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The Best Desktop Apps for Older Adults to Socialize Online

When you get older, going out to visit friends and family can be difficult.  Socialization and social support are things that older adults didn’t always get enough of for a variety of reasons. Whether you lack mobility the necessary mobility or live too far away from friends and family, seeing people in-person can sometimes be tricky. Living in a senior living community can make socialization much easier! Luckily, you can socialize from your home computer! This guide will go over some of the best desktop apps for older adults to socialize online.

Senior citizens need a social life just like anyone else. Many studies have shown that it regular contact with friends and family can even have health benefits. When you’re unable to leave the house, you can still maintain a healthy social life using the internet. You don’t even need the latest smartphone! This blog post features just a handful of the many great desktop apps for older adults that allow you to socialize from the comfort of your own home. You don’t need to be an expert when it comes to computer operation; we’ll guide you through using each of these programs.

Desktop Apps for Older Adults
Skype Desktop Apps for Older Adults

  Skype

Skype is a mobile and desktop app that lets you message, call, and video chat friends and relatives from the comfort of your home computer. Keep reading to learn how to use Skype. Skype is owned by Microsoft, so it comes pre-installed on most Windows computers. If you don’t have it installed, follow the download link below and select the download you need (Windows or Mac).

When Skype launches, you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. Follow the steps to create a Skype account. Once you’ve logged in, you can customize your account by adding a profile picture, your birthday, and other information.

Next, you can add contacts using your friends and family’s email addresses or phone numbers. To talk to someone on Skype, click their name in your contacts. From there you can send a text message, start a voice call, or start a video call.

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  • Skype Desktop Apps for Older Adults
Zoom Desktop Apps for Older Adults

  Zoom

Zoom is like a stripped-down version of Skype that focuses on video calls exclusively. This app was built to host meetings, but it works great for video chatting with a group of friends.

Wondering how to download Zoom? To get started, download the program using the link below. It will download the version that works with your desktop computer.

When the program launches, you will be prompted to sign in. You can create a Zoom account or link a Google or Facebook account. The steps of creating a Zoom account are very simple! Once you’ve signed in, you can create or join a meeting using the menu.

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Zoom Desktop Apps for Older Adults
elderly woman using Virtual Senior Center Desktop Apps for Older Adults

  Virtual Senior Center

The Virtual Senior Center (VSC) is an online community that allows older and homebound adults to connect and engage with each other through virtual and hybrid classes. You can learn new skills while spending time with like-minded people in a virtual environment. With over 5,000 sessions each year (with an average size of 15 participants), VSC is a fantastic way for older adults to make new connections while learning something new.

Wondering how to join VSC? To get started, click the link below to visit the website. Once you’re there, click the button that says “Join the Virtual Senior Center”.

From there, you just need to follow the instructions and sign up for an annual subscription with enliveo, the company that runs VSC. If you have trouble signing up online, they have a help line that you can call for assistance. This is an excellent desktop app for older adults.

Join VSC
enliveo app

As you can see, there are plenty of free, easy-to-use desktop apps for older adults. Socializing as a senior citizen can be difficult, but there are many ways to go about it using your personal computer. Whether you prefer video calling or text messaging, one of these programs will be perfect for you! If you’re looking for a mobile messaging app to connect with friends and family, check out the article we wrote about that.

If you are looking for senior living apartments that will allow you to do more socializing in-person, you should consider making Westminster Towers your home! Contact us today to learn more about our community.