It was with great reluctance that Indira Vijayan, a 66-year-old retired banker, downloaded a popular messaging app on her phone three years back. Her grandchild taught her the basics of using the app, like how to forward messages and make calls using it. Today, she is not just an avid WhatsApp user but also believes that the app is an inseparable part of her. “The best thing about it is the groups that I am part of. My temple group, for instance, provided great spiritual relief during the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. We were doing several rituals – like marathon reading religious texts, pujas and so on through our group. It’s a strong community, and I feel I can ask for any sort of help from the group. They are quick to respond,” she says. She used the group during the lockdown to keep herself updated about local stores, and places that provide home delivery.
A Delhi resident, Vijayan has found her daily succour in the 35-plus strong community of worshippers of her group. Mostly comprising of senior citizens, the group updates each other on significant auspicious days and ceremonies. “It’s like what we used to do in our temple, only this time around, it’s a virtual group. We connected more during the pandemic. It was a time when having support groups outside of family was essential,” she adds.
With life spans getting longer and nuclear families being the norm, senior citizens are forming small communities with friends, neighbours, distant relatives and sometimes even strangers. With shared interests forming the basis of a community, such groups help them stay connected and valued. “If it was not for my yoga group, I would have left my daily practice a long time ago. We post our daily asanas on the group. It’s a form of great motivation when you see people older than you not missing practice,” says Maninder Puri, a 65-year-old from Noida.
Take for instance the JOY (Just Older Youth) Community on Facebook. It’s a group of single people in their 50s and 60s who want to live as a community of support, comfort and companionship to each other as they age. Book clubs, film clubs, health remedies groups, you name it and there is bound to be a group available on social media.
Several studies have proven the need for seniors to spend an active social life among peers. Activities like dining with friends, volunteering with a peer group, or simply being in a group are known to be mood-lifters. In the wake of the pandemic, communities have shifted online. What once used to be regular meetings at the neighbourhood parks or cafes has been replaced by Zoom or video conferencing. It’s easier, convenient and takes much less time for a senior to connect virtually.
“Much of the human emotions are intact even on a virtual community. On my yoga group, we don’t restrict ourselves to yoga. We discuss problems ranging from health issues to net-banking tutorials. We share so much in that group — jokes, political debates, news articles, etc,” says Puri.
Research has repeatedly shown the benefits of an active social life. If the pandemic has stopped you from going out, create your community online. Just don’t stop socialising. It’s an integral part of active ageing.