Engaging Seniors While Practicing Social Distancing

Social distancing and COVID-19 have become a regular part of our vocabulary, especially in the last few weeks. We’ve gone from a society that experienced everyday life as usual, to one that now encourages, and even mandates, six feet distance between us. Staying home has become the new norm. For some seniors, it’s been a matter of weeks, and not days, since they’ve left their home. They’ve already been practicing social distancing from their families, friends, even neighbors, before it was a thing.

While it’s important to be safe and stay healthy, social distancing can be detrimental to a senior’s life, especially those that live alone. Their usual social and support networks have had to been put on hold until the COVID-19 curve flattens. It could still be weeks until that happens, depending on how our society chooses to respond to this global pandemic. With that in mind, it’s vital that seniors remain engaged while practicing social distancing. Social distancing does not mean social isolation. If you are a senior and are struggling to keep your spirits up right now, here are a few ideas to help boost your morale.

Virtual Adventures

Technology has made it possible to travel the world and beyond, all from the comfort of your living room. If you can’t leave the house, leave virtually. Revisit favorite vacation destinations or explore ones you have yet to cross off your bucket list. Check out your hometown via the internet and relive fond memories of your childhood through Google Earth. Take advantage of free virtual admission to world class museums, such as Musée d’Orsay in Paris or the Vatican in Rome. Explore the great outdoors and take a virtual hike in one of our national parks. Turn off the television and take advantage of the many free virtual visits that museums and beyond have arranged worldwide.

Virtual Chats

We hope you are already using technology to visit virtually with family and friends. If not, tap into FaceTime, Google Duo, Zoom, Skype, or your favorite video chat platform. Ask grandkids to organize a large family video chat. If you’re used to gathering as a larger family for dinner once a week, continue the tradition using video calls to stay connected. It’s so important that seniors stay connected with their loved ones. If you don’t know how to make a video call, ask someone to walk you through the process. It could be as easy as having them call you and you answering the video call.

Explore Active Hobbies

Now is a great time to explore active hobbies. Sure, reading, watching movies, or binge-watching seasons of your favorite shows are fun ways to pass the time. However, it’s also important that you make time to move throughout your day. Commit to spending thirty minutes a day engaging in an active hobby. What’s an active hobby? It’s anything that engages multiple senses and requires critical thinking, such as baking, cooking, woodworking, painting, knitting, word puzzles, coloring, jigsaw puzzles, or board games.

Participate in Neighborhood Morale Boosters

Children, families, singles, young and old are all feeling the effects of social distancing. Help show support and encourage the younger generation living in your neighborhood. Decorate your front windows so that children have something fun to look at during their neighborhood walks. Display your personal artwork in front windows. Hide a teddy bear in a window so that toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy going on a “bear hunt.” If you can get outside, use sidewalk chalk to leave a message of hope and encouragement. Thinking of others in similar situations as your own will help give you perspective and purpose as we all wait out this global pandemic.

We are all in this together, including Visiting Angels Fort Worth. We are here to support seniors who are struggling during this global pandemic. Whether you need a companion to keep you company or a caregiver to ensure your safety and well-being, we are here for you. If you are struggling at all, please know that you are not alone. You do not have to face another day socially isolated. Our caregivers are ready to step in when your family and friends are not available. Getting started is easy. Simply contact us by calling 817-877-1616 so that we can learn more about your situation.