The Upside of Social Distancing: More Digital Alternatives to Work, Learn and Connect with Others

Virtual classrooms

With many school systems closed, many educators are turning to online options to keep students engaged with video conferencing, digital assignments and other virtual learning resources. Google Arts & Culture brings art to life for students of all ages with free access to interactive features, virtual tours and other content from more than 2,000 of the world’s leading museums and archives. 

If you’re looking for more structured course options, check out the offerings at Class Central with more than 400 free online courses from Ivy League universities.

Shopping online

With Safer at Home precautions (and their equivalents), companies are taking online shopping to a new level with more choices and deals, and even new ways to shop with 360-degree product imagery and virtual tours. Retailers are also offering more incentives, such as free delivery and other discounts to help you get what you need. Did you know you can even buy a car online without leaving your home?  But with so many more transactions taking place online, it’s important to be vigilant about cyber security. To learn more about how to help protect yourself and your loved ones, check out these six tips to help you stay safe online.

Digital connections

We may have to keep our physical distance from each other, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected. Many people are now working from home using video conferencing options like Zoom® and other technology to collaborate with co-workers.

Many of us are also connecting with family and friends online. Social distancing has forced us to get creative with drive-by birthday party parades and virtual dates and dinner parties, but we’re making it work.

And Brookdale is no exception. Many of our communities are using video-calling tools like FaceTime® and Skype™ to help residents and families stay connected. Here are more tips on how to stay in touch during social distancing.

For more fun ideas on how to connect with seniors in your life during COVID-19, check out these suggestions.

While social distancing during COVID-19 has created what seems like a new normal, it has also created more digital alternatives to in-person meet-ups for activities like shopping, learning and work. And more options can be good, because more choices can lead to new innovations in how we connect with each other and the world.

_{Note: The above is shared for informational purposes only.  We are not infectious disease experts and you should consult with trusted, independent, reputable sources before acting on any content on this website, especially if you have a medical condition or are at increased risk for contracting COVID-19.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice.  Never disregard professional medical or health advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.}

_{Zoom is a registered trademark of Zoom Video Communications, Inc. FaceTime is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Skype is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Inc.}