Older adults are often confined to their homes due to health conditions and various other restrictions. The ongoing pandemic has been an added blow and is making it harder to stay motivated and positive. As such, it may seem like there is no way for the elderly people to have fun on their own, but this could not be further from the truth! In this blog post, we will outline some interesting and easy to do activities for seniors that they can keep them occupied and let them have some fun at the same time! If you are an elderly person who is looking for something to do on your own without having to spend money on travel, then read on for some great ideas.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Even if you cannot travel, you can still get out and enjoy your surroundings. If you are a senior capable of performing your IADL and ADL, we recommend you to go for a walk every day, do some grocery shopping from local stores, or visit nearby parks. These activities will not only work as some good physical exercise, but also allow you to socialize and meet new people.
Apart from that, if you are lucky enough to have a backyard or garden adjacent to your house, you can spend a lot of time nurturing the plants, walking around on the grass or simply having your morning coffee outside. Staying close to nature can immensely benefit your mental health and keep you refreshed.
Take up Hobbies
We all know that hobbies are extremely good for our mental health and can also provide us with a sense of accomplishment, but they are even more beneficial when you are confined to your home. You do not have to pick up something super complicated or exotic. Just try doing something which you enjoy. For example, if you have a knack for cooking, try creating new dishes and recipes then share it with your family or friends. If knitting is your thing, then knit something for someone else or learn how to make some fancy stitches. Reading is also a great pastime and keeps your mind active and your thoughts stimulated.
Get Creative
If you are feeling like you need a change of scenery, there is no better time than now to gradually ease into doing the things that used to make you happy once upon a time! Some people like to paint, woodworking or playing different instruments. All these hobbies can be done with very limited physical strain, but can have a lasting positive impact on your mental health as well as give you a great sense of accomplishment. Simply put, gradually go back to your old hobbies or try new ones!
Host Events at Home
If the ongoing restrictions allow, you can arrange a little get together or event in your backyard or house. Invite your dear ones over and have some good old time with food, music and games. You could have guests bring their own dishes and drinks too so that you will not have to worry about doing all the cooking and cleaning alone! This is a fantastic way to spend some quality time with your loved ones and would prevent you from feeling isolated.
Make a Scrapbook
Make a scrapbook of your favorite memories from when you were younger to share with family members who cannot visit as often. You could have a photo album of the pictures that they had taken at your events and make sure to add some recent photos too. This is a great way to reminisce about fond memories and share the joy.
Find Out What’s Going on in Your Area
Look for places around the city that would make good destinations for your next trip – even if they are not exotic locations! It could be anything from museums to zoos, libraries, parks, or just walking through different neighborhoods in your locality. You will find new things about where you live while also getting some fresh air and exercise!
Join an Online Community
Find an online community where you can talk to people who live nearby or share similar interests. It could be your local senior center, a website for seniors in your area, or just an online forum related to the topics you feel drawn towards. There are many sites that offer this type of community and allow you to talk with people who have similar hobbies or are in the similar age group. It can really help make you feel less alone! If you are not too accustomed to these things, you can seek help from a younger member of the family or a friend!
Make your Own “Movie Theater”
How long has it been since you last watched a movie? Feels like ages ago, doesn’t it? If you cannot go to theaters, consider making a “movie theater” in your own home! Find an empty room or space and set up some chairs. Use a projector to project the movie onto a large screen. You will get that big-screen experience at home while not having to pay anything for tickets or concessions! If that feels like a lot of hassle, worry not! Simply turn off all the lights, close the curtains, create an ambiance for yourself and play something on your TV or computer that you love.
Practice Self-care
When everything feels like a bit too overwhelming, allow yourself to take a step back and relax. Give yourself permission to do things that you usually would not be doing – like taking long baths, eating out at a fancy restaurant, or buying yourself some new clothes. Remember that it is also completely fine to just take a day off and do nothing. We are all going through a challenging time and you are already doing the best you can do to survive this phase. Most importantly, do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it!
Bottom line, as you can see there are many ways you can make your life a little less lonely even if you cannot travel or go out as often as you would like to. Do not feel like you are missing out on things in your life, but instead use what little energy you have left to do things that make it a little more fun for yourself. So when are you planning to try some of these cool activities if you have not already? Let us know!