Self-isolation is the new norm, so you might be missing your typical outings with friends and family, religious services, bridge games, casual social visits, book clubs, and other ways of being entertained.

 

Remaining entertained while being safe at home is more important now than ever. Here we have shared a multitude of suggestions that are adapted from around the internet for puzzles and games, radio shows, books, music, podcasts, crafts, cooking shows, free online learning, senior-friendly exercise, and documenting life stories.

 

Have a good time with hobbies and crafts

 

Coloring is one activity which may be adapted on any level. Also, there are many free templates that you can print which are available on the internet to keep one entertained for hours!

 

Our picks for the best coloring pages for seniors

 

Creative activities such as coloring alleviate stress and benefit senior citizens.

Coloring might sound like an easy activity; however, an increasing amount of folks are finding that it is an effective mood booster and stress reliever.

 

Some psychologists even have stated that coloring’s a type of meditation.

 

Plus, studies show that engaging senior citizens in creative activities such as coloring may improve their health, decrease medication, lead to fewer physician visits, and reduce the quantity of health struggles.

 

In addition, caregivers may benefit from coloring, as well. It is an inexpensive and quick method of helping you relax and interact in a creative and fun activity for as little or as much time as you have.

 

In order to assist your older adult in enjoying the advantage of coloring, we made a list of the best sources of amazing free coloring pages for senior citizens.

 

Because of its recent popularity, there are plenty of free coloring pages that are available on the internet. Here are some websites that have awesome options for all ability levels. These coloring pages are simple to print and make use of anytime!

 

Coloring Pages for Adults

 

This website has an abundance of coloring pages in a number of topics and themes.

 

We especially love these peaceful landscapes, the famous artwork, and these flowers.

 

Everything Etsy

 

Select from twelve various designs. In conjunction with regular designs, there are inspirational quotes and bookmarks.

 

Coloring.WS Spring Theme

 

Some elderly adults will love these easier spring-themed designs.

 

They also are fabulous for someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s who usually gets overwhelmed by more complicated designs.

 

Free Coloring Pages

 

This website has an array of designs, from simplistic to complex.

 

 

We love these animals, birds, and flowers.

 

Crayola

 

Plus, Crayola has a choice of free coloring pages in a broad array of complexity and themes.

 

Check out hundreds of coloring pages here.

 

There even are Disney characters for Disney lovers – here is Snow White & the 7 Dwarves.

 

Easter eggs here are more advanced designs.

 

Nascar stockcar or flowers and bees are medium-to-difficult designs.

 

The ocean theme page here is fun and simplistic.

 

Suggested for you:

 

  • Activities for Senior Citizens: Jigsaw Puzzles!
  • Gorgeous Coloring Books for Seniors
  • Large Print, Free Crossword Puzzles for Senior Adults

 

 

It’s also possible to explore a broad array of coloring pages for adults that can be bought on Amazon here.

 

Origami

 

This form of art is adaptable and fun for any skill level. You can learn how to fold origami boxes, flowers, ninja stars, airplanes, and other items in these The Spruce Crafts free tutorials.

 

Indoor gardening

 

One fun project includes bringing a little of nature indoors. One easy method of trying your hand at indoor gardening includes saving your veggie scraps then regrowing them.

 

This Rural Sprout resource shares tidbits for regrowing twenty kinds of herbs and vegetables.

 

It is fun to view new leaves sprout and a great method of ensuring that you have a few fresh herbs and greens available.

 

Play fun puzzle and games

 

Do-it-yourself bean bag toss—This game of bean bag toss is so easy, but so entertaining if you are safe having friends and family over!

 

It is possible to use anything non-bouncy and small for your bean bag (in order for it to stay in place after it is tossed). Plus, if keeping score might make things more thrilling and keep everyone entertained, mark the bean bag holes with numbers.

