News about the Coronavirus is everywhere, businesses of all kinds have closed their doors and people are staying home to flatten the curve of reported cases. As social distancing takes a toll on every individual, it’s a unique hardship for seniors in particular. Let’s explore some of the ways in which seniors can occupy themselves, remain in good physical health, and be active in their own right in the midst of the pandemic.
Here’s a quick rundown of some:
Quarantine Activities for Seniors
Fortunately, there are various activities seniors can participate in to make the quarantine easier on themselves. From learning a new skill and experimenting with brand new cuisine to going on virtual tours and taking advantage of free educational resources, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish! Travel and Leisure Magazine has put together a comprehensive list of 100+ fun activities to do while you’re quarantined. There are also fun and informative online classes available to help you pick up any new skill you’ve been wanting to learn, this list from countryliving.com contains some links to a few fun cooking classes you can take without leaving your house. Quarantine also doesn’t prevent you from exercising with others, here is a great list of online dance and fitness classes that are appropriately paced for seniors. Just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we can’t explore, create, learn, and grow!
Staying Safe and Connected During Quarantine
Anyone who has been following the news knows that the virus poses a particularly high risk for senior citizens in Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Following social distancing and sanitation guidelines is key for all Americans, but for seniors who are especially vulnerable to the illness, this can all seem overwhelming. It can be tempting to panic and hard to know exactly what to do. To stay healthy, informed, and in touch, seniors can also:
Utilize Video Communication Programs
Communicating with friends and family by video can help minimize exposure risk and be beneficial to mental health. Not being able to visit family is one of the worst parts of quarantine for many seniors. It’s hard to go without seeing loved ones, but the risk of exposure is something you and your family both have to consider. Modern video chatting programs like Skype, Zoom, and Facetime let you have a face-to-face conversation with your children or grandchildren without the caveat of increased exposure risk. Learning how to use these programs can seem daunting if you don’t have any prior experience with them, but they are not as confusing as they seem. Reaching out to a younger relative for help can make the whole process quicker, and once you’re set up it only gets easier.
Consider Having Your Groceries or Medication Delivered
Everyone is trying to minimize unnecessary trips to the store, and delivery services are playing a major role in the push for social distancing. If you haven’t already done so, arranging to have your groceries delivered to home can significantly cut down on unnecessary exposure. If you are also trying to avoid trips to the pharmacy, it is possible to have your regular medication delivered if you arrange it with your pharmacist. Being able to get your medicine without leaving the house can make a big difference in times like this.
Don’t Inundate Yourself With Bad News
Our current news cycle is being dominated by COVID-19 stories, many of which are negative. Regulating your news consumption can help eliminate unnecessary stress and improve your overall mental health during quarantine. Limiting yourself to just one or two news checks per day will keep your abreast of the day’s news without causing panic.
Call Your Loved Ones Daily
Even if you don’t have Skype or a similar program, simply talking to a loved one, friend, or neighbor on the phone every day can significantly manage worry and loneliness associated with being quarantined. Always be sure to keep in touch, as letting your loved one know that you’re doing well can go a long way toward reassuring them as well.
In times like these, the right practices can keep you happy and healthy throughout the ordeal. If you would like to know more about home care for veterans and home care service providers in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, reach out to the friendly professionals at Caring Family Health today
