Houseparty – A Fun App

As households brace for another season of staying at home until a vaccine for COVID-19 is widely distributed, it can be a challenge to find something new to capture our attention.  Many people have dropped out of regular Zoom family and friends video chats. As the weather turns cooler and outdoor gatherings are less available, it’s probably time to get some virtual get-togethers planned for the coming weeks.  The Houseparty app is a fun way to gather friends and family. 

Houseparty is a social networking app that allows up to 10 people to video chat in a virtual “room”.   The app is available to download on iOS, Android, Mac, PC, and in Google Chrome extension.  The platform includes games like Uno, Heads Up! Trivia, Quick Draw, and Guac!  Fortnite Mode lets users cast their party into Fortnite, bringing friends and family along while playing.  

For privacy, rooms can be locked and friends must be approved before they can join.  By blocking someone on Houseparty, they will be removed as your “friend” and they will be unable to communicate unless they are unblocked. 

Houseparty also features a Karaoke singing competition, viewing parties, and events like live performances, lessons, and chats with celebrities. Link your account with friends on Facebook, and spend some time together talking, playing games, learning and just enjoying a shared experience. 

According to research, positive social relationships are the leading contributor to resilience and greater psychological and physical well-being.  Staying connected with others helps lessen stress, reduce depression, and is cognitively protective for older adults.  

Learn more about how psychological resilience in older age can support health and well being by following this link to a research article in the Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics.