Regency Park Shares Tips for Long-Distance Grandparents

Posted By on March 8, 2023

In 2019, an AARP study found that over half of American families deal with differences of at least 200 miles between grandparents and at least one grandchild. 

The bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is a special one, full of passing down wisdom, defining cultural identity, and making cherished memories together. So how can a grandparent stay connected with their grandchildren when there’s distance keeping them apart?

Regency Park understands the importance of connecting with family. When you choose retirement living in our Vero Beach community, we provide the tools and resources you need to continue your active lifestyle, focus on your wellness, and keep you connected with your grandchildren and family! 

Our Regency Park team is sharing tips for promoting connection when you live far from those you love.

Set Up Regular Phone Calls

We all have busy days when we miss phone calls or forget to respond to text messages. Some of us may feel like we spend more time talking to our loved one’s voicemail rather than them. 

To combat this, set up a time with your grandchildren to connect on the phone. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, having a predetermined time can allow for planning and avoid the “Now’s not a good time” to talk moments.

Rely on Technology

Technology has made it possible for anyone to connect over long distances thanks to video call services like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime. This is a great way to speak face-to-face with your grandkids, even if you can’t get together in person. 

Sound recordings are also a unique way to connect. For younger grandchildren, record yourself reading aloud from one of their favorite picture books or singing their favorite lullaby. 

There are also plenty of apps you can use to connect through playing games. For example, many apps allow you to play games via video calls, and some allow you to play virtually through a simple chat box. Here are some ideas to get you started! 

  • House Party
  • Words with Friends
  • Monopoly
  • Scrabble
  • Clue

Binge-Watch Together

Streaming services have completely changed how people enjoy watching movies and television shows. Rather than drive to the movie theater or wait a week for the newest episode of your favorite show, services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBOMax allow you to dive into the latest binge-worthy program from the comfort of your living room.

Similar to virtual game apps, many options can help you plan a long-distance watch party with your grandkids so that you can enjoy the feeling of watching a movie or show together. From screen sharing a streaming service on a Zoom call to downloading the Teleparty app, plan a special movie night with your grandchildren, or schedule a weekly viewing of a new show! 

Start a Virtual Activity Club

Video calls allow you to talk and catch up with your grandkids, so why not get creative? If you and your grandkids share a special hobby or activity, implement them into your Zoom calls! 

For instance, if you and your grandkids like to knit or crochet, start your own special virtual “knitting circle.” If you love to read books together, start a virtual “book club,” where you pick a new book each month to read and discuss. 

Create Your Own Special “Network”

Social media is a great way to stay connected with your grandchildren; you can you send messages and photos and keep up with their latest activities and accomplishments. However, Facebook and Instagram might not be for everyone, and it can be easy to lose track of specific loved ones in the main feeds, which are often jumbled up with advertisements and other posts from friends.

Thankfully, there’s an easy solution! Create your own network dedicated to yourself and your grandkids, where you can share updates in one cohesive place. Websites like Family Wall allow you to create blog posts, photo albums, and even family histories and calendars. Other sites like WeTransfer, Flickr, and Snapfish let you share photos and videos. 

In-Person Visits

Nothing compares to visiting with your loved ones in person. If possible, commit yourself to visiting your grandchildren at least once a year, whether they come to see you or you travel to see them. If you have multiple grandchildren spread out across different cities and states, coordinate a central location where you can all meet – whether that’s a family’s home or a fun, new destination!

Retirement living in Vero Beach offers plenty of adventures and excursions you and your grandchildren can enjoy together! Take in the beautiful scenery at McKee Botanical Garden or spend an afternoon at Round Island Beach Park. Discover the fascinating history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet at the McLarty Treasure Museum, or take them to the Vero Beach Museum of Art, where they can create their own masterpieces at the “Art Zone!”

Many older adults choose retirement living in Vero Beach because it offers sun, relaxation, and active living. However, this might mean moving away from close family. Fortunately, today’s technology and opportunities make it easy for you to continue making wonderful memories with those you love!

Regency Park is a luxury retirement community in Vero Beach, Florida, offering independent living and celebrating the histories, traditions, and values of residents and families. We invite you to visit RegencyParkVeroBeach.com to learn more about our active retirement living community in Vero Beach.

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