The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown everyone off their game. Daily activities that no one thought twice before, have become a health risk now. Senior living facilities with older adults are at a higher risk, confining them to their own private space is a challenge. In such a time, it is more challenging for seniors to remain active, because it may result in compromised immunity. Many senior housing providers, very creatively developed ways to keep seniors occupied and safe.
Here are a few simple and easy ways for seniors to remain active during the ‘Stay at Home’ orders:
- Walking
Walking is the best activity for everyone not just for seniors. Daily walk is sufficient to boost immunity and uplift one’s spirit. Although, this is an outdoor activity, facility can improvise by using hallways, dining rooms and living rooms maintaining social distance, wearing mask and taking other sanitary precautions.
- Dancing
Dancing is a fun way to boost endurance and entertain oneself. Dancing is not only beneficial for the body but for the mind as well. This pandemic has dampened everyone’s spirits and surely some dancing can spread some cheer.
- Gardening
For seniors who love nature and greenery, and don’t mind dirtying their hands, gardening can be long hours of gratifying pleasure. With patience and time at hand, gardening can prove to be therapeutic for many seniors.
- Getting creative
This is also a perfect time to learn something new – maybe there are hobbies or interests that the elderly never had a chance to explore before. They can try their hands at cooking, baking, bird- watching, knitting, crocheting, gardening, making a scrap book, or learning a new language
- Reading
Reading is a fun and engaging way to spend time, it improves memory, reduces stress, improves sleep, and delays cognitive decline.
- Surfing
This is the best time for the elderly to cope with the millennial generation and get online! This is the time to watch Netflix, activate social media accounts, and connect with family members through video calls!
- Connecting
Be it connecting with nature or with good old friends over a chat or phone call, this is the best time to revive and restore friendships.
The pandemic is hard on everyone, kindness and compassion is necessary to beat it. Our seniors are vulnerable to the virus and we need to do our very best take care of them. These are a few of many meaningful and engaging activities for seniors to overcome loneliness and depression in the present challenging time. Senior living facilities can definitely help families, with professional elder care and affordable senior housing. Let’s get through these tough times, together!
