7 Senior-Friendly Activities for Your Loved One During Social Isolation in Victoria, BC

Uncategorized  |  May 18, 2020

With the spread of the new coronavirus, social distancing has become the new normal. While this measure is effective at slowing down the spread of the virus, it can have a serious toll on our physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social distancing.

However, it is important to keep in mind that social distancing is not the same as social isolation. Namely, we can physically distance ourselves and still maintain social connections. Here are 7 activities seniors can participate in during social distancing to stay physically and mentally active and healthy.

1. Reading Books

Reading brings a wealth of benefits, including mental stimulation that keeps the brain healthy. In addition to keeping seniors sharp, reading is a great distraction that can allow your loved one to forget about the pandemic, at least for a little while. You can organize an online book club with your family, read to your parent, and show them how to purchase books online.

2. Getting Creative

If your parent enjoys hands-on activities, arts and crafts are just what they need to take their mind off the current crisis. Some of the best crafts to try out while practicing social distancing are:

• Coloring
• Knitting
• Making cards
• Painting
• Sketching
• Sewing

3. Exercising

To stay healthy, your loved one needs to be physically active. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for seniors to move their bodies without endangering their health during the pandemic. Here are some exercises that can improve your loved one’s balance, strength, and flexibility:

• Climbing stairs
• Lifting light weights
• Walking
• Running
• Yoga
• Stretching

4. Playing Games

Games are always fun. Since we now need to keep our distance from loved ones, your family can organize online events. By joining an online community like Board Game Arena, your family can play the following games:

• Bingo
• Checkers
• Dominoes
• Scrabble
• And many more

5. Visiting Museums Virtually

Your loved one can walk the virtual corridors of museums located both in Canada and the rest of the world. With most museums worldwide now closed due to the pandemic, online tours are a great way to leave the house without actually stepping outside. Some of the best virtual tours of Canadian museums include:

• Virtual Museum of Canada
• Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
• Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg
• Glenbow Museum, Calgary
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Toronto

6. Watching movies

Watching movies is another favorite pastime of millions of people around the world. Your loved one can re-watch their favorites or stream popular TV shows, depending on what they like watching.

Classic movies from your loved one’s youth can encourage your loved one to speak about their memories and share moments from their past with your family.

Some of the best streaming services to try include Netflix and Hulu.

7. Taking a Walk

If your loved one has spent too much time indoors these recent months, it may be a good idea for them to go for a walk in nature. If there are too many people in your local park, you may want to consider taking your parent for a drive to somewhere a bit more isolated.

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