We’re living in strange times. Across America – and the globe – billions of people are practicing social distancing and isolating themselves from the outside world. It’s the sort of seismic coordinated event not seen since global wartime, and particularly challenging for seniors accustomed to a comforting routine outside of the house.

That said, with the magic of the internet, there are ways to keep in contact with loved ones and plenty of timeless diversions to keep you occupied as well.

Let’s take a look.

Join a community group online

Apps like Nextdoor can be a godsend in times like these. Members are sorted by area codes, allowing you to get in contact with people who live in and around your immediate neighborhood. There’s no fee to join, and you can ask for help with groceries, or pick up second-hand items at great prices.

The Atlantic wrote in 2018 that Nextdoor “foster[s] connection among neighbors and help[s] counter social isolation…” – fitting in a time when isolation has never been so rampant.

Be sure to browse Facebook as well, which has community groups fulfilling a similar function.

Read a few classics

There’s no better time to get stuck in to a good read, and to help you along, Amazon.com has compiled a list of the 100 books to read in a lifetime. There’s everything from Herbert’s Dune to Franzen’s The Corrections, as well as non-fiction fare like Moneyball, which was turned into a movie starring Brad Pitt.

Physical delivery times are slower than usual, but if you own a Kindle, you can buy and download a book in minutes.

Stay connected on Zoom, Teams, Skype or a related app

All you need is a stable internet connection to enjoy the perks of virtual calling.

The best-case scenario? You’ve got internet powered over fiber optic cable. “Cable” providers include Comcast and Charter, Cox, CenturyLink, Altice and Mediacom. But even if you’re on a slower “DSL” connection (i.e., AT&T or Verizon) there’s a good chance you can enjoy lag-free chats online.

Looking to jump in? Zoom and Skype are good choices.

Then there’s WhatsApp video. With an internet-enabled phone, you can access the Google Play Store/Apple App Store, where you’ll be able to get your hands on the popular messaging application.

• Download WhatsApp, open it on your phone and hit the message icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
• Next, scroll down to find the loved one you want to chat to. (Make sure the person you’re looking for is saved in your phone before doing this).
• Finally? Initiate a video call with this person by hitting the boxy video icon on the upper right-hand corner of your screen.

Try a virtual tour of a famous museum

You don’t need to travel to Los Angeles to sample the artworks on show at the Getty Museum. Cultural hotspots like Getty are offering people a chance to take a virtual tour of their collections, and museums all over the world have joined in.

That’s not all. Theme parks, zoos and aquariums are following suit, and if you’re in the mood for a more science-based diversion, there’s even the chance to a look at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Flight simulators, planes and scientific oddities are housed in the various buildings.

Discover NASA in greater detail – and a whole lot more – by checking out the Good Housekeeping article on the subject.

Pick up a new hobby – like meditation

Why not indulge in an ancient pastime? Meditation is good for the mind and the body and it’s performed best in isolation – so what better time to learn than now?

There are great meditation podcasts available on Spotify (currently $9.99 a month) and you can even sign up for Headspace, the dedicated meditation app ($69.99 annually), which is the brainchild of wellness guru Andy Puddicombe. Then there’s always YouTube, which will offer freely available videos (albeit with ads).

Even in times of crisis, there’s an opportunity to do something new or to renew a love for a hobby you discarded long ago. Whatever you get up to, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing. And finally, make the most of the situation.

Happy isolating.