5 Ways to keep seniors active during COVID

Staying at home with our seniors remains the safest option during this pandemic. However, this might be limited to the activities they used to do since they cannot go out and about to exercise. Here are five activities to engage your seniors with fun and something new to look forward to.



1. Dance Party
   Taking a stroll around your neighborhood is a great opportunity to get some exercise and fresh air. However, as the season is changing and getting colder, your senior might not want to go outside. Instead, put on some music they like and have them move and groove to the beat! Listening to music promotes relaxation, improves productivity, and lowers stress. Nostalgic music can offer even more benefits for physical and mental health, memory, and meaningful social connections.
2. Games
   Puzzles, board games, classic games, or ones you make up — the options are endless. Please read our blog post about the health benefits tied to playing Bingo here. Playing games offers seniors various benefits such as better hand-eye coordination, improved memory, and increased cognitive functions.
3. Arts and Crafts
   Encourage these creative activities if your loved one is a painter, knitter, or writer! Even dementia patients respond well to activities with yarn, as it provides a soft physical stimulation. It can be challenging to find motivation during these stressful times, but this is a great way to keep the hands and mind busy and not dwell on things. Activities that provide a finished product create a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem. These activities can be shared with the community by donating or gifting those around them as a token of connection through these contactless times.
4. Baking
   Countless recipes can be found online that align with any dietary restrictions your senior might have. The process of baking is shown to help alleviate stress and increase cognitive function due to attention and repetitive mechanics. Your senior will also find a sense of accomplishment and a level of independence by creating a final product that everyone can enjoy.
5. Virtual Activities
   The City of Toronto has created a section dedicated to virtual activities. There are various activities that can be enjoyed with the whole family. Another fantastic resource, created by the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH and Alzheimer Society of Oxford, is a guide called Together Apart: A Guide to Visiting from a Distance. This resource provides details specific to seniors with Alzheimer’s and how to keep them engaged while maintaining social distancing measures.

What activities have you been partaking in with your loved ones while social distancing? Let us know in the comments!