5 Ways for Seniors to Stay Busy While Isolated
Social distancing and self-imposed quarantine are necessary measures that many are taking to help reduce further spread of COVID-19. When you stay indoors, it’s necessary to continue your daily activities to keep both your mind and body healthy. To help senior members of your family feel the best they can, encourage them to take part in the following activities.
Fitness
Staying healthy through exercise improves your overall mood and encourages good health. There are a lot of exercises that aren’t too hard to try at home to help seniors stay active. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has a series of fitness videos available online for seniors. Although being inside is encouraged, older loved ones can still garden or stroll around the neighborhood as long as they maintain social distancing.
Virtual Tours
Just because most of the museums and parks are closed does not mean you can’t actually see them. Virtual online tours are offered at several locations. If your elderly loved one enjoys works of art or history, the British Museum offers an online experience. This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour. The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer. The National Park Service Webcams also offers an eye-opening view of some of the most impressive natural wonders in North America.
Hand Made Crafts
Knitting, crocheting, and sewing are good ways to stay active. Creating something is extremely satisfying, and these skills are on demand right now. Organizations such as Warm Up America and Project Linus accept donations of knitted hats, blankets, shawls, and more. Many local hospitals also accept donations of cloth masks. When your elderly loved ones are already involved in this kind of art, consider empowering them to support others with their special talents.
Writing
If you can write it down, try it. Whether it’s a diary, journaling, or a story you’ve been burning to tell, maybe now is the time to do it. Perhaps this is a good time to write your personal history to your children and grandchildren.
Playing Games
Having someone to play games with opens up a whole new world of possibilities. These could be card games, board games, sharing a puzzle, or learning online activities that are mentally stimulating. Puzzles and games are available for a wide range of interests and abilities. Some puzzles, for example, contain thousands of pieces, while others have fewer and larger pieces for those with impaired vision and dexterity. A number of games are also available online at AARP Games or Pogo.
Preventing Senior Isolation During Social Distancing
There are a lot of ways to remain active when maintaining social distancing. Finding activities that help keep older family members busy and engaged can ensure their overall quality of life. If you’re concerned about your loved one remaining active but are unable to visit them directly due to social barriers, we can provide resources and our personal care coaches are here to help!
Professional home care services can assist your loved one and provide companionship, even while practicing social distancing. Professional caregivers at Thrive USA Homecare follow CDC guidelines to provide home care services that range from just visiting to offering medical assistance. If you’re interested in finding out how home care services can help prevent isolation and keep your loved one active, talk to us.