Remember when phones were attached to walls? And a phone card, or call waiting and “repeat dial” or even being able to walk a few feet away from the phone because of the long curly cord, was the height of technology! Fast forward to today. We are now “seeing and talking” with each other through video screens. No phone booths or phones attached to walls in sight. 

It is not the same as the old wall-mounted telephone or the phone booth you could squeeze coins into! It’s a lot easier, promise.

For many seniors, this technology is a whole new world. Something out of The Jetsons. But while the tech is different, the goal is the same. It enables you to stay connected with family, friends, and even healthcare providers. 

Here’s the scoop on how to keep chatting with family using a few smart, senior-friendly gadgets. It is important because those grandkids aren’t coming over as often as they should, are they? or they live quite a ways away?  For some this is a good thing…finally everybody is out of the house!  For others who enjoy the noise and the company, it can be somewhat isolating.

So, let us have a look at video calling.

What Is FaceTime?

FaceTime is a video calling app that comes with all those fancy Apple devices. It lets the users see each other while chatting.  So, it is basically a phone call, but you get to see all the grandkids’ faces, in real time. Using Facetime, you don’t miss the excitement in your grand kids’ faces when they tell you all about their day or you can watch your daughter’s dog chasing its tail and having the “zoomies” right where you can witness it.  If you can remember the phone booths on every corner, (which don’t exist anymore) you can recall the convenience they served at that time when you needed to make a phone call from anywhere outside your home. Nowadays if you have an iPhone, iPad, a Mac or even an Android, you are just a tap away from making a call and joining the video-calling world from anywhere you are.

Sounds like fun, right? 

Devices That Support FaceTime and Other Apps

Alright, here’s the scoop: if you’ve got an Apple device, congrats!  You have got FaceTime already. It is pre-installed in almost all Apple devices. If you have an Android or a Windows computer, don’t worry these also have a video calling app.  It’s not called FaceTime, but there are other calling options that work just as well on these platforms. These other options, like Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype and Google Duo, do the same thing.

Here’s a quick guide:

Whether you’re calling from an Apple or an Android, there’s a way to video call. Think of the devices used for video calling as choosing between chocolate and vanilla—both sweet, just different flavors!

Why Video Calling? And What are the Benefits for Seniors

Besides the smiles and the convenience of an immediate connection, video calling has other perks.

It is not just about chit-chatting. Video calls can be a lifeline to the outside world.

They are actually very good for your health as it boosts you up mentally, emotionally, and yes, sometimes even physically. 

Think of it as a digital vitamin. You take it to stay connected, and unlike those mystery supplements that promise to fix everything, video calls actually deliver. 

Still not convinced. Let rundown the benefits. 

1. Mood Booster in Real Time

You remember back when a call meant standing next to the kitchen wall, listening to the hum of the house while trying not to trip over the cord?  Those calls were so nice, but you literally had to stop everything you were doing and focus on what you could do within the length of a 6ft cord. 

Now today’s video call is like stepping into your grandkids’ world. Phone calls are made without having to leave the couch and you can go wherever the phone is …and the best feature is you can multitask while you are talking and do just about anything while you are on the phone. 

Studies even show that for elders, regular social interactions can do wonders for mental health, by keeping feelings of loneliness and isolation at bay. Who knew the cure for a “blue” day could be as simple as a “Hi, Nana!” on your screen?

2. A Front-Row Seat to the Family Circus

Let’s face it, if you wanted a quiet solitary life, you would not have had kids in the first place!!!

With video calling you can do so much more than just catch up. You can be part of the action. Always live, included and unfiltered. 

You can be engaged with your grandkids showing you their latest artwork (or maybe it’s a weird blob), or the dog is trying to jump on the couch, or your daughter juggling her morning coffee while talking and possibly dressing at 90 miles per hour. 

It is like a family variety show. But right in your living room or kitchen or wherever you are. And without you having to actually be there. 

The best part? You can mute your sound whenever you have heard enough or turn off your camera when you are having a bad hair day.

3. Doctor Visits, Minus the Waiting Room

Now, if someone had told you 50 years ago that you would be visiting your doctor through a telephone screen, they would have been laughed out of the room. 

But here we are! 

Video calls are practical and an everyday occurrence. It’s a preferred form of communication and now many doctors offer telehealth visits. This means you can skip the waiting room and have your check-up while sitting comfortably on your own couch.  No long wait, no need to drive, and you can even wear your pajama bottoms and slippers.  Just remember to put on a decent shirt if the camera is on!

4. Keep Your Memory Sharp

Believe it or not, keeping in touch with video calls is a little workout for your brain, too. 

How? By switching things up with video and regular calls this can keep your memory sharp. 

Imagine this: you are trying to remember which grandkid is into which new hobby. 

Is it Katie who’s into ballet, or was it Kyah? 

These little details can keep your brain engaged and they give you something to look forward to every call.

Making Video Calls Easier for Elders with Challenges 

Let’s admit it. Technology does not always feel as easy as it sounds. Especially for elders with one or more health challenges.

