During the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world are being forced to stay at home and practice social distancing. People of all ages are forced to miss work, school, and spending time with family and friends in order to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus. The entire human population is at risk, however, those that are at the most risk are elderly adults.
Seniors need to take the most precautions when it comes to contracting the COVID-19 and need to make the most effort to self-quarantine and social distance. As seniors are taking these necessary precautions, they may be finding themselves bored and may grow tired of doing the same things every day. However, if a senior has access to the internet, the possibilities of what he or she can do are endless. Here are 3 online activities seniors can do while stuck at home.
Things for Seniors to Do In Quarantine
Seniors may have fewer options when it comes to entertainment while in quarantine. Seniors may not be able to get around as easily as they could in their younger years, making things like outdoor walks and home workouts impossible for them. Similarly, if a senior uses an in-home care service his or her options are even more limited. One may be left wondering, what does an elderly person do while in quarantine besides watch TV all day? Here are 3 ideas that will keep seniors busy and engaged online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join or Start a Virtual Book Club
Virtual book clubs are a great way for people of all ages to stay productive while in quarantine. For seniors, starting or joining a virtual book club is particularly beneficial as this will be a way for them to stay connected to people while also having something to look forward to. Seniors can start a virtual book club on video chatting platforms such as Zoom or Facebook Messenger and can invite friends and family to join. Or, seniors can find live-streamed book clubs online that they can join.
Seniors can order books online and have them delivered right to their door, making joining or starting a book club safe and easy. Similarly, seniors that join a book club will have something to do that is working their mind while in quarantine and will be able to look forward to daily or weekly meetings.
Learn How to Play a New Video Game
When people think of video games, they often think about teenagers and young adults, however, video games are beneficial for people of all ages, and can be especially great for seniors that are forced to stay at home. With the thousands of video game options, seniors can choose video games based on their likes as well as games that are designed for an older crowd.
Seniors can play video games on a variety of different online platforms; whether it be on a website, on a Nintendo device, an app on a phone/tablet, or any other kind of gaming system, seniors can learn how to play new games while in quarantine. In fact, video games exist that are designed to keep senior’s cognitive skills sharp. While in quarantine, seniors should look into some of these kinds of games.
Online video games are also a phenomenal way for seniors to stay connected to friends, family, and simply other humans in the world. Most video games give seniors the option to talk and play with users that they know.
Start a Blog
Starting a blog is a great pastime for seniors while in quarantine. Blogs are an outstanding way for seniors to get their thoughts out while also staying busy in a productive manner. Seniors should look into starting a blog on some of these platforms:
- WordPress
- Tumblr
- Squarespace
- Wix
These platforms are easy to use and will allow seniors to write about whatever they want while in quarantine; this is also a hobby that they can keep up with even after the COVID-19 quarantine is lifted.
Staying Busy to Stay Healthy
Staying busy during quarantine will allow seniors to stay healthy because they won’t be tempted to go out and risk their health and wellbeing. If you are a senior and are looking for new things to do that will be entertaining and productive, consider one of these options, you won’t be disappointed.
About the Author
Kelsey Simpson enjoys writing about things that can help others. She lives in South Jersey and is the proud companion to two German Shepherds and spends her free time volunteering in dog shelters.
