Nearly half of adults aged 60 and older say they experience loneliness at times, and according to experts, this can have real effects on their health and well-being.
Nothing can replace spending time together in person with someone close to your heart, but a video call can help you stay part of each other’s everyday moments, even when you’re miles apart.However, tech that feels confusing can get in the way of seniors connecting with loved ones. Some older adults may still be learning the basics of technology and may not always know where to tap or click on the screen or how to use video chat devices.With a little guidance and the right setup, video calling can become a simple, enjoyable way for seniors to stay in touch with friends and family.In this blog, we’ll help guide you through video calling for seniors, why it matters, and how to set up a first call yourself or help someone you love.
Why Video Calling Matters for Seniors
Video calling for seniors adds a visual layer, including facial expressions and body language, allowing loved ones to feel truly part of the moment.According to a CDC report, maintaining social connections, even through video calls, can have valuable and lasting wellness benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic disease and serious illness, and promoting longer, healthier lives.On top of that, social connections can help support cognitive activity and combat feelings of isolation. These benefits can be particularly useful for seniors living with memory conditions.Here’s how to get started with video calling for seniors.
Step 1: Choose One Video Chat Platform
To start, choose a video calling platform. Consider choosing an app that other family members already use, so everyone can stay connected in one place.If you’re exploring options, look for helpful features like one-tap calling or simple contact lists for easy use, group calls for family gatherings, and make sure it works across everyone’s devices (Android, Apple, or computers).In most cases, the best choice is usually the simplest one. Instead of focusing on extra features, it can be more helpful to choose a straightforward platform that your family will be comfortable using.Here are some of the best video chat apps that may work well for seniors:
- FaceTime: FaceTime lets users start a call quickly from a simple, photo-based contact list without needing to dig through menus. If you already use an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it likely has FaceTime built in.
- Zoom: Zoom can be especially useful for larger family gatherings, like a planned “family meet-up” or a loved one’s birthday celebration. Users can simply share a meeting link or ID, and family members can join the video call without signing in.
- Microsoft Teams: Skype offered a classic, familiar layout that many people had used for years, but it was unfortunately discontinued in 2025. However, Skype users can still log in to Microsoft Teams with their original credentials to access familiar features, including a record mode for replaying important conversations later and a low-data option that automatically adjusts call quality when connection issues occur.
- Facebook Messenger Video: Regular Facebook users can use the Facebook Messenger Video feature to chat with friends and family members. To start a video call, open the chat with the person you want to call and tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Set Up the App Before the First Call
After installing a video calling app, add it to the home screen or create a desktop shortcut to make it easier to find. If your loved one is dealing with vision challenges, you can enlarge the shortcut so it’s easier to see and tap or click on.Finish setting up the app so it’s ready to go. This may include helping your family member log in or sign up for an account and adjusting call notifications to help ensure they can hear when the device rings.Most apps have a short tutorial or video chat setup guide to help new users get started, which can usually be found in the app’s help section or settings menu.
Step 3: Consider a Dedicated Device for Video Calling
Not having extra apps getting in the way can help make video calling feel less overwhelming for seniors. If you’re teaching a loved one how to use video chat, consider using a separate device, such as an iPad or tablet.They’re often compatible with the best video chat apps for seniors and offer larger screens. Plus, since they’re easy to carry, your family member can make calls comfortably from anywhere in their home.When choosing a device, keep in mind that certain needs, including limited hand movement, reduced mobility, memory challenges, or vision concerns, may make regular video calls less accessible for some older adults.In these circumstances, dedicated video chat devices, such as the Amazon Echo Show 11, GrandPad, and Meta Portal, can make it easier for seniors to stay in touch.Depending on your loved one’s specific needs, you may consider choosing a device with helpful features, such as:
- Auto-answer for incoming calls
- Voice activation for hands-free calling
- Larger display and clear audio
- Simplified interface
Step 4: Practice Together Before Going Solo
After setting up the device, practice making video calls together with your loved one so they can feel more comfortable and confident using it on their own.When teaching a senior loved one how to use video chat, use simple, clear language and focus on one step at a time rather than explaining everything at once.To keep things straightforward, use the same setup each time (same device, same app, same steps each time), and highlight visual cues, like the camera icon, so they know what to look for.Getting comfortable with video calling for seniors may take a few tries, and that’s completely okay. If your loved one needs a few practice sessions, take a break and help guide them through the steps again when they’re feeling more comfortable. You can also write a step-by-step video chat setup guide and print it in a larger font so they can refer to it at any time.Once your parent makes their first successful call, schedule a few practice calls to help them build confidence and feel more comfortable using the device. You may also set up a “practice contact” that they can call at any time without feeling pressured.While the learning process might take a bit of time and patience at first, most people are able to start making video calls within a few practice sessions.
Step 5: Reach Out for Help When You Need It
If your family member lives far away, video calling for seniors can prove to have a slower learning curve. In such a situation, having someone assist on the other end can make it easier to connect and begin the video call.Try encouraging your loved one to check out their local public library. Many of them offer free technology assistance for seniors. You may also ask a friend or loved one who lives nearby to help in the teaching process.A senior living community might also be a helpful resource. Alongside supporting your loved one’s unique needs, many communities have dedicated employees who offer one-on-one technology support to residents, including troubleshooting Wi-Fi and email, setting up new devices, and teaching seniors to use video chat.
Safety Tips for Video Calling
Once video calling feels comfortable for your loved one, the next step is helping them use it safely when staying in touch with others.Here are some simple tech tips to help seniors stay safe:
- Only accept calls or requests from people you know and trust. You can always double-check contacts before answering to avoid accidental or unknown callers.
- Avoid sharing private information, such as passwords, bank details, or other sensitive details, during video calls.
- Be cautious of scams that ask for money or personal information while pretending to be a family member in distress.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent during calls or chats from unknown contacts.
- If something feels off during a call, it is always okay to hang up.
Staying Connected With StoryPoint Group Communities
At StoryPoint Group communities, we understand how meaningful connection is for the seniors we serve. That is why we create daily opportunities for residents to build meaningful relationships, no matter where they are on their journey.From enjoying a meal with friends to joining an activity you love, catching up with a neighbor, connecting with loved ones through technology, or simply having one of our team members check in, a genuine connection is always close by.To learn more about life with us, give us a call at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour of a StoryPoint Group community nearest to you.