 

Jigsaw puzzles

 

You can find some jigsaw puzzles which are proper for your physical, cognitive or ability level here: Activities for Senior Citizens: Jigsaw Puzzles

 

Crossword puzzles

 

The largely printed crossword puzzles are easy on the eye and fun– So, try these free Largely Printed Crossword Puzzles for Senior Citizens.

 

Or, you can purchase a crossword book so you can pick the theme or level of difficulty that will keep you entertained – browse all of the options here.

 

Sudoku

 

The puzzles which utilize numbers as placeholders are shockingly addictive – Get your Free Sudoku Puzzles for Senior Citizens here.

 

Classic games

 

The following nostalgic games never go out of style:

 

  • Checkers: You can try this soft board of a large size that features easy-grip pieces, as well as tic-tac-toe in the back of it or this 3-in-1 game set which contains backgammon, chess, and checkers.
  • Bingo: You can try the bigger home bingo set that has plastic markers and balls or the smaller set that has wooden markers and balls. You also could play immediately for free using a free online bingo caller or print your very own bingo cards (pick “1 numeric bingo card a page” for the biggest size).
  • Connect Four: It’s a vertical game of tic-tac-toe that is fun for any age and is sure to keep you and your family entertained.
  • Yahtzee: This is an exciting game of dice which will keep your brain sharp. You also could play free of charge if you own dice at home, just print your very own score cards, then follow all game rules.
  • Card games: All that’s needed here is playing cards and a neighbor or friend to play! Below we list directions for a number of card games, in order from the most challenging to the easiest:

 

  • Gin Rummy
  • Crazy Eights
  • Go Fish
  • War (two-minute video explanation)
  • 21 or Blackjack

Document Life Story

 

Document your life story using your phone or jot down your own memoir.

 

  • StoryCorps is a business which shares and collects stories. They’ll share a list of good questions to ask yourself if you need ideas for stories.
  • Also, Legacy Project shares a massive list of questions about life that will keep helping to jog your memory.

 

Listen to podcasts, radio shows, and books

 

Hear audiobooks

 

Books on tape (audiobooks) permit your elderly adult to listen to pretty much any book they enjoy.

 

You can borrow them from your local library, purchase them from a nearby retailer, utilize the complimentary National Library Service home delivery, or locate them for free on the internet using Librivox or Libby.

 

Hear sports

 

Sports enthusiasts might love to listen to radio’s re-broadcasted sports games.

 

Hear radio shows

 

Some elderly adults might like to listen to spiritual broadcasts, radio talk shows, science talks, as well as other types of programs.

 

A lot of radio stations also make those programs available for free online.

 

Hear podcasts

 

Explore the podcast world with this slideshow of 2020’s Top 15 podcasts from Oprah’s magazine.

 

Podcasts are sort of like radio shows that cover virtually any subject you might imagine and are available online for free and will keep people entertained for hours on end.

 

Listen to Music

 

Listen to these top hits for age 90 and up:

 

  • Judy Garland
  • Glenn Miller
  • Bing Crosby
  • Benny Goodman
  • The Andrew Sisters
  • Hits of the ‘30s and ‘40s

 

Listen to these top hits for age 80 and up:

 

  • Tony Bennett
  • Patti Page
  • Nat King Cole
  • Doris Day
  • Dinah Shore
  • Greatest Songs of the ‘40s
  • Great Records of The Decade: 1940’s Hits

 

Listen to these top hits for age 70 and up:

 

  • The Rat Pack: Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra
  • Essential Everly Brothers
  • Elvis Presley
  • Connie Francis
  • Number one hits of the 1950’s
  • 1950’s Ultimate Rock and Roll Collection

 

Listen to these top hits for age 60 and up:

 

  • Simon & Garfunkel
  • Roy Orbison
  • The Rolling Stones
  • Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
  • The Beatles
  • Aretha Franklin – 30 Greatest Hits
  • Pure 60’s: The Number One Hits

 

Listen to these top jazz hits:

 

  • Miles Davis
  • Louis Armstrong
  • Ella Fitzgerald
  • Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
  • Charlie Parker
  • Billie Holliday

View Cooking Shows

 

Even if you do not have any plans to cook, there is something so relaxing and fun about seeing somebody else prepare food and be entertained.

