Strategies for Engaging Older Adults in this Era of "Social Distancing"

It seems ironic that older adults, many of whom already experience more than their fair share of social isolation, are told that their social medicine for staying safe from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is to be more vigilant in maintaining social distance.

Why is this a problem?

First, there is a growing body of research pointing to the devastating effects of social isolation and loneliness. Both actual loneliness (objectively measured) and perceived loneliness (as a psychological state) are associated with increased risk of heart disease, dementia, and even increased mortality risk.

Second, by putting so many older adults out of social commission, those in younger generations lose out as well. Older adults are important sources of social and emotional support, and they have needed experience and perspective – borne from having persevered through epidemics, hurricanes, armed conflict, and other disasters. Many people look to their elders as role models for how to exhibit calm, confidence, and resilience during times of turmoil and uncertainty.

The good news is that there are many things we could do to sustain social connections between the generations, even when physically distanced. We just need to be creative in how we use new and old technologies. Whether through video chat apps, e-mail, social media, virtual video games, the telephone, or even old-fashioned letters or postcards, there are many ways to jumpstart, extend, and deepen intergenerational conversations.

Using the Internet to Connect

For families and older adults who have Internet access and are comfortable using it, here are some ways to use the Internet as a powerful tool for not only helping to pass time but also to spend time together. Just about any fun activity done at home, with the right technology, could be done (virtually) with a (geographically) distant family member.

In recent years, a whole slate of new websites has emerged which enables us to enjoy exciting travel and learn experiences even while "sheltering at home." Famous arts and cultural institutions are now offering free virtual tours. One could visit the Louvre, the Smithsonian, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, or even the Vatican Museum. Even zoos – such as the National Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, and the Atlanta Zoo - are opening their virtual doors to anyone with an Internet connection.

Thanks to Zoom or some other virtual meeting software, an online solo trip to a museum could readily be transformed into an exciting grandparent-grandchild adventure. The more computer-savvy person could set up the "meeting" and all the less savvy person would have to do is click a link in an email. Expertise with the meeting software not required. Just imagine the intergenerational flurry of questions, reflections, and shared amusement upon learning the backstory behind Leonardo da Vinci's inspiration to paint The Mona Lisa, the discovery of the ancient Rosetta Stone, why the Egyptians mummified their dead, and why Yang Yang (the Panda at San Diego Zoo) loves to play in the snow.

To satisfy family members with a competitive streak, how about a long-distance "Family Dance Down" activity? Here's one way it might work. Have participating family members first demonstrate their favorite dance moves, with their favorite song in the background (maybe with MP3, Itunes, or radio). Then play the same music again, this time with other family members joining in and copying the moves. Each participating family member takes turns sharing and following each other's dance moves.

Not only is this family fun time, but it also gets everyone moving, which is so important for our physical & mental health whatever our age.

Using Computer Gaming to Connect

Computer gaming presents another realm of family-friendly activity that can transcend physical distance. In recent years, computer game makers have been weaving in features that are conducive to family play, whether competitive or cooperative in nature. We can find examples in: Pokemon Go, Nintendo Switch and Wii games, Minecraft, and Words with Friends (Scrabble online). Multi-generational groups of players could take advantage of the many opportunities these and other games and gaming platforms provide for inter-player sharing of gameplay knowledge, skills, and perspectives.

A friendly game of "Stump Your Relative" anyone? All that's needed is for at least two family members (or friends) of different generations to choose one or more items that are familiar to them (and others in their generation) but likely to "stump" a member of another generation. For example, a child might select a "finger bike" and an older adult might select a "fountain pen". Take turns placing an item in front of a computer or smartphone camera (or a separating window or glass door) and having relatives (or friends) guess what that item is. Give hints if needed. Keep score if you like. As attention spans permit, weave in additional information and personal stories about that particular object.

Another source of bountiful intergenerational exchange is rooted in the timeless tradition of storytelling. Whether done through online platforms (such as StoryCorps Connect and Cornell's Legacy Project), over the phone or even through walkie talkies (if not too far away), those with firsthand historic experience of living through times of hardship have important lessons to share for surviving and thriving today. For example, those who lived through WWII are likely to have engaging stories about how their families stretched their resources, learned to live within their means, and found ways to be self-reliant such as by growing "Victory Gardens" to help feed their own families.

If there are challenges related to computer access or digital literacy, no problem. Meaningful stories, photos, drawings, recipes, and family mementos could be readily shared via postal cards, letters, and small priority mail packages.

Whereas much of the media focuses on the deficits of older adults, including their heightened vulnerabilities and risk during times of crisis (such as the spread of COVID-19), we also see inspirational stories pointing to their vigor and creative problem-solving abilities. Just in the past few weeks, for example, the NY Times has published several articles with titles such as: "Cooking Through a Crisis with Grandma, Virtually" (by Ali Jaffe, March 24, 2020) and "My Grandmother Knew a Secret: Survival Can Be Stored in a Jar" (by Kate Morgan, April 2, 2020).

In many ways, we need older adults to help us get through this current pandemic. We need ready access to their experiences, emotional support, and most importantly, their examples of resilience for getting through difficult times.

And they need us too. Current "social distancing" measures are cutting them off from social connections that are so crucial for their own health and wellbeing.

As a society, we should be okay, as long as we remember that physically apart need not also mean socially, emotionally, and experientially apart. We all need to do what we can, in our own spheres of action and influence, to break down the walls of social isolation.

For more articles, curricular resources, and other information about "intergenerational programs and aging," go to Penn State Intergenerational Program.

References

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10, 227–237.

See Katie Borque's online article, which has links to many such virtual travel websites.

Zang, E. (2020). The virtual environment as intergenerational contact zone: Play through digital gaming. In M. Kaplan, L.L. Thang, M. Sanchez, and J. Hoffman (Eds.). Intergenerational contact zones: Place-based strategies for promoting social inclusion and belonging. Pp. 203-213. New York, NY: Routledge.