Board games, gardening and housework are some of the activities that older adults can do when they spend a lot of time at home.
In times of crisis when, for some reason, the recommendation is to stay at home, You should pay special attention if you live with older adults. Their daily life may be affected as they cannot go out and enjoy outdoor spaces, so it is important that you have a clear activity plan and help them maintain their routine, take care of their body and their mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, people over 60 years of age, many of them active members of their family and social nucleus, have a high probability of suffering from contracting a virus, and even more so if they suffer from medical conditions such as hypertension, heart problems or diabetes. Hence, the need to provide them with the assistance they need.
Given this situation, María Clara Ocampo Escobar, a specialist in pain and palliative care at the CES University in Medellín (Colombia), says that the first step in caring for an elderly person should be taken by the people who live with them, by carrying out strict house cleaning, washing their hands constantly and, if possible, using a mask or face covering if a flu appears, no matter how simple it may seem. In the latter case, visits should be limited and transfers to medical services should not be made unless necessary.
To ensure your well-being, It is equally important to promote physical activity, productive leisure, dialogue, household activities and the expression of emotions, according to the experts' recommendations. In this way, symptoms of anxiety and stress are counteracted, which are common sensations in many people who feel isolated.
Below are some activities that older adults can do at home:
1. Board games: Parqués, dominoes, chess or cards will always be a good source of entertainment. These games exercise memory, attention, vision, coordination and help maintain a good mood.
2. Use of technology: If they have a computer, tablet or cell phone, they can not only access games, but also movies and all kinds of multimedia material that suits their tastes. If they don't know how to use these tools, the days you stay at home can be a good opportunity to teach them.
3. Communication: If possible, older adults should ideally have the opportunity to maintain regular telephone communication, at least every other day, with family and friends.
4. The reading: Many older people find pleasure in reading. If you are caring for someone who has this habit, identify their tastes and provide them with books or documents that interest them.
5. Music and TV: Listening to music that you like is one of the easiest and most enjoyable activities to share with an elderly person. Thanks to technology, it is easy to find and play the tunes of your choice at home. The same goes for movies, documentaries or series that you like.
6. Gardening tasks: If you have a patio or garden inside your house, gardening is an activity that you can get a lot out of, plus you have the opportunity to be outdoors without having to travel.
7. A pet: A dog or a cat will always be good company for those who like them. The company and fun that animals provide can be beneficial for the mental health and mood of older adults.
8. Other hobbies: Games such as word searches, crosswords and sudoku strengthen memory and counteract the effects of diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Remember that physical and intellectual activity are essential for the well-being of the older adults in your family. Therefore, we invite you to alternate these activities and share quality time with them.
