We’re being told to stay home and limit our trips outside but what are some ways older people in our community are staying connected?
It’s really important to stay connected, exercise safely and keep the brain going.
Here is a summary of my (unofficial!) poll amongst older people I know.
Exercising:
Younger neighbour across road in her yard demonstrates exercises to older friend.
Is learning yoga from the friend across road.
Reading bedtime stories
To younger relatives via internet/facetime (in Australia and overseas)
Social Media/Phoning/ Texting with friends, family
Writing a story with family, friends via internet
Each person takes a paragraph or chapter (depending upon age/skills)
Games, Puzzles
Online games: eg: scrabble
Learning (Stretching The Brain)
How to do Cryptic crosswords, for example. Stretching the brain
Teaching
Crochet via social media
Virtual volunteering
How are people volunteering? Helping people Transcribing (eg: Trove……old newspapers National Library site)
Gardening
Propagating plants
Usual tasks
(eg: Weeding, Mulching)
Cooking
What types of cooking are people doing?
Preserving
Trying a new recipe every few days
Interviews
One person is being interviewed by grandchildren about their life experiences.
Humour
Watching funny movies etc to take their mind off the Virus.
Important to have a sense of humour.
You can also check out the RACV suggestions here