NEEDHAM, MA… Older adults (age 60+) have been identified as one of the most vulnerable populations in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, many seniors are now distancing themselves from others and are essentially “homebound” and isolated.
FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, offers tips for seniors to help ward off boredom and other potential effects that have been linked to social isolation.
“As seniors continue to practice precautions in these uncertain times, many are struggling with the social isolation aspect that goes along with it,” said Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, Owner and Executive Director of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, a leading provider of non-medical home care helping individuals achieve the quality of life they deserve. Adlerstein, a licensed social worker, has more than 20 years of experience in working with seniors.
She continued, “Altered sleep patterns, feelings of loneliness, as well as increased fear and anxiety are a few of the effects of social isolation that may develop over time.”
In light of this, FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston offers five “isolation buster” activities for seniors below:
Engage in “brain games”. Crossword puzzles and Sudoku are a couple traditional games that seniors may enjoy on their own. Tech-savvy seniors may prefer to play Scrabble, Dominoes or a variety of other multi-player online games.
Enjoy the show. Create a list of your favorite movies, share it with friends and family and encourage them to add to the list. Share ratings and critiques with one another. From past and present Oscar winners, dramas and musicals to romantic comedies and westerns, there’s a variety of genres and no shortage of films.
Find a new hobby or project. Do you enjoy perusing cookbooks for recipes that you could improve upon? Whether it’s cooking, crafting, woodworking, drawing or another activity – find a hobby you are passionate about that will bring you joy and keep you busy.
Learn something new. Consider learning a new language through any of the free language learning websites. Visit online exhibits at museums from around the world. A good link to start with is https://artsandculture.google.com/. Or, simply tune in to some of the fun, educational television shows that offer instruction on baking, gardening, painting and more.
Revisit your favorite books. Whether it’s a collection of classic works, a favorite “whodunit”, or that 400-page page biography – there’s no better time than the present to enjoy it.
Adlerstein advises, “Finding activities that you enjoy, and that stimulate thinking, problem solving and creativity will not only keep you from being bored, but can improve mood and help keep you sharp. Although social distancing is a necessity, stay in touch with neighbors, family and friends on a regular basis. Talk on the phone, video chat, text or email. We’re all in this together and will get through it.”
For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov
Massachusetts Department of Health – https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
About FirstLight Home Care
FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery; adults with disabilities; and anyone over the age of 18 who needs extra assistance. Care can be provided at private residences, as well as independent and assisted living communities.
For additional information, contact FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, (781) 559-0220, https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-west-suburban-boston/contact/
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