 

In conjunction with the multitude of cooking shows you will come across on cable and network television, we recommend the following outstanding free channels on YouTube:

 

  • Food Network: Leading television chefs such as Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Ina Garten, and much more.
  • Epicurious: Incredible videos that are aimed towards home chefs.
  • Bon Appetit: Professional chefs and delectable recipes from a food industry leader.
  • America’s Test Kitchen: These highly qualified chefs perform many cooking tests each year to create the best cooking techniques and recipes.
  • Food Wishes: Chef John goes into details about his easy-to-follow and fun-to-make recipes.
  • Everyday Food: The Martha Stewart Living editors show videos containing time-saving cooking methods and easy recipes.

 

Remain active with these senior-friendly exercises

 

Exercise is an excellent method of maintaining balance and strength, as well as staying active and boosting the immune system and mood.

 

Our recommended senior-friendly exercises include the following:

 

  • Easy and Effective Ten Min. Chair Exercises for Senior Citizens
  • Seated Tai Chi for Senior Citizens: Three Simple Routines Improve Well-being and Flexibility
  • Twelve Gentle and Easy Seated Stretching Exercises for Senior Citizens in Four Min.
  • Head-to-Toe Seated Chair Exercises for Senior Citizens to Improve Range of Motion
  • Three Tai Chi Videos for Senior Citizens to Improve Strength and Balance and Prevent Falls
  • Chair Yoga for Senior Citizens: Improve Health and Reduce Pain

 

Bold exercise programs online

 

In order to assist elderly individuals during this pandemic, Bold is now offering every new member a complimentary 30-day upgrade to try out their Premium Membership (no credit card is required). Just click their red banner at the upper part of the homepage in order to sign up and learn more.

 

Bold is an exercise program on the internet for elderly adults, tailored for fitness abilities, strength, and age. Users can take a fast quiz and receive a customized exercise plan that improves balance, flexibility, or strength. (We are not affiliated with or sponsored by Bold.)

 

Learn something interesting and fun

 

Our leading picks:

 

  • Resilience Skills in Time of Uncertainty: This is from University of Pennsylvania upon Coursera
  • Science of Well-Being: This is from Yale University upon Coursera, well-known as “Yale’s Happiness Course.”
  • This is a broad array of Harvard University culture courses.
  • Users can explore a massive choice of Khan Academy courses– it is all free, simply create your account
  • View Bob Ross’ calm painting lessons for free on Twitch

 

Try relaxation methods

 

The recent lifestyle changes have been stressful on everyone.

 

Try the following free methods to relax the mind and body:

 

  • Do Nothing for Two Min.: Simply listen to the calming waves
  • Three meditations: Scroll down to check out three meditation options (three and ten min.)
  • Mindful breathing: This is a 5-min. video which assists you in relaxing by concentrating on your breathing

 

Here’s some resources for connecting with other seniors

 

There are places working diligently to connect the elderly during the pandemic. Check out some of the following we recommend:

 

  • Senior Lonliness Line
  • AARP Community Connections
  • AARP Friendly Voice

 

The importance of keeping the elderly active during the pandemic

 

Caregiving during the pandemic has been quite the challenge for caregivers and for their family members.

 

Loneliness and social isolation have played a huge role in those challenges, as isolating during COVID-19 has struck the senior population especially hard.

 

Isolation for the ones over age 60 has severe psychological and medical effects and may lead to heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and anxiety.

 

However, caregivers may keep senior citizens engaged and active during the age of the coronavirus without placing them at risk:

 

  • Get them outside
  • Help them connect and engage on social media
  • Set them up for video chats
  • Cheer them up by giving them a care package

 

For more information on our assisted living services please feel free to get in touch with Optimum Personal Care in Missouri City, TX today at 281.565.4144.