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As we continue to navigate COVID-19 as well as seasonal illnesses that peak this time of year — like cold and flu — engaging in socially distanced activities is key for preserving your health and wellness while also providing opportunities to continue to connect with friends and loved ones.
Here’s a breakdown of four senior activities to help you reap all the benefits and joy of connecting with others while avoiding the risk of contracting illnesses.
1. Movie Nights
Colder weather and earlier sunsets this time of year make the conditions perfect for a cozy movie night. Invite a friend over to gather at a safe distance in front of the TV, coordinate a Zoom call with the grandkids to watch the show “together” while all in the comfort of your own homes, or treat your movie night as a book club and plan to watch the film at the same time as a group of friends, and then hop on a video or phone call after it ends to talk about your impressions of it.
Socially distanced senior activities don’t have to be “less-than” activities from their traditional counterparts. When it comes to a movie night, for example, make the experience special by coordinating with all viewers to wear your best pajamas or themed outfits, splurge on nice popcorn and movie theater treats, and set the movie-watching mood by dimming the lights and turning up the volume.
2. Virtual Classes And Clubs
From cooking classes to continuing your book club via Zoom (or another online video platform), there are countless virtual groups and classes on whatever topics are of interest to you. Some senior activity ideas include:
Related: Virtual Learning 101: Online Learning For Seniors
3. Crafts
During the winter months in general, and as we continue to navigate COVID-19, you may find you have more time to dedicate to personal pursuits. Crafting is an excellent way to stay socially distant from others while engaging in an enjoyable senior activity.
Crafting is a hobby that requires space to work, so you may coordinate with a friend to secure your own craft materials and meet in a large space where you can be together from a safe distance. Or perhaps you and your crafting partner need elements from the outdoors like twigs, small branches or hearty plants, and you can plan to meet somewhere with walking trails where you can collect the items you need with space to stay socially distanced.
4. Exercise
Let’s face it: Having to remain socially distanced from others can take a toll on mental health and overall well-being. While beneficial for your physical health, exercise is also helpful for clearing the mind, boosting mood, reducing anxiety and more — all mental hurdles you may need added support to overcome during this unprecedented time.
While exercising solo is great, for the added bonus of social connection, try following a virtual workout program with friends, or opt for a video program that is instructed in a group setting — even though you don’t know those in the video, you’ll likely feel a sense of camaraderie that comes from completing the same workout together.
Another tip: Exercising with others (virtually or otherwise) helps keep you accountable to show up for your workout and make healthy lifestyle choices.
It isn’t easy to stay physically away from loved ones, and during this time of social distancing, feeling lonely and isolated are natural side effects. Here are other tips for staying active and combating the negative effects of social distancing.
At StoryPoint, residents can enjoy daily activities and events that are all socially distant, thoughtfully planned and fun for everyone. For more information about life in our communities, call us today at 1-855-407-8679.