While COVID-19 requires us all to practice social distancing, I’m heartened by our collective efforts to stay connected during this time. Advancements in modern technology have brought our loved ones closer than ever before — despite them not physically being in the same room, town, or even state.

In a mass effort to be there for each other during these trying times, so many have “gone virtual.” And it’s not just your kids and grandkids! In fact, there are many ways (both virtual and not) you can help your aging loved ones (or even yourselves) stay connected during a time when the risk of social isolation is higher than ever before.

Here are some crucial resources for helping maintain a sense of normalcy:

Your Local (Virtual) Gym

At Aetna, many of our Medicare Advantage members participate in a program called SilverSneakers®— a fitness benefit that offers group fitness classes specifically targeted towards seniors.

While members can no longer attend in-person classes, many are taking advantage of online workouts available through SilverSneakers.com. In addition to staying active, these virtual classes enable them to keep aspects of their routine, which can help maintain a sense of normalcy during a time in which things might not feel so normal. The best part? Even those without a membership can participate in live Facebook classes and videos while they’re homebound!

For those less technologically inclined, there are still options for staying active. Try taking a lap around the house or going on a walk outside (so long as you’re maintaining an appropriate distance from those around you!).

Your Doctor

Your loved ones aren’t the only ones who can be reached via video chat.

In response to COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new rules expanding the use of telehealth in Medicare. This is great news for all Medicare beneficiaries.

Following CMS guidance, Aetna is currently offering zero co-pay telemedicine visits with network providers to all Aetna Individual and Group Medicare Advantage members for any reason, COVID-19-related or otherwise. This means that Medicare members can meet with a doctor by phone or video chat without having to go to their office and risk exposing themselves to the virus.

For those who may be unsure how/where to get started, you can find some helpful resources here.

Your Loved Ones & Your Hobbies

Staying in touch with the people (and the hobbies) you love is crucial to maintaining a sense of connectivity during this time. I heard some of my coworkers are hosting virtual family dinners with their loved ones near and far. This is a great way to get some face time, while following the rules of social distancing.

As for maintaining hobbies, there are more options than might meet the eye:

• For those craving culture: Many museums are offering virtual tours, so you can take it all in from the comfort (and safety!) of your own home.
• For the music buffs: Check out this list of live audio and video streams from around the world.
• For book lovers: Don’t forget that most libraries have e-books available for rent through their websites.

For those looking for some offline recommendations, get lost in a book or watch that movie you’ve been wanting to see. Or simply call a loved one — it can benefit the person receiving the call as much as it can you!

No matter how you choose to spend your time, don’t forget: we’re all in this together. Keep looking out for your loved ones, and those around you, and we’ll be on the other side of this just as soon as we can.