Limiting social contact, avoiding public gatherings, and staying home are essential for reducing exposure to COVID-19. The challenge for many older adults during this pandemic is figuring out how to safely socially distance without socially isolating. Lack of in-person contact is a major risk factor that has been linked with poor physical and mental health, especially in older adults. With so much at stake, proactive steps need to be taken in order to prevent social isolation during quarantine.

Fortunately, in today’s digital age, there are lots of options for connection. Whether you are looking for COVID-friendly ways to celebrate a birthday or options for every day communication, we’ve compiled some creative ideas for older adults who want to stay virtually connected to loved ones during COVID-19.

As COVID-19 cases continue to climb, social distancing remains an important tool for keeping the virus from spreading. While this is an essential step we should all be taking, it is especially important for older adults who are more susceptible to COVID.

But how do we keep ourselves and our loved ones physically healthy without it taking a toll on our mental health?