For many seniors, video calling provides a unique opportunity to bond with family and friends, particularly when an in-person meeting isn’t feasible. For those who are not well-acquainted with Android smartphones, this guide will help you make video calls on Google Duo, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger with ease.
Benefits of Video Calling For The Elderly
Increased Interaction: Enables real-time conversations with family members and friends.
User Friendly: Easy steps demonstrated visually.
Very Affordable: Most apps work via wi-fi or data; drastically reducing call costs.
Best Apps for Capturing Video Calls on Android Devices
Take a look at these top 3 video calling apps that are incredibly intuitive for the elderly:
Google Meet (formerly called Google Duo): Provides clear video and audio calls that are incredibly easy.
WhatsApp: One of the most widely-used applications. Known for its video calls and text messaging services.
Facebook Messenger: A great addition for those who actively use Facebook.
How to Execute A Video Call On An Android Device: Simplified Steps
Method 1: Full video call session using Google Meet With your Google Duo account enabled.
Google Meet is one of those apps that are easy for the elderly to operate and navigate.
Step 1: Getting Google Meet on your device
Launch the Google Play Store app (a multi-colored triangular box labeled “Play”, or similarly shaped icon of an asterisk) on your device.
“Install Google Meet” is what should be typed on the Menu bar.
Click “Install” then wait for it to download.
Step 2: Open Google Meet & Sign Into Your Account
Select the Google Meet app.
Sign into your Google account (if you have Gmail, use the same email).
Step 3: Start a Video Call
Select “New Meeting”.
Select “Start an instant meeting”.
Then “Share invite” and with either a message or email, send the link to your contact.
When they join, you’ll see them on the screen!
Method 2: Video Call Using WhatsApp
WhatsApp is very popular messaging software and is easy to use for seniors who want to connect with family.
Step 1: Get WhatsApp
Search for “WhatsApp” in the Play Store.
Click on “Install” and then open the app.
Step 2: Set WhatsApp Up
Put in your phone number and verify via SMS.
Set up your name (optional) along with a profile picture.
Step 3: Initiating a Video Call
Head into WhatsApp, then over to “Chats”.
Click on the selected contact you’d like to reach out to.
From there, click the video camera icon located in the top right corner.
Now you just need to wait until they answer the call and you’re set!
Method 3: Video Call Using Facebook Messenger
In case the senior has Facebook, Messenger becomes a very handy app.
Step 1: Get Facebook Messenger
Search for “Facebook Messenger” in the Play Store.
From the main menu, you can select the option for installing and running the application.
First step: Create or Sign In to your Account
If you already possess a singular Facebook account, sign into it; otherwise, create a new account.
Step two: Starting a video call
Open up the Messenger application. Once inside, click on the [yo babaji koi naam padhna padega na] tab to see your friends.
specifically, choose the user on your contact list Click on the respective user.
Click on the camera icon (superimposed over the contacts list).
Connect the video call and wish yourself a joyful and engaging conversation!
Tips for Helping Seniors More Easily Make Video Calls.
✅ Reasonable lighting conditions – Magical things happen when one actually prefers being seated close to a window/time zone when they are more distinctly visible. Does that mean ‘I can see my [insert family labelled] relative from the [Insert family labelled] room?’. Yep, genutzt allerdings.
Use a Microphone headset – Enhances comprehension by removing oblique sounds.
✅ Test the calls in advance – Make sure to practice with them a little earlier over the phone.
Overall conclusion remarks
Seniors are often assumed to be difficult in other ways, and although each service such as Google Meet, WhatsApp or Messnger comes equipped with video calling options, the latter offers a more user friendly approach. Follow this guide step by step and making video calls to family members will soon commence.
Need even more assistance? Why not run down to your closest family friend and let them superbly walk you through the setup or why not check online/request for ‘How to Video Call for Android on Circumference devices set up for full footage: A Senior’s How To Woman’s Guide’?