COVID-19 has brought unforeseen challenges into nearly everyone’s lives, but no group has been impacted quite as acutely as seniors. Because they are at a higher risk for infection, many seniors are stuck in a state of lockdown. Unfortunately, this takes a negative toll on their mental health, particularly when it’s unclear whether there is any end in sight.
The good news is that there are still some activities seniors can enjoy staying engaged during this unusual time. Though it might take a little creativity, these measures can go a long way toward boosting seniors’ moods during this period of social distancing.
Safe Activities for Seniors
These are some out-of-the-box ways to keep seniors from feeling isolated as they attempt to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Visit with family members through the window outside
Although it’s not generally safe for family members to enter assisted living facilities right now, that’s not to say that loved ones can’t still pop up for a visit. If a senior has a ground-level window, family can easily walk up and have face-to-face interactions with their loved one inside.
To make this experience even more personal, family members can call their senior on the phone and talk for a while as they sit outside. This will feel almost like a regular visit, there will simply be a wall and a window protecting the elderly loved one.
- Enjoy outdoor performances
It’s much easier to maintain safe social distance outdoors, so if facilities can coordinate outdoor performances, then there is no re
ason seni
ors can’t attend—so long as proper precautions are taken.
- Watch live streams from entertainers
Plenty of celebrities have recognized the fact that their fans are feeling isolated and generally quite bored. In response, they’ve begun putting on virtual “concerts” and other live stream performances.
Seniors who have a favorite entertainer are likely to find that they can
watch one of these live performances. The excitement of the experience will help to melt away any feelings of isolation as they will be immersed in the entertainment value.
- Utilize technology for face-to-face experiences
Many seniors are provided with daily access to tablets, phones and computers which allow for Face to Face meetings with their loved ones. These experiences have been found to be more personal than a phone call and create a great sense of being together. Many providers of Assisted Living have made equipment available to their residents to facilitate this enjoyable medium.
Begin a pen pal program
Many elderly people aren’t technologically inclined; instead, they enjoy the lost art of writing letters. Facilities can ask for volunteers to engage in pen pal programs by posting pictures of residents with information about their interests along with the address of the facility.
- Care for plants
One of the biggest problems with COVID-19 isolation is simply the fact that seniors feel their lives lack purpose. Something as small as caring for a houseplant can give elderly folks the sense that they have a task to complete each day.
What’s more, plants simply brighten up every room, so they may help boost seniors’ mood with their aesthetic value, too.
- Experience virtual field trips
Many museums and other culturally rich environments have published virtual tours of their grounds. Facilities can organize virtual field trips where seniors are able to experience these incredible venues “together” even though they’re technically apart. This fosters a sense of community and connection while allowing seniors to escape from their realities, even if temporarily.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for many seniors’ mental wellbeing, but with ingenuity and effort, there are ways to ensure that seniors stay mentally engaged despite being physically distant.