Senior Activities During Isolating Time

As I drove to my mother’s Assisted Living Community yesterday to see her, and I say “SEE” her, even though it is through a glass door, as I can’t give her a hug, I can’t give her a kiss on the cheek and I can’t look into her eyes while holding her to say it’s all going to be ok…I try to look on the bright side.

I think about what I can do to help her, and her caregivers, find meaning and activity in the day to day of the situation we find ourselves in right now. I take the staff thank you snacks, and foods and my extended family sends in letters and drawings to my mom and to those residents who don’t have close family with whom to connect. I always check in with a “How are you holding up?” when I call the staff for any reason at all.

In my research of activities for seniors in isolation, I did come across a few very positive and engaging lists of ACTIVE undertakings that can be helpful and both physically and intellectually stimulating for the older adult population as we continue to practice safe social distancing. I have linked to one here that I sent along to my mom’s residence. I hope that you also might find it useful in your social circles as you strive to stay healthy and well!