How Seniors Can Get the Most Out of Zoom Calls

Miami Jewish Health geriatric psychiatrist Marc Agronin writes in the Wall Street Journal that Zoom chats are proving very helpful for easing older adults' loneliness and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. He offers suggestions for maximizing Zoom calls' value for this group, while acknowledging shortcomings like the platform's small sensory field, poor Internet connections, and the inability to capture subtleties and fine details of facial expressions and gestures. "If you typically use a small smartphone or tablet, consider some relatively inexpensive options to improve the experience," Agronin recommends. "For example, there are tablet-sized portable viewing screens that can sit in front of your smartphone and create a much larger picture. There are adaptors that can project a smartphone- or tablet-sized screen onto a larger computer screen or TV monitor. There are Bluetooth external speakers that can significantly amplify the sound." Agronin also suggests that people schedule Zoom calls and prepare as if they were in-person meetings, and attempt to make meetings fun and creative. "For example, if you are Zooming with extended family members, especially children or teenagers, have interesting or colorful stories, jokes, or family history to share," he notes.