7 Ways to Stay Connected While at Home

With the potential of another Covid-related quarantine on the horizon, it’s important to plan ahead and find new ways to stay connected. During the early days of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encouraged people 60 and over to stay at home.

We all quickly learned that while avoiding public places was necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, being separated from friends, family, and loved ones can take its toll. A recent survey found that 78% of people felt that quarantine had made them value their relationships more, while 24% said they struggled with feelings of loneliness or isolation¹. Even in quarantine, there are several ways to stay connected, it might just take some creativity. Here are 7 ways to stay connected should you need to stay at home.

1. Pick Up New Hobbies

Quarantining at home can be the perfect time to try a new hobby. With the help of the internet, there is an online class or group for just about everything. Enjoy spending time in the kitchen? Take an online cooking course or subscribe to a cooking channel on YouTube for new recipe ideas. Love history? Many museums have begun offering virtual tours online. Into arts-and-crafts? Pinterest.com is full of inspiration for new hobbies like painting, knitting, jewelry making, and drawing. Whether new or re-discovered, hobbies can be excellent ways to stay sharp and keep busy while fostering social interactions with those who enjoy the same hobbies as you.

2. Video Calls, Next Best Thing to Being There

You can still see your loved ones even if you need to stay at home. Video calls via apps like FaceTime and Facebook Messenger make staying connected easier than ever. All you need is a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Video calls can be the easiest way to stay connected with friends and family from the comfort of your own home. Schedule times for virtual visits in advance and your calendar will begin to fill, giving you these conversations to look forward to.

3. Document Your Family History

If you haven’t already, consider using this time at home to start recording your family’s history. You can enlist your family members for help by starting an online group and collecting records like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and family pictures. Gathering and organizing these now is a great way to pass on your family’s heritage to younger and future generations.

4. Online Games, Not Just for Kids

More time at home can mean more time for games, and there are plenty of new options available to people of all ages. From card games and word games to board games and strategy games, today’s technology makes it easier than ever to play fun new games online. Many apps and websites specialize in online games, offering thousands to choose from. You can play against other people or on your own. Some of the most popular games among adults include Scrabble, Words with Friends, Animal Crossing, and Family Feud. While you might have never considered yourself to “be a gamer,” playing online games can be a fantastic method for staying connected and passing the time if you need to remain at home. You can even invite your family and friends to join!

5. Join Online Book Clubs

For bookworms, there is nothing better than getting lost in a good story. Regardless of what you enjoy reading, there are likely others who love the same literature as you. Online book clubs are another simple way to connect with people who share your interests. Not only will this provide an incentive to continue reading, it’s also a great way to keep your mind occupied while staying home.

6. Write Letters

Even in today’s technology-driven age, good old-fashioned letters haven’t lost their touch. Studies show that 94% of people love to receive physical letters in the mail from someone they know². Sending handwritten letters and cards to loved ones during these challenging times can go a long way in keeping communications open. You can even add a printed photo for a personal touch or to reminisce on fun memories. In fact, a recent Post Office survey found that one in six consumers had sent more letters during the pandemic than before³. This is especially an excellent option for people with limited or no access to the internet. Moreover, visiting this site would be ideal if your search bar is full of searches like “post office near me“.

7. Be a Good Neighbor

Throughout this pandemic, you’ve likely seen the many stories of people helping others, doing good, and spreading hope. In many ways, the pandemic brought out the best in us. Connecting with neighbors through small acts of kindness can help make these tough times a little easier. It can be as simple as a wave when you’re getting the mail or a socially distant conversation from your porch or driveway. You can offer to bring them a meal, or even pick up some necessities on your next trip to the store. These acts of kindness—big or small— can go a long way toward making the best of a difficult situation.

 

Financing Your Passion

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. With a little creative thinking, you can stay connected with your family, friends, and loved ones. Your social experiences may look a bit different than in previous years, but they can become treasured memories, nonetheless.

Whatever it is that you love doing, do more of it! And if you need help funding your hobbies, a reverse mortgage could help. Available to homeowners ages 62 and older, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) lets you tap into part of your home’s equity to use as you would like. From keeping extra cash on hand to pay for everyday expenses, home improvements, or even financing new hobbies, your funds can be used for what matters most to you.

Learn why more than half-a-million Americans have already made a reverse mortgage part of their financial plan⁴. For more information, contact the Longbridge Financial team of experts today.

 

 

Resources

1. https://parade.com/1011597/nicolepajer/ways-to-stay-social-coronavirus/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%2078%25%20of%20survey,family%20to%20keep%20relationships%20strong
2. https://medium.com/@support_32123/94-of-people-love-getting-letters-in-the-mail-5a9713896462#:~:text=In%20a%20Gallup%20poll%20taken,Americans%20look%20forward%20to%20doing!
3. https://postalpro.usps.com/market-research/covid-mail-attitudes
4. Source: 2010 NRMLA study.