As many as 41% of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation, and up to 58% have experienced loneliness before, according to one report titled Understanding the Factors Driving the Epidemic of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Canadians. For Ottawans looking to put human connection at the forefront of their lives, video chat technology can make a significant and positive impact. From the value of simple and unique platforms to those that facilitate diverse friendships in an easy way, there is no shortage of unique and innovative options to try out.
The value of online connections
Staying social as we age is a must — according to the National Institute on Aging, research has linked social isolation and loneliness to increased risks of a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s disease. While physically getting out and about is ideal, it isn’t always possible. Video chat not only serves as an accessible way for people of all ages to communicate, but facilitates a meaningful, face-to-face connection that can’t be found in text based communication.
Video chat with meaningful connection at the forefront of a platform isn’t a new concept. Made in Ottawa, aTouchAway is a unique technology that enables users to stay in touch with family and loved ones in a surprisingly simple way. Developed by Michel Paquet, CEO and founder of Aetonix Systems in Ottawa’s Bayview Yards, the technology can be utilised without the hassle of download links or even passwords. The app has even been implemented in a number of hospitals in the United Kingdom in addition to Canada’s Queensway Carleton Hospital in order to help individuals stay connected. According to one CBC article, the technology is simple and accessible to use, with photos of loved ones serving as icons that can be touched, enabling users to connect directly to a video chat. aTouchAway proved to be particularly beneficial to Canadians during the coronavirus pandemic, enabling families to stay connected even when visiting hospitals and nursing homes wasn’t a possibility.
Forging friendships around the world
Perhaps one of the major advantages of video chat is the fact that you can connect with anyone around the world, enabling the ability to make diverse and unique friendships. According to a Hult International Business School blog post, the benefits of multicultural friendships extend well beyond friendly company. Diverse friendships can help learn new languages, inspire the desire to travel, discover new foods, and help you to overcome shyness. InstaCams is just one unique platform that can connect you to individuals from around the globe via random video chats. By putting safety at the forefront of the platform, users can connect with others within a safe and respectful environment. As a result, InstaCams paves the way for meaningful connections through face-to-face conversation, all the while serving as a spontaneous way to meet new people right from the comfort of your home. To help users meet the right match, the platform will randomly pair users based on preferences and settings, effectively helping participants find the right conversation partner from the get-go.
Staying connected with the community
When it comes to new video chat platforms, Yappin.Chat launched worldwide in March of 2024. According to Fox40, Yappin.Chat is a groundbreaking app that is “designed to transform the way we connect.” Featuring a blend of instant voice messaging and live group video chat capabilities, the app can bring a truly unique form of connection to the lives of Ottawans who are craving something different from the traditional social platform.
Fox40 goes on to highlight the app’s standout feature — an ability to host live group video sessions with thousands of participants simultaneously. As such, this feature brings to light a unique advantage that cannot be found with other, more popular video chat platforms. Older Ottawans who wish to stay connected can take advantage of this unique feature when connecting with a number of individuals, whether it be for the sake of keeping up with a community group, a large family gathering, or perhaps even virtual services (like church). Another feature of Yappin.Chat bolsters the idea of community connection, with the Fox40 article highlighting the app’s value for connecting with like-minded individuals and communities via specialised channels and interest groups.
Maintaining a social life as we age is crucial to both mental and physical health — however, getting out and about to meet up with friends and loved ones isn’t always possible. With the help of innovative social media platforms that put video chatting at the forefront of the matter, users across Canada can connect with loved ones as well as forge friendships across the globe.
