Activities for Seniors During Social Isolation

Over the last few months, we’ve been completely overwhelmed by the news of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us feel that there is no escape from the news reports, constantly updated numbers, and recommended precautions.

One of the hardest to swallow pills? Social distance — or what we’ve come to find is social isolation, actually.  As humans, we are innately social creatures that thrive on interactions with others. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that social isolation can affect our physical and mental well-being, especially for the elderly who are particularly vulnerable.

Knowing this, we encourage you to physically distance yourself — which doesn’t necessarily lead to social isolation. Just because we can’t be physically present with each other doesn’t mean that we need to be socially isolated. After all, more than ever, we need a social connection. And it doesn’t have to be difficult to fight the loneliness we feel. When everyone is willing to commit to meaningful interactions, it is relatively easy to keep isolation and loneliness at bay.

To keep a senior loved one entertained during social distancing, continue reading below.

Let’s Get Crafty

Does your loved one enjoy a hands-on activity? When it comes to arts and crafts, there are so many ways that seniors can get creative.  In addition, many seniors with physical limitations can still experience the joys of crafting by adjusting the activities. A few of the crafts to try while practicing  social distancing include: 

  • Coloring.
  • Painting.
  • Sketching.
  • Knitting.
  • Card Making
  • Scrapbooking.
  • Sewing.

The coordination of motor skills involved in crafting helps with daily routine tasks, such as washing, dressing, and eating. Not to mention, the patience and practice of achieving the finished product is a rewarding experience for seniors.

Take a Virtual Tour of a Zoo, Aquarium, or Museum

Many zoos, aquariums, and museums are closed to the public, but they’re offering educational programs and tours through their websites. Most of these venues work with VR headsets and make it possible to tour without leaving your home.  Schedule time with your senior loved one to virtually visit one of a couple and learn about the animals, sea creatures, or museum of your choice.

Game On!

Board games are a perfect way to socialize with senior loved ones — both near or far away. Plus, everyone can benefit from the exciting challenges of friendly competition.

Thanks to online communities such as the Board Game Arena, you can play the following games with others:

Checkers. 

Bingo.

Yahtzee

Scrabble.

Puzzles, cards, and crossword puzzles are also a great alternative to games, as they help to sharpen the minds of seniors and give them a sense of accomplishment upon completion.  We love these because they are both interactive and engaging. 

Enjoy a Movie Night

Which is the favorite film of your loved one? With classics, musicals, and many more categories to choose from watching movies offers your loved one an emotional break in the midst of social distancing. Surprise them by watching together with their favorite movie. 

Entertainment from previous decades, including both movies and music, can provoke nostalgia in seniors. It can recover old memories from their history that can encourage positive discussion about their lives. There are a variety of streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Disney Plus that offer a variety of different shows and movies. As a company-wide initiative, we have assisted in setting up our families with “Amazon Alexa Shows”.  This allows visual family and family members and loved ones to watch together, even if they are apart. 

Go for a Walk

Is your loved one feeling claustrophobic from being inside? Seniors can benefit from spending time in nature in many ways.  Take a stroll together, so that both you and your loved one can enjoy the fresh outdoors. Make sure you ‘re standing six feet a part of each other, as well as those walking by.

If you’re worried about walking in the park, consider taking your loved one on a drive to enjoy the scenic route. Roll down the windows and let the sunshine in, and breathe in the fresh air.  

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.

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