calls, sing karaoke, do a virtual cocktail party or celebrate birthdays.

A group of seniors having a virtual cocktail party with a big smile on their faces

7. Virtual Exercise Classes 💪

To stay healthy and active, seniors can join virtual exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates, or aerobics. There are lots of YouTube channels where they can follow step-by-step routines and do exercises comfortably at home. Some exercise apps like MyFitnessPal provide a range of workouts that seniors can customize to their activity levels.

A senior stretching and exercising while following a virtual class

8. Online Music Concerts 🎶

With many musicians taking their shows online, seniors can enjoy live music concerts from the comfort of their own homes. They can check out online concerts on YouTube or other music platforms based on their musical preference.

A senior tapping their foot and enjoying online music concerts on their computer

9. Friendly Phone Calls ☎️

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. A friendly phone call from a family member or friend can transform a senior’s day into a more pleasant one. A simple chat, joke, or catch-up can make them feel good and remembered.

A senior laughing on the phone with a happy expression on their face

10. Online Community Forums 🌐

Seniors can join online communities or forums that cater to their interests and hobbies. They can share their experiences, knowledge, and tips with others who have the same interests. Some popular online communities for seniors include Agingcare, Gransnet, and SeniorChatters.

Two seniors happily chatting online in an online community forum

11. Virtual Tours of National Parks 🏞️

Virtual tours of national parks are another way seniors can explore the scenic beauty of nature from their homes. They can learn about different destinations, wildlife, and culture without leaving their homes. Some popular national parks to visit virtually are Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier.

A senior watching a virtual tour of a national park with a big smile on their face

12. Online Cooking Classes 👨‍🍳

With the help of online cooking classes, seniors can learn new recipes, cooking techniques, and ingredients from the comfort of their own homes. They can find cooking classes on platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, and Udemy.

A senior learning how to cook a new recipe through an online cooking class

13. Virtual Book Club 📖

Seniors can join virtual book clubs with other seniors with similar interests, read books, and chat about them with others. With book clubs being organized online, seniors can discuss books with their friends from all around the world.

A group of seniors discussing a book together on a virtual book club

14. Online Puzzles 🧩

Puzzles are always a favorite! Seniors can find a vast range of online puzzles such as Sudoku, Crosswords, and other brain-challenging games. It can be an excellent way to keep one’s mind sharp and focused.

A senior working on an online puzzle with a happy expression on their face

15. Online Language Learning 🗣️

Seniors can learn a new language online, using resources like Duolingo, Busuu, and Babbel. Learning a new language can keep seniors’ minds active and improve cognitive function.

A senior smiling while learning a new language online

16. Virtual Happy Hours 🍸

Virtual happy hours are a great way for seniors to connect with family and friends over a drink. They can catch up on life, share memories, and enjoy each other’s company with a cocktail in hand.

A group of seniors having a virtual happy hour with drinks and snacks

17. Online Bingo 🎲

A classic game, Bingo, has moved online now! Seniors can join online bingo groups, play with others, and get the same experience as before. They can also win prizes and incentives!

A senior happily marking off a number on their virtual bingo card

18. Virtual Art Classes 🎨

Seniors can try something new and exciting with virtual art classes. With platforms like YouTube, Virtual Art Academy, and Skillshare, seniors can find videos and tutorials to learn drawing, painting, and other forms of art without leaving their homes.

A senior happily painting a beautiful image through virtual art classes

19. Online Support Groups 🌟

Online support groups offer seniors an opportunity to connect with others with similar experiences and build a support network. Seniors can join groups that focus on topics such as caregiving, grief support, and mental health. Websites like The Caregiver Space, Hello Grief, and NAMI provide support groups for seniors.

A senior sharing their story and giving support to others through an online support group

20. Online Travel Experiences ✈️

Seniors can travel the world virtually with the help of Google’s Street View app. They can explore landmarks, parks, zoos, and other destinations from the comfort of their homes. By choosing their preferred location and route, seniors can take a virtual walk around the world.

A senior happily exploring virtual travel destinations with Google's Street View app

Time’s up! We hope you found this guide helpful and informative 🤞 That’s all for now, folks. Stay safe, sound, and connected! ❤️

A group of seniors smiling and holding hands in a park