Socially Distant Activities For Seniors

We all get lonely, especially when we have to social distance for our health. But social distancing doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Here are some activities to keep you and your loved ones engaged and happy.

Create Personalized Activity Plans

Pick a handful of things you like to do and gather all your favorite activities in a basket. Add things like:

• Your favorite book
• Crafting supplies
• Snacks
• Knitting/sewing
• Puzzles
• Board games

Crafts like coloring and scrapbooking are suitable for seniors with physical limitations. They engage their creativity at their own pace, and it’s an excellent opportunity to work with loved ones. Let your senior teach you their favorite hobby so they can stay social and mentally engaged.

Read Solo Or With A Group

Reading is a way to escape the daily stress and boredom of social distancing. Cozy up with your favorite book or have a family member help you set up virtual book clubs using FaceTime or Zoom. While the hours away, discussing your favorite genre or ask friends for suggestions.

TV Travel And Movie Nights

Plan television travel nights. Make your travel plans to different countries using travel shows, programs, and movies. If you’re feeling extra interested, plan a meal to accompany the country you’re “visiting.”

Schedule a movie night with family, virtually or in person, and switch between watching your favorites and finding new films to love.

Do Some Deep Cleaning

There’s no time like the present to catch up on that cleaning you’ve been putting off. Dedicate a day or two each week to one room in the house and get all the nooks and crannies. Spread the chores out, so it isn’t all work and no play.

Get Outside

Fresh air, exercise, and gardening are refreshing options to relieve stress. If you don’t want to dig on your hands and knees, plant small pots or cut flowers to fill vases inside. There are plenty of cool-season veggies – like leafy greens, broccoli, and spinach – that thrive in fall weather.

Spend time outside each day:

• Take a walk
• Walk the dog
• Ride your bike
• Read outside
• Practice yoga and stretch – especially if you’re sedentary most of the day

Use Technology To Socialize

Seeing your loved ones’ faces can be just what the doctor ordered. Skype and Zoom are free platforms that let you video chat with all your family and friends.

Ask a neighbor or family member to help you start and plan chats with different people each week. It’s a great way to stay connected and stay safe.

Keep your loved ones healthy and engaged at any Embassy Healthcare skilled nursing or assisted living facility. Call 888-975-1379 to schedule a tour.