Senior Citizen Boredom: 7 Fun Activities for Homebound Patients
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
December 21, 2020
Did you know that we spend 93% of our lives indoors? Unfortunately, not all of us get to go outdoors when desired, especially older people who are either ill or recovering from disease or surgery. But thankfully, there are lots of activities for homebound patients.
Are you wondering about ideas to keep the elderly busy at home? Then read on!Here are 7 fun things to do when sick and bored, including ones you can do with a loved one or caretaker.
1. Put Together Jigsaw Puzzles
First up on our list of fun activities for seniors is jigsaw puzzles. This can be done either solo or with a companion.Put on some relaxing music, put the kettle on for tea, and get comfortable on the couch while you work on jigsaw puzzles together. You can even have the TV on in the background instead, if music isn't your thing.Make sure to get a good assortment of pictures, as well as jigsaw piece sizes and numbers. If anything ever feels too difficult, you can always swap it out for something much easier for a break.
2. Look at the View Outside
This is an activity that can easily fight elderly boredom. It doesn't require much mobility either, and it's one of the hobbies to do at home alone.Depending on where the senior lives, there can be plenty of fascinating things to watch outside. Whether it's the wildlife in the bushes or all the people who walk by on the sidewalk, this can provide hours of free entertainment.If there's a yard or porch, take full advantage of it, especially if the weather is nice. While it's not the same thing as going out to the mall or grocery shopping, it can still give the elderly a much-needed breath of fresh air. It can actually be one of the best activities for homebound adults to do.
3. Do Some Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are some of the most loved hobbies one can do at home alone, regardless of age. When a senior is homebound, this is the perfect time for them to pick up some new fun activities or go back to some classics they used to enjoy when younger.There's a wide variety of activities to choose from in this category, so the senior won't have to stick with just one thing. They can do anything from sketching with pencils and painting with watercolors, to knitting with yarn or putting musical notes down on paper.When it comes to elderly entertainment ideas, arts and crafts are great because it lets them exercise their creativity.
4. Learn a New Language
This is a fun and educational activity that the elderly can do alone or with others. It's also one of the best solo activities for seniors. What's excellent about this activity is it can help them fight against Alzheimer's. Another fantastic thing is they won't have to learn from physical books either. There are fun websites and apps nowadays that gamify language learning, such as Duolingo.When learning is this fun, seniors can spend hours a day exercising their brain and picking up a new language. Plus, they can stay in bed and still do this activity, which means even those with mobility issues can participate.
5. Have Voice Calls or Video Chats
It used to be that you could only have voice calls on a landline or cell phone, and video chats on computers. But today, technology's made leaps and bounds.Not only can you make voice calls over other devices, but you can also hold video chats on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This means that the elder in your life doesn't necessarily need to have a computer to keep in touch with their loved ones.Chances are, they already have a tablet or smartphone. All you need to do is help them download a free program such as WhatsApp or Skype, then help them add their friends and family as contacts.
6. Play Board Games (or Video Games)
Board games can be excellent activities for homebound patients. Not only do you have the classics, but you also have newer ones that have come out since the last time they've played board games. There will be at least a few games they'll love.Video games can also be things for bored seniors to do, especially if they're enthusiastic about new technology. Whether it's first-person shooters or puzzle games, or even VR titles, engaging in video games can also provide them with hours of entertainment. It can certainly be one of the more creative ideas for seniors to do.
7. Work on a To-Do List
Out of all the activities for the homebound elderly, this one will take the most mobility. However, it can also provide them with a huge sense of achievement. Especially if handiwork was something they previously enjoyed doing, this can be one of the best hobbies for the housebound.Together, you can come up with a list of small things to fix up around their house. It can be anything from clearing the clutter from a room to fixing a loose handle on a doorknob.Working on small home improvements can also be activities for handicapped seniors. For instance, they can help paint a coffee table, which can be done while sitting in a wheelchair.
Try These Activities for Homebound Patients to Fight Boredom
Now you know about several activities for homebound patients. Whether you're a caretaker or you're in charge of a relative who's a senior, you'll know how to fight senior citizen boredom.So put these tips for things to do with the elderly at home to use. Not only will they appreciate the fun activities, but you'll also get to strengthen your bond with the senior in your life. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.Are you thinking of getting home care services for the elderly loved one in your life? If you are in Richmond, Charlottesville, or Charleston, read more about our at home care services or call our Care Team today at 434.202.8565.
Disclaimer: Please check with your physician before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medication routine.