Hobbies and Activities for Seniors during COVID

With much of the country [again] in lockdown mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have had to find new ways to stay occupied without leaving the house. For seniors, quarantining and social distancing are even more important as they are the group at the highest risk for contracting the virus. Because of this, many senior living communities have adjusted their policies to keep their residents safe. These seniors may have limited contact with friends, family, and other residents, a situation that can be difficult to cope with. Seniors, especially those living with dementia, need to engagement with other people to stay mentally sharp and stave off the negative effects of being isolated from others. If you’re a resident of a senior living community or you have a friend or family member who is, Summerset Senior Living has a few activities and hobbies that are perfect for seniors in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artistic Pursuits

Whether you enjoyed making art in the past or you’re new to the hobby, activities like drawing and painting are both fun and rewarding. Not only that but being creative can help the brain form new neural pathways, improving mental acuity and memory. Here are some artistic activities for people of all skill levels:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Creating a Mosaic or Collage
• Coloring
• Creating a Flip Book or Comic

Crafting

Human beings have an inherent need to build and create. Seniors are no exception. Here are some crafting activities that are fun and can also improve mental sharpness and fine motor skills:

• Knitting or Crocheting
• Building a model
• Making Cards for Your Fellow Residents
• Scrapbooking
• Sewing or Cross Stitching
• Origami

Board Games and Card Games

In the modern age, board games have gone by the wayside but we’re willing to bet that many seniors will feel a tinge of nostalgia picking up an old game they enjoyed in their youth. Games like chess and checkers are good options, but any board game will do. Card games can also be a good option and learning the rules to a new card game will help to keep the mind active, as well as the hands.

Puzzles

Putting together a complex puzzle can be both rewarding and relaxing. In fact, puzzles have experienced a resurgence in popularity among people of all ages during the pandemic. Grab a puzzle with an image you like and take your time putting it together. We think you’ll find that any anxiety or loneliness you’re feeling will melt away.

We hope this has given you a few ideas for ways to stay occupied during COVID. Lockdowns aren’t easy for anyone but seniors are at a much higher risk for experiencing symptoms of depression and loneliness. If you’re staying at a senior living community during the pandemic or you know someone who is, do everything you can to stay in touch safely, and when you have to be alone, be creative and find ways to keep yourself occupied. There are plenty of things you can do on your own, so have fun! And if you’re looking for a safe environment where you can quarantine while having access to prepared meals, structured social activities, and the best medical care in the Rancho Cordova and Lincoln, CA area, get in touch with Summerset Senior Living today. Call (916) 619-0494 to request a free brochure or to schedule a socially distant tour at one of our senior living communities.