Virtual Resources for Older Adults

 Social isolation was a problem for older adults before the pandemic and continues to be an issue as people return to in person events.

Poor health, financial constraints, lack of transportation, and scheduling personal care attendants are some reasons why older adults and people with disabilities cannot attend in-person events. 

Here is a list of online resources for older adults that offer companionship, enrichment, lifelong learning, and social opportunities.

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            Companionship

AARP Friendly Voice: Leave a message at 888-281-0145 and a volunteer will call back

Big & Mini: 817-755-0775, https://bigandmini.org/: Seniors who would like companionship are paired with young people. Chats can take place by phone or Internet.

Friendly Voices: https://friendlyvoices.org: Nationwide, free service that connects seniors with volunteers for weekly phone calls. Sign up online

Social Call (Covia): 877-797-7299, https://covia.org/services/social-call/, Seniors who would like companionship are paired with a volunteer. Chats can take place by phone or Internet.

Discussion Groups for Seniors

DOROT University Without Walls: 877-819-9147 (toll free), Cost: Small fee / donation: https://www.dorotusa.org/our-programs/at-home/university-without-walls

Lifetime Connections Without Walls: 888-500-6472 (toll free), Free: www.familyeldercare.org/healthy-connections-2/

Senior Planet (OATS): 210-504-4862 (San Antonio tech hotline): https://seniorplanet.org/, Phone and virtual group events

Senior Planet Community: https://community.seniorplanet.org, Offers interest groups to interact with like-minded individuals

Well Connected: 877-797-7299 (toll free), https://covia.org/services/well-connected/

Lectures / Classes

Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/, Free and for a fee courses

OSHER Lifelong Learning Institutes, National Resource Center

List of Institutes: https://sps.northwestern.edu/oshernrc/files_nrc/lli_directory_2021update2.pdf (links to Texas institutes on page 17)

Classes designed for older adults. Prices vary.

Road Scholar: www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures

One-hour lectures, from free to $25, on topics such as art history, world cultures, archeology, and more. Most lectures are recorded and available later. A free account is needed to sign up for lectures. 

Enrichment

A Mighty Good Time: www.amightygoodtime.com, A web site that lists                 events and experiences, many online, for older adults. Some programs are         free and some charge a fee.

Aging is Cool: www.agingiscool.com/calendar, Offers free virtual programming for seniors including exercise, socializing, brain training and games 

Cyber-Seniors: 844-217-3057, https://cyberseniors.org/, Seniors can                 schedule phone chats for assistance with using technology or sign up for technology-related webinars or view previous webinars. Site also features virtual exercise classes, community chats, movie, and trivia nights

Hey Go!: www.heygo.com, Free, live, interactive streams from around the world. Registration is required. All tours are free, but tips are encouraged. Not just for older adults

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