After Corona, loneliness has again become a companion for the elderly at home. If you also have elderly people at home, then you can connect them with some creative work.
Till a few days ago, Divya’s grandparents were very happy. Due to Corona, Divya’s online classes were being held at home and her parents were also handling office work from home. The company of their son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter was filling the grandparents with happiness.
But now Divya’s school has opened. Mom and Dad have also started going to their respective offices. In such a situation, her grandparents have again started falling prey to loneliness.
In fact, the elderly who have completed all their responsibilities do not have any work, so that they can keep themselves busy.
On the other hand, in a hectic routine, you also do not have time for them. The result is that the elderly at home feel lonely even while living with everyone.
In such a situation, it is your responsibility to help them live a happy life. They do not need a lot of your time, just a little. If you have less time then you can engage your children in this work.
You can keep them busy in family and social activities. This will not only refresh them, but they will also feel important.
Anyway, if you have elderly people in your house then you are fortunate, because just like children, the happiness of elderly people is necessary for the happiness of the house.
Small tasks and social programs:
You can assign them tasks that can be done outside the house. Like bringing milk, bringing vegetables etc. This will make them walk around a bit and they will also feel like going outside, time will pass and they will also remain mentally and physically healthy.
Apart from this, you can motivate them to be a part of various social programs. Like watching a movie by a group somewhere, there is a science, art or any other exhibition somewhere. If there is an event for children or elderly somewhere, you can send them there with the children.
Let’s delve into the details of these suggestions:
Assigning Outdoor Tasks:
- Encourage your elderly family members to perform small tasks outside the house, such as buying groceries, fetching milk, or picking up vegetables. This not only keeps them physically active but also provides a change of scenery.
- Walking around the neighborhood or to the local market can be beneficial for their overall health. Fresh air, sunlight, and light exercise contribute to mental and physical well-being.
Social Programs and Events:
Participating in social programs and events can be enriching for seniors. Here are some ideas:
- Movie Nights: Organize movie screenings for a group of elderly individuals. Choose films that cater to their interests and preferences.
- Exhibitions and Art Shows: Attend local exhibitions, art galleries, or cultural events. Appreciating art and learning about different subjects can be intellectually stimulating.
- Science Exhibits: If there’s a science exhibition or fair nearby, take them there. Science exhibits often showcase fascinating discoveries and innovations.
- Children’s Events: Seniors can enjoy spending time with children. Consider taking them to events like school plays, storytelling sessions, or community gatherings where kids are involved.
- Elderly-Specific Gatherings: Look out for events specifically designed for seniors. These might include workshops, seminars, or social meet-ups.
Remember, the key is to keep them engaged, socially connected, and mentally active. 😊
From carrom, ludo to gardening, photography:
You can connect them with some outdoor games. These can be according to your living standard or environment. For example, you can encourage them to play golf, carrom, pool, chess or ludo. Games will help in keeping them healthy both physically and mentally.
Apart from this, the best way is to make the elderly a part of various activities, such as gardening, walking, bird watching, kite flying, nature photography, laughing club or yoga club. By joining these activities, they will start feeling young. A new energy will flow in them.
Let’s explore these suggestions in more detail:
Outdoor Games:
Consider introducing your elderly family members to outdoor games that suit their preferences and environment.
Examples include:
- Golf: If you have access to a golf course, it’s a great way to combine physical activity with social interaction.
- Carrom: A classic board game that can be played outdoors. It’s enjoyable and helps improve focus and hand-eye coordination.
- Pool (Billiards): If you have a pool table, playing billiards is both mentally stimulating and physically engaging.
- Chess and Ludo: These indoor games can also be played outdoors, especially in a garden or park setting.
Engaging Activities:
Encourage them to participate in various activities:
- Gardening: Tending to plants, planting flowers, and maintaining a garden can be therapeutic and fulfilling.
- Walking: Regular walks in a nearby park or natural setting promote physical health and mental well-being.
- Bird Watching: Set up bird feeders or visit local bird-watching spots. Observing birds can be relaxing and educational.
- Kite Flying: Flying kites is not only enjoyable but also requires movement and coordination.
- Nature Photography: If they have an interest in photography, capturing nature scenes can be rewarding.
- Joining Clubs: Consider a laughing club (where they engage in laughter exercises) or a yoga club for overall wellness.
Youthful Energy:
- By participating in these activities, seniors will feel more connected, active, and rejuvenated.
- Socializing, being outdoors, and trying new things contribute to a sense of vitality and renewed energy.
Remember, the key is to adapt activities to their interests and abilities, ensuring a positive experience. 😊
Revive the Hobby
Many times people spend so much time in discharging their responsibilities that they do not get time to fulfill their hobbies. In such a situation, you can awaken their sleeping hobbies. These can be classical dance or music performance.
You can help them join book reading groups and groups related to music etc. Creativity has no age. You can also connect the elderly of the house with drawing-painting, sketching, papercraft, sewing-embroidery etc. according to their interest.
Yes, if they are knowledgeable about sewing, embroidery, harmonium, tabla, or are expert in making any special dish, then this can inspire them to teach this art to others.
Let’s explore these suggestions in depth:
Awakening Sleeping Hobbies:
- Many people, especially seniors, have hobbies they’ve neglected due to life’s responsibilities. Encourage them to rediscover these passions.
- Classical Dance or Music: If they have a background in dance or music, consider arranging small performances or recitals. It’s a wonderful way to express themselves and stay connected to their art.
- Book Reading Groups: Joining book clubs or discussion circles allows them to engage with literature, share insights, and socialize.
- Music Groups: Whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, or listening to music, being part of a music group fosters creativity and camaraderie.
Creative Pursuits:
Creativity knows no age limit! Encourage them to explore artistic activities:
- Drawing and Painting: Set up an art corner with canvases, paints, and brushes. They can create beautiful artwork.
- Sketching: Sketching is a relaxing and expressive hobby. All they need is a sketchbook and pencils.
- Papercraft: Origami, quilling, or other paper crafts are both fun and therapeutic.
- Sewing and Embroidery: If they have sewing skills, encourage them to create garments or do embroidery work.
- Musical Instruments: If they play the harmonium, tabla, or any other instrument, they can continue practicing and even teach others.
- Cooking Special Dishes: Sharing family recipes or cooking unique dishes can be fulfilling.
Teaching Others:
Seniors often have valuable knowledge and skills. Encourage them to pass on their expertise:
- Cooking Classes: Host cooking workshops where they teach others how to prepare traditional or special dishes.
- Craft Workshops: If they excel in a particular craft (like embroidery), organize workshops for interested learners.
Remember, nurturing hobbies and sharing talents not only enriches their lives but also creates a positive impact on others. 😊
