During the COVID-19 pandemic, society has had to find creative and innovative ways to keep running. This has resulted in working from home, virtual learning, and ordering takeout instead of dining at restaurants. If the internet was a significant facet in daily life before the pandemic, it’s undoubtedly irreplaceable now.

COVID-19 has forced us to move almost every aspect of life online, making things more streamlined, efficient, and convenient. Some of the services that were a mere convenience before the virus, like meal delivery kits, have become almost essential. 

HarborChase Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities throughout the United States, and we encourage our residents to make the most out of online services. From food delivery to entertainment, we’re sharing some things that (you may or may not know) can be done online to make life a little easier. 

Food and Groceries

Grocery Delivery Services

Currently, grocery delivery is one of the easiest ways to avoid leaving the house while still stocking up on the essentials. Instacart is a great option for having groceries delivered, and during the pandemic, many grocery stores have begun offering their own delivery services. 

Meal Delivery

If you’re not a huge fan of grocery prepping and planning, but still want to ensure you are eating balanced meals, meal kits and deliveries are an ideal solution. Meal kits will send you everything you need—from the recipe to pre-portioned ingredients—to prepare restaurant-style homemade meals. Some great options for meal delivery are HelloFresh, Home Chef, and Blue Apron. 

If you want to skip the cooking altogether, some meal delivery services have pre-prepared, frozen meals sent right to your doorstep, so all you have to do is microwave and enjoy! 

Other Food Subscription Services

Subscription boxes have come a long way since the “Jam of The Month Club.” Today, there is a subscription box for just about anything you could think of: snacks, coffee and tea, wine or whiskey; the list goes on. 

For an exciting monthly surprise, see an extensive list of subscription boxes here. 

Health and Wellness

Appointments & Healthcare

Since the start of the pandemic, telehealth services have become increasingly popular. Virtual doctor’s appointments have allowed people to get the care they need without potential exposure or health risks, and online patient portals allow you to communicate with your doctor privately and securely. 

Medication Refill and Delivery

Online prescription refills have also made life easier; with just a click of a button, you can have your prescriptions refilled and delivered to your home. Because of COVID-19, many pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are even waiving delivery fees for prescriptions. 

Online Fitness Classes

Without the ability to go to the gym, many people have turned to online workouts. YouTube and other services have endless options for people that are interested in working out at home. 

There are even some aimed toward older adults—from gentle yoga to low-intensity strength training. 

Entertainment

Books

If going to the bookstore or library is not an option for you, there are plenty of ways to read books online. Most books are available to download on e-readers like Kindles, but there are also ways to read books right in your browser. 

In addition, most local libraries will offer digital books to borrow. If you prefer reading a physical book, there are numerous websites and services available to have them delivered, such as Amazon or the Book of The Month Club.

Streaming Entertainment

Streaming movies and TV shows is certainly not a new concept, but its usage has skyrocketed during the pandemic. Streaming services allow you to watch an archive of movies and shows instantly. With seemingly endless streaming services available, you’ll never run out of something to watch!

Other Unique Ways to Stay Entertained

If you’re not in the mood to read or watch a movie, there are countless locations to explore online without ever leaving your home. You can go on a virtual tour of The Louvre, discover the National Parks, or live stream what’s going on at The Cincinnati Zoo. There are so many resources available to learn, entertain, and have fun! 

Tips for Using Online Services

While digital services make life more convenient, they also pose more risks. As with anything online, you face the risk of fraud or scams. Here are some tips to think about when utilizing online services: 

• Only buy things that you know are from valid and secure sources. Be sure to read other customer reviews to make sure. 
• Be aware of common scams. Don’t give out any more information than is necessary. 
• When buying items like clothing or household items online, be sure to read and understand the company’s return policy. 
• If possible, avoid entering your credit card information using public wifi or computers. 

Let’s Get Digital

Technology has made life easier in ways that we couldn’t have imagined just ten years ago. Even today, many people are still unaware of all the advantages and ease that technology can provide. We’ve shared only a few of the infinite things you can do, but we encourage you to spend time online and discover even more convenient and fun things to do!

HarborChase Senior Living has independent living communities throughout the United States, offering a retirement lifestyle of luxury, ease, and support. For more information about online safety, senior health and wellness, and HarborChase Senior Living communities, visit our blog!