Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, people are spending much more time inside of their homes. While it can be frustrating to be confined to the indoors, it is the best thing to do to keep everyone safe. Going outside and interacting with others can put yourself and others at risk of getting COVID-19. Quarantining is especially important for elderly individuals because their weaker immune systems make them especially susceptible to catching coronavirus.
Although there may not be as much to do indoors compared to what the outside world offers, there are still plenty of fun home activities for seniors to partake in during the COVID-19 quarantine.
Do At-Home Workouts
Remaining active is especially important for seniors, because it helps them stay healthy and keeps their muscles in good condition. This, however, can appear to be more difficult when you are quarantined indoors, but that does not have to be the case.
There are many ways to remain active while at home. Seniors can engage in simple at-home workouts, following along with the variety of programs available online.
Even the simplest exercises can be beneficial, especially if you are going to spend most of your time sitting down and being inactive. There are even exercises you can do while sitting in a chair, so there are exercise options for elderly individuals no matter what their range of mobility is.
Do Some Arts and Crafts
This quarantine is a good opportunity for seniors to channel their artistic side and be creative. Whether elderly individuals think of themselves as a creative person or not, there are all kinds of arts and crafts seniors can do to that match their skill level.
Something as simple as doing coloring sheets can pass the time while providing benefits. Coloring is known to improve one’s motor skills while also reducing their anxiety and stress levels. For seniors who are more creative, consider creating something entirely new. Grab some paper and watercolors and do some painting. For more hands-on indoors activities for seniors, try an activity like knitting or crocheting.
Another fun and crafty activity seniors can do is scrapbooking. It offers a creative outlet while also letting them revisit good memories from the past.
Read or Listen to Books
With all this time indoors, it is a great opportunity to get immersed in a book. If seniors have difficulties with their vision, then they can still experience a story by going with the alternative route of audiobooks.
Play Cards and Board Games
Playing cards and board games are a classic pastime and great indoor activities. Whether it is a simple game of Go Fish, a game of chess, or a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, these activities are a fun way to exercise your mind and socialize with other people.
If seniors appreciate words and language, then consider having them do crossword puzzles and word searches, as these will likely appeal to and better engage them. If your elderly loved one enjoys math, then Sudoku is a good fit. In either case, there are entire puzzle books available for purchase that can keep seniors occupied for a long while.
Have a Movie Night
A night of movies, whether within the comfort or your own home or out at the movie theater, is always an enjoyable way to spend your time. From classic films to animated features to action movies, films provide us with an opportunity to escape reality and immerse ourselves into a different world — something many people need right now.
Movie nights can also be a social event. If seniors live with others, then gather everyone to pick a movie to watch together. If seniors live by themselves, consider a virtual watch party. With today’s technology, there are ways you can hold movie nights with people from all over. This can be a great way for elderly individuals to bond with their grandchildren, family members, and friends during a time when they might be unable to see others in person.
Companion Care
Being quarantined can be difficult, especially if you are on your own, but this can be even tougher for elderly individuals who live on their own. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and even depression, and they may have trouble taking care of themselves with no one around to help. This can be avoided by hiring a companion care provider for your elderly loved one.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we offer non-medical home health care services in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and the neighboring areas to help elderly individuals live safely at home. We provide seniors with a well-trained caregiver who will provide assistance and companionship to clients. In addition to helping with everyday care needs, our caregivers can partake in indoor activities for seniors so that they can enjoy their time and activities with someone.
