Humans are social creatures, which means we thrive in group settings and instinctively look after one another. This human trait makes isolation and social distancing difficult for many people since our mental health is so closely tied to our interactions with others.
Senior citizens in particular have been struggling to fill their time because they are not as fulfilled by modern technology as younger generations. Fortunately, there are plenty of hobbies and pastimes to keep elderly people busy during isolation.
Here are some activities to keep seniors busy during quarantine.
1. Podcasts
Podcasting became popular in the early 2000s and the industry has continued to soar from there. Due to its popularity, there are a wide variety of topics explored by podcasts, such as true crime, comedy, and news, so you’re almost guaranteed to find a podcast that covers your interests.
Listening to podcasts is a great way to spend your time as you isolate at home because you can listen while a craft or chore keeps your hands busy. This allows you to stay productive and enjoy yourself during quarantine.
Podcasts offer a unique warmth because the hosts cater to their audience’s interests and often speak to them directly. It is the perfect medium for social distancing because it squashes feelings of loneliness via virtual companionship. Podcasts are also easily accessible and often free, which provides people quality entertainment they can afford.
2. Wheel of Fortune
We don’t mean watching Wheel of Fortune on TV, although guessing the answers and judging the contestants can be fun, too. If you want a more interactive experience, play Wheel of Fortune online and test your knowledge.
This version of the game is a little different because you don’t get to guess letters. Instead, the letters autofill one at a time until you press “Solve” and you can fill in the rest. This online game is simple and fun, but it can also get repetitive after some time because it often reuses puzzles.
Card and tabletop board games, such as rummy, dominos, and solitaire are popular because they are fun, strategy-based games that also allow you to casually converse with friends. However, since social distancing is so important nowadays, it may seem that your favorite board and card games are off limits.
Not necessarily. Similar to the virtual Wheel of Fortune, you can also play your favorite card and board games online. You can choose from a variety of games you wouldn’t otherwise have access to and stay entertained for hours.
However, if you are quarantined with your family or a roommate, these board and card games should be safe to play in person, as long as you both are social distancing and limiting your interaction outside your residence.
4. Live Cams to Zoos and Aquariums
Local zoos and aquariums are closed temporarily due to the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the attractions. Many still offer free live cams so you can enjoy watching your favorite animals and fish from home.
Some of the most popular zoos with available live cams include the Bronx Zoo, the Smithsonian National Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo. The most popular aquariums with live feeds are the New York Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
You can look up the zoos and aquariums near you if you want to view animals and fish closer to you, but regardless of your choice, watching animals live peacefully is sure to bring you joy in these dark times.
5. Exercise Videos
All the excess free time we have because of isolation makes this the perfect time to begin exercising and improving your eating habits. This is especially important for seniors because a good diet and fitness routine will help them stay healthy.
We understand that it may be difficult to exercise because you don’t have access to the gym, but there are plenty of workout exercises you can do at home. You can stretch, do sit ups and pushups, and follow the workouts in a variety of exercise videos.
6. Crafts
Crafting is a great quarantine activity because it is an enriching hobby that can be done absentmindedly while watching TV. The best thing is that there are so many different types of crafts that will appeal to many different kinds of people. You can also use supplies lying around the house to your creative advantage. Luckily, there are many websites, YouTube videos, and other tutorials on how to make certain crafts online.
Companionship with a Caregiver
It may be frustrating to be stuck at home, but please remember that there are many home activities for seniors available to fill your time. If you or an aging loved one needs in-home care assistance or even senior companionship, give Assisting Hands a call at (224) 258-0736 to schedule an appointment.
Daniela has master’s degree in electronic engineering with a pedagogical specialty and master’s degree in marketing management.
After completing her schooling, Daniela worked at a hospital for 6 years as the Director of Business Marketing Development and Public Relations.
Starting Assisting Hands Home Care
Daniela spent more than 14 years as the Assistant Vice President of a national bank before becoming a co-owner of Assisting Hands Home Care of Schaumburg.
Her background in public relations and marketing along with her personal experience caring for her mother motivates Daniela to be passionate about helping families in the Schaumburg, IL area find exceptional caregiving services for their elderly loved ones.
Besides providing home care, Daniela enjoys giving back to the community in her free time, supporting various events at St. Peter Parish in Geneva, IL such as fundraising, school projects, charity events, and more. She also enjoys volunteering for the Humanitarian Service Project in Carol Stream, IL. This organization provides seniors with meals as well as food and supplies for children living in poverty.
