Your dad used to see his mates at the bowls club twice a week. Then his knees got worse, he stopped driving at night, and one by one the regular catch-ups dropped away. He says he's fine. But when you call, he talks for an hour.
Loneliness in later life often creeps in quietly: a move, a loss, a health change, friends who've died or moved away. Technology can't replace a hug or a cup of tea at the kitchen table. But used well, it can keep conversations, relationships and a sense of belonging going between visits.
This guide covers why social connection matters for older adults, the technology that helps most, and how families can set it up so it actually gets used.
Why Connection Matters for Health
Loneliness isn't just unpleasant. It's a health issue.
A landmark 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that about 24 percent of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43 percent of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. The report linked social isolation to a significantly higher risk of premature death and an approximately 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia.
The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia also lists social isolation among its 14 potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia.
The National Academies report is careful to point out that ageing itself doesn't cause loneliness. Older adults are more likely to face risk factors like living alone, losing family or friends, chronic illness and hearing or vision loss. Those are exactly the gaps technology can help bridge. Our article on the benefits of social connection for healthy ageing goes deeper.
1. Video Calls: Seeing a Familiar Face
Video calling is often the single most valuable tool for older adults with family far away. Seeing faces, not just hearing voices, makes a conversation feel more real, and it lets grandparents watch grandchildren grow up.
Common options include FaceTime on Apple devices, WhatsApp, and Zoom for larger family gatherings. Whatever you choose, make it easy:
Use one app across the family, so there's only one thing to learn.
Save favourite contacts to the home screen, ideally with photos.
Set up a regular time, like Sunday lunch, so calls become a routine.
Try a smart display with one-tap calling if phones feel fiddly.
Turn on captions if hearing is an issue.
2. Group Chats and Shared Photo Albums
Family group chats and shared photo albums keep older relatives in the loop on everyday life, not just big events. A photo of a grandchild's first day at school or a new puppy gives something to talk about at the next call.
A digital photo frame that family can send pictures to is a simple option for someone who doesn't want to use a phone.
3. Voice Assistants for Hands-Free Contact
Smart speakers let someone say "call Sarah" instead of finding a number. They can also play music, audiobooks and radio, and answer questions. For people with arthritis, vision problems or low confidence with screens, voice can be much easier than touch. Our article on how smart speakers support mental health in seniors looks at this in more detail.
4. Online Communities and Interest Groups
Technology can reconnect people with interests and communities, not just family:
online classes in art, languages, history or exercise
faith services streamed from a local church or community
neighbourhood groups for local news and events
interest groups for gardening, books, genealogy or sport
online support groups for caregivers or people living with a health condition
Many libraries and community centres run hybrid groups, which can be a gentle way in.
5. Games That Bring People Together
Online word games, card games and trivia can be a surprisingly social way to stay in touch, especially with grandchildren. A daily game with a friend across the country is a small, regular point of contact.
6. Giving Back Online
Many older adults want to be useful, not just entertained. Virtual volunteering, mentoring and sharing skills online can bring purpose as well as connection. Look for local volunteer centres and community organisations that offer remote roles.
Elli Cares helps families stay close in everyday ways. Family in the care circle can send short video messages that play at a set time, like a morning hello or a goodnight from a grandchild, and message each other about how the day is going. For older adults living alone or far from family, those small, regular moments of contact add up.
Making It Work: Tips for Families
The biggest barrier usually isn't willingness. It's confidence and setup. A few things help:
Start with what they want to do. "I'd love to see the grandkids more" is a better starting point than "you should get on WhatsApp."
Pick one tool and one purpose. Get video calls working well before adding anything else.
Set it up together, in person if possible. Practise a few calls while you're there.
Write simple instructions. Step-by-step, with pictures, kept beside the device.
Plan a regular tech check-in. A monthly session to update apps, fix problems and add new contacts.
Be patient. Learning something new takes time at any age. Our guide to why it's never too late to learn something new is a good reminder.
If technology is already feeling like too much, our guide to helping seniors with technology fatigue has practical strategies.
Stay Safe Online
More time online can mean more exposure to scams. Talk about common tricks, like urgent calls asking for money, fake delivery messages, or someone online who quickly asks for help. Agree on a rule: check with family before sending money or personal details. Our guide to online safety for seniors has more.
Technology Plus People
Technology works best as a bridge to real-world connection, not a replacement for it. Use video calls to plan visits. Use group chats to organise lunches. Use online groups to find local ones. And keep an eye out for signs that someone is withdrawing, especially if they live alone. Our guide to tackling loneliness in later life has more ideas, and our guide to tech for seniors living alone covers safety as well as connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can technology help reduce loneliness in older adults?
Video calls, group chats, shared photos, voice assistants and online communities make it easier to stay in regular contact with family, friends and interest groups, especially when mobility or distance is a barrier.
What's the easiest video calling option for seniors?
The easiest option is usually the one the rest of the family already uses, set up with favourite contacts on the home screen. Smart displays with one-tap calling suit people who find phones difficult.
Does social isolation increase dementia risk?
Research links social isolation with a higher risk of dementia. A National Academies report associated it with an approximately 50 percent increased risk, and the 2024 Lancet Commission lists it as a modifiable risk factor.
How do I help my parent get comfortable with technology?
Start with one tool they want to use, set it up together, write simple instructions, and schedule regular check-ins to help.
Every Conversation Counts
A five-minute video call, a photo in the family chat or a game with a friend can change how a day feels. To see how Elli helps families stay connected between visits, visit our Seniors and Families page.
