Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has been spending more time indoors than they likely would have otherwise. Seniors, in particular, need to stay at home, because they are in a higher risk category. Older individuals have weaker immune systems, making it easier for them to become infected with the coronavirus. Some seniors may also have other conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe symptoms from the virus.
Home is generally considered to be a comfortable place but being confined there can be difficult. For Seniors who need to remain at home, it is important that they have activities to enjoy and keep themselves occupied. The outside world seemingly presents endless opportunities for leisure and enjoyment, but there are still many engaging home activities for seniors to participate in while in quarantine.
Reading Books
Getting immersed in a good book is a classic way to enjoy your time indoors. From nonfiction to mystery to romance, there are numerous genres out there, so seniors can always find a book that piques their interest. It gives them a chance to exercise their brain and experience a story.
Reading helps with mind engagement and stimulation. As such, it can also help strengthen the brain, improve one’s vocabulary, and may even help with cognitive decline prevention.
However, not all seniors have good vision, so reading books might be tough. While there are large-print books available, reading can still be too much of a strain. But this does not mean elderly individuals cannot continue to engage themselves in the stories and information books offer.
Audiobooks have become increasingly popular and provide an alternative way to experience a book. Some people also retain information better when they hear it, which can make audiobooks more appealing.
Playing Games and Solving Puzzles
Other great indoor activities that double as a way for seniors to exercise their brains are playing games and solving puzzles.
Games are an especially good way to pass the time if individuals live with others, whether they are family members or other seniors, because it provides socialization. From cards to checkers to board games, there are a multitude of options out there to fit everyone’s interests and to have as alternate options.
If seniors are alone at home, then puzzles are a good option that also provide mental stimulation. They can put together jigsaw puzzles, do Sudoku, complete word searches, or fill out crossword puzzles.
Watching Movies
Reality can be especially overwhelming nowadays, so finding escape from it by way of watching a movie can be especially comforting during this tough time. Watching a movie can be a great way to end the night, or seniors can even watch movies throughout the day, putting on films in the background while they participate in other activities.
Watching movies is also a good way to spend time with others, in-person or not. If seniors have others living with them, they can make movie night a social event, getting together to watch the film. Individuals can also partake in virtual watch parties, watching a film with their grandchildren, adult children, and other family members who they cannot currently be with.
Participating in Home Workouts
Chances are many people are spending most of quarantine sitting down and being inactive. When people are confined to their homes, getting physical activity can be tough. But this limitation does not mean you cannot get your daily exercise in. In fact, you should still make an effort to do some physical activity.
Seniors, especially, need to remain active to maintain good health and strong muscles. Exercise can also help them improve their flexibility, posture, and balance, which can help limit their fall risk.
The physical activity does not need to be strenuous or difficult. There are many simple exercises elderly individuals can do to keep their activity up. From simple stretches to yoga to chair exercises, seniors have numerous safe and easy exercise routines they can do. The internet has many exercise videos seniors can view and follow along with.
Getting Creative with Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts make for great indoor activities and can even be therapeutic. They can help ease feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Whether individuals think of themselves as artists or not, there are creative activities that suit all skill levels.
Coloring pages, for example, are a good example of home activities for individuals who do not consider themselves to be artistic or creative. While generally associated with children, they have become increasingly popular with adults due to their relaxing effect. There are a variety of coloring books available for all skill levels, from basic to expert.
For individuals with an interest in arts and crafts, crocheting, knitting, and painting are all great hands-on activities that are engaging and allow for originality.
Home Care from Assisting Hands Richmond
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been tough and having to remain quarantined at home can become agitating. But with the aforementioned home based activities, your loved ones have a multitude of choices on how to spend their time at home. However, it might be tough for seniors to do these activities on their own.
At Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond, we offer senior care services in Richmond, VA, to help out elderly individuals at home. We will provide your loved one with a well-trained, licensed Caregiver who has passed an extensive screening process, a nationwide background check and a drug screen. From personal care to meal preparation, the Caregiver will provide loved ones with whatever support they need.
Furthermore, our Caregivers also serve as companions, so home-based activities for seniors during quarantine do not need to done alone. Seniors will have someone around to play games, watch movies, and spend time with during what can be an otherwise lonely time.
With home care support from Assisting Hands, you can trust that your elderly loved ones will have the care and company they need during the pandemic.
