Think about the last time you had a long conversation with someone you love. How did you feel afterward? Energized, maybe. Lighter. More like yourself.

According to the National Institute on Aging, social connection is closely tied to mental and physical health in older adults, with strong relationships linked to lower rates of depression, better cognitive function and even longer life.

Staying connected today does not always mean being in the same room or even the same city. Technology has made it easier than ever to see a grandchild's face, share a laugh with an old friend or catch up with family at the end of the day.

And once you find the tools that work for you, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your routine.

Video Calling

There is something so special about seeing a loved one's expression, their smile, their surroundings, that a normal phone call cannot compare to.

Apps like FaceTime, Zoom and Google Meet are widely used and free to download, and most work on smartphones, tablets and computers.

If you are just getting started, the easiest approach is to ask a family member or friend to walk you through your first call together. Once you have done it a few times, it gets easier.

A few tips to get started:

• Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and propped up at eye level so you are not looking down at the screen
• Find the person in your contacts, tap their name and select the video call option
• Choose a quiet, well-lit spot so the person on the other end can see and hear you clearly

Many seniors at communities managed by The Goodman Group have found that scheduled video calls, a standing Sunday morning call with the grandkids, for example, give them something to look forward to each week.

Texting

Texting is a quick way to stay in touch throughout the day. A short message or photo of something beautiful outside your window, a funny memory that came to mind or a quick "thinking of you" can mean a great deal.

Most smartphones let you increase the text size in your settings.

• iPhone: Go to Settings, then Display & Brightness, then Text Size and drag the slider to the right
• Android: Go to Settings, then Display, then Font Size and adjust the slider from there

Voice-to-text is another helpful option: you speak your message aloud and your phone types it out for you.

Social Media

Platforms like Facebook remain one of the most popular ways for older adults to stay engaged with family and community. You can follow along with what people in your life are up to, share your own updates and photos, join groups centered on your interests and reconnect with people you have not spoken to in years.

Pinterest is a great option if you enjoy browsing ideas around cooking, gardening, travel or home decor. You save things you love and come back to them whenever you want, with no pressure to post or interact.

If you are comfortable with the basics, try YouTube and Instagram. YouTube is one of the most-used platforms across all age groups. It includes everything from hobbies and how-to videos to music or creators who share your interests.

Instagram is a visually driven platform where many families share photos and life updates, making it a way to feel present in the lives of people you love, even when you cannot be there in person.

Finding What Works for You

There is no single way to stay connected and you do not have to master every tool. Start with the one that feels most comfortable or that the people in your life already use.

Many senior living communities, including those managed by The Goodman Group, offer technology support to help residents get comfortable at their own pace. Learning together with others can take the intimidation out of new technology and turn it into something enjoyable.

The most important thing is not which app you use. It is the conversation you have because of it and how it makes you and the people you love feel.