Entertaining Activities for the Elderly

Quarantine can be a difficult time for those who live alone, especially if they are older or not used to being homebound. It's important to remain active, both physically and mentally, to help lift spirits and keep your mind and body sharp. So that's why United Way of Hernando County compiled a list of 26 fun activities to keep you active, engaged, and occupied during these difficult times. 
 
Start the fun:
 
  1. Read a new book
  2. Try to finish this week's crossword puzzle
  3. Tackle a Sudoku puzzle
  4. Play the card game Phase 10
  5. Try a new recipe, or add a twist on an old favorite
  6. Walk a couple laps in your back yard
  7. Take 10 minutes to stretch in a chair
  8. Make a bucket list of places you'd like to visit, or challenges you'd like to accomplish
  9. Play a board game with your partner, or challenge yourself
  10. Complete a jigsaw puzzle
  11. Bake a new dessert
  12. Watch old home movies
  13. Learn how to sew or repair a button
  14. Learn how to knit or crochet
  15. Write letters to your children or grandchildren
  16. Go through clothes and set aside some to be donated
  17. Watch a new TV series on your favorite streaming channel
  18. Paint a picture
  19. Call a family member you haven't spoken to in awhile
  20. Self-care day: paint your nails and toes, put on a facemask, or try a new hairstyle or makeup routine
  21. Learn something new- an instrument or a language
  22. Reminisce over photos in your old photo albums
  23. Meal prep for this week's lunches
  24. Do holiday crafts, like making a wreath for Christmas, It'll help you get into the holiday spirit early! 
  25. Make an emergency binder of contacts, directives, and important documents
  26. Sign up for United Way's Pandemic Pen Pals! Receive a letter, piece of art, or other correspondance from an anonymous pen pal. Learn more about the program here --> Pandemic Pen Pal

Whatever you choose to do, choose something that brings you joy. If a particular activity is frustrating or too difficult to complete, or if you're just not enjoying it as much as you thought you would, give yourself permission to give it up and move on to something else. The important thing is to have fun and try something new!


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