Here at Loving Assisted Living we understand that in today’s Covid 19 world, it is important not to go out as often as we used to, and for seniors, it can be difficult to know what activities one can do and still be safe.
We have put together 22 of the best indoor activities for seniors, these can be done when they are alone, with caregivers, or even with family members.
Some of these activities you may already do, and some maybe be new, it is important to always try something new, so do not be afraid, new hobbies and activities are great for the soul and the brain.
1. Exercise
Exercise is always important at any age, but for seniors, it is essential to keep everything moving, mobility can be an issue, but you can always do seated exercises for seniors.
There are a number of different indoor exercises you can do, such as Yoga, dancing, or even Zumba. You can do these exercises on youtube or on a DVD.
There are plenty of options for different types of exercises for seniors, you can check out Amazon for different options. Staying fit will make you feel better too.
2. FaceTime with Loved Ones
A great way to stay in contact, and to see loved ones, is to use FaceTime, especially during this time of social distancing, you can still see the ones that you love.
This is a fun way to stay connected with friends and family, you could use Skype, which is a free service., to stay connected online too.
3. Scrapbooking Photographs
A fun activity is to go through loose photographs, you can sort them out, organize them, and sort them out by a year or family members or friends.
You could start scrapbooking them, or even use a digital frame so you can see all of your favorite ones, and they will always be on display. You can also get loved ones the same frame and create a digital album for them and select the photos that you would like to share with them. You can find some digital frames on Amazon.
Or you can just do it the old-fashioned way and create a new photo album. This can be a fun way to share family stories, and share some wonderful memories with your family.
4. Socialize on Social Media
A great way to social distance is to use social media to connect with friends and loved ones. Setting up social media accounts is easy, and if they do not have it, it is easy to do.
Using social media is a great way to connect with old friends or join groups with similar interests as you.
5. Create a Playlist
Listening to your favorite music is great, it can bring back some wonderful memories, so creating a favorite playlist is a fun activity.
This is a fun and safe activity for anyone, especially music lovers. Setting up a Spotify account can help you to create the playlist that you want, there is a paid version and a free version of Spotify.
6. Listen to a Podcast
Listening to or finding a podcast is a great activity, there are many different types of podcasts to listen to, and they cover so many different activities.
You can listen to podcasts on the phone or a voice-based service like Alexa.
7. Cognitive Stimulation Activities
Cognitive activities are important for mental health in seniors and their overall well-being, engaging in these activities will promote cognitive stimulation, they are helpful for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and they will help with memory care.
Some of the best activities are puzzles, memory games, interactive online activities, or word searches. While some cognitive stimulation activities can be done alone, there are plenty of others that you can enjoy doing with your family or caregiver.
8. Play Games
Playing games indoors is a fun way to pass the time without getting bored, these games can be done with a caregiver, friend, or family member.
There are plenty of options to choose from, from board games, card games, video games, or electronic games. It’s always great to play the games that we love, but it is also good to try some new games too.
9. Baking and Cooking
A wonderful indoor activity for seniors is cooking or baking, making a favorite recipe, or baking some cookies, which is a great way to spend some quality time in the kitchen.
It can be a time that the family can come together, and spend time preparing and cooking or baking together. Using old family recipes or trying to make something new is always fun.
10. Reading
Reading is a great activity for seniors to do where ever they are, they can enjoy their favorite author. Reading can also be a group activity.
Book clubs are always fun, choosing a book, reading it, and then discussing it is a fun activity. Reading to someone or even being read to is also a nice activity, and then discuss what the book is about.
Or if they are alone they can choose whatever they wish to read, fiction, nonfiction, biographies, or religious scriptures. Reading is a fun activity, and it is fun if the senior is alone or with someone.
11. Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts can help with the senior’s cognitive skills, if it is crocheting, panting, making a quilt, clay, woodwork, or a sewing project.
Arts and craft projects are a fun indoor activity for seniors, to keep them safe and engaged, while they are creating something tangible.
12. A Spa Day
Not being able to go to the spa, does not mean the spa cannot come to you. There are some fun self-care activities, such as a do-it-yourself manicure, or herbal foot soaking to make you relax and feel pampered.
Taking care of one’s self is important, but it is also nice to feel pampered and it can give you a mental lift, and it is a fun activity.
13. Genealogy
Using a company like Ancestry, or any of the other genealogy companies, is always fun. Fining information about your ancestors online is possible.
The National Archives is a place to start online it can supply many online records, military records, and immigration information.
14. Indoor Gardening
Planting some seeds, taking care of them, and growing herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley, are easy to start with, and you can use them when you are cooking, so it will make the activity more fun.
Indoor gardening can also include taking care of the existing indoor plants that are already there. Trimming them or even repotting them.
15. Writing
Not everyone has the ability to write or have the patients do so, but if the ability is there, it is a great way to write down special memories.
Starting a journal is also a fun thing, putting one’s thoughts down in the journal, or writing short stories or poetry. Writing can be very therapeutic, it is also a great way to share your stories or life’s journey.
16. Movie Night
Having a movie night is a fun way to spend time together, choosing to watch old classic movies, or even watch some classic television shows, is a fun activity for the whole family.
When you have the movie night you can have some cold drinks and popcorn to make it more fun.
17. Learn a New Skill
Learning something new, like a new language, learning how to knit, arrange flowers, or any other new skill set. Looking at YouTube tutorial videos can help you.
Learning a new skill set is a great way to spend time, it is productive, it will stimulate the brain, and it can be done with a caregiver, a family member, or a friend.
18. Watch Religious Services Online
If you are missing your religious services, you can always watch your services online or you can find some religious services on the television.
Some assisted living facilities have a viewing room, where they play different types of religious services, this activity is a great way to stay connected spiritually.
19. Make Your Own Cookbook
Making a cookbook of family recipes is a great way to pass on the family favorites and pass along some family cooking traditions. Passing along some of the family’s favorite recipes.
You could use create cookbook software to create the actual book, it is not only a fun activity, but it will help the family to still have their favorite recipes.
20. Watch a Concert on YouTube
A fun indoor activity for seniors is to watch their favorite musical artists, and check out their concerts on YouTube. There are so many recorded concert performances to choose from, and you should be able to find music from any genre.