#StayAtHome, this is what the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization tell us. And although this has helped to regulate the infection curve, we should not be confident yet.
Spending a lot of time at home makes the space smaller and the time longer. So, what activities can we do in this quarantine with our seniors? We recommend a few:
1. Listen to them, they have a lot to say!
Your elderly relative has had many experiences throughout his or her life and probably has a story or two to tell, so ask and listen! Chances are you'll learn something new that can help you in life.
2. Let's play!
Taking into account the protocols of hand washing and physical distancing, they can play some of the classic games such as cards, chess, bingo, etc. They can also take advantage of new technological platforms to teach the older adult to play with cell phones or computers.
3. Video calls to family or friends!
You can help your family member make a video call to that loved one or friend who lives far away, they can arrange a virtual coffee afternoon between