Here are a few tech tips and tools that can help:

• For Vision Impairments: 

Many devices have screen magnifiers or voice-activated commands (like Siri or Google Assistant) to make calling easier.

• For Hearing Challenges: 

FaceTime and other apps support captions for reading along, plus there are hearing aids that sync directly with your phone to amplify sound.

• Physical Limitations? 

Some devices allow you to use voice commands entirely. Hence you do not even have to lift a finger to answer a call.

These tools mean that no matter what your needs are, you don’t have to let technology keep you from enjoying a good conversation.

Getting Started: Making Your First Video Call

Here’s a quick guide to making a FaceTime call:

1. Open FaceTime on your device.
2. Tap the “+” button and type in the name or number of the person you want to call.
3. Press the video camera icon and watch your grandkids or friends appear on screen!

For other apps, like Zoom, Skype, Duo or WhatsApp, the process is similar, with big, colorful buttons to guide you. 

If all else fails, don’t be shy about asking your family for a “tech lesson”—they’ll be happy to play teacher! especially your grandkids

Free and Budget-Friendly Video Calling Options

While FaceTime is free for Apple users, there are other free apps, like Skype and Google Duo, that provide similar experiences. 

These apps work on many devices, so you can video call without spending money on fancy equipment.

For those interested in new gadgets, there are also affordable tablets designed for seniors, which include larger screens and simplified controls. No need to pay extra when the basic version will do just fine.

Here are some Suggested Smart Home Devices and Other Video Calling Options:

1. Amazon Echo Show 10

• Features:
  • Voice-Activated Calls: Just say, “Alexa, call [contact]” for hands-free video calls using the Amazon Echo Show 10
  • 10.1-inch HD Screen: Clear visuals perfect for video calls, photos, and even streaming.
  • Smart Home Integration: Controls compatible smart home devices, shows weather updates, and more.
  • Built-In Alexa: In addition to calls, Alexa can help with reminders, play music, read news, and even show recipes.
• Highlights:
  • Hands-Free Use: Voice commands make it ideal for seniors who may struggle with small buttons or touchscreens.
  • Multifunctional: Beyond calling, it’s also a home assistant for reminders, alarms, and other hands-free tasks.
  • Ease of Use: Setup is simple, and it integrates well into most home settings.

Purchase the: Amazon Echo Show 10

2. ViewClix Smart Frame

• Features:
  • 15-Inch Digital Frame with Video Calling: Displays photos from family members remotely and supports incoming video calls.
  • Remote Management: Family members can remotely upload photos and videos through the ViewClix app.
  • Slideshow Mode: Shows photos in a rotating slideshow format, keeping seniors connected with loved ones.
  • No Input Needed from Seniors: Seniors only receive calls and view photos without needing to interact with the device.
• Highlights:
  • Always-On Connection: Keeps seniors connected to their family visually without any effort on their part.
  • Large, High-Quality Screen: The bigger screen is easy on the eyes and provides clear video.
  • Simplified Interaction: Seniors don’t need to make calls; family members initiate everything.

Purchase the: ViewClix Smart Frame

3. GrandPad

• Features:
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen Tablet: A large, easy-to-read screen with simplified icons and easy navigation.
  • 4G LTE Connection: No Wi-Fi needed, so it can work anywhere with mobile data.
  • One-Touch Video Calling: Designed for seniors, with just a tap to make a video call.
  • 24/7 Support: GrandPad offers round-the-clock customer support for any assistance needed.
  • Photo Sharing and Games: Family can send photos, and seniors can enjoy a variety of games and music.
• Highlights:
  • Senior-Friendly Interface: Simple layout and big buttons, which are easy to navigate.
  • All-In-One Communication: Besides video calls, it includes email, voice messages, and access to photos.
  • Reliable Connectivity: With 4G LTE included, it’s always connected wherever there’s cell service.

Purchase the: GrandPad

Wrapping It Up

So, next time someone suggests a video call, do not roll your eyes. Do not say, “I’ll just use the phone.” 

Go ahead, give it a shot! The more you practice the easier it becomes.

Video calling will keep you in the loop with family, friends and your doctors and it just might be the most entertaining part of your day. An easy way to keep your mind and mood in tip-top shape.

If you are still thinking, “This all sounds a little complicated for me,” … just remember that every generation has had world changing technology and gadgets that people have went into kicking and screaming but knowing deep down that they can’t resist else run the risk of getting left behind, …because unfortunately technology does not wait for us. So, it is up to us to embrace it, learn it and use it.

Just like we figured out features for wall phones and all the new technology in between and up to today. You can figure out video calling. 

Whenever you are missing your grandkids, or you are having granny or granddad blues or you just want to see a friendly face, …give FaceTime or any video calling app a try and use it frequently until it becomes second nature. This is how you overcome and keep up with technological advances.

Who knows? You might just find that you are a natural at this “video calling” technology and it’s not as scary or confusing as it sounds.

And remember, if you feel your phone is too small you can always use your computer or your laptop and nowadays some of the laptops have SIM cards that allow you to make calls from them as well.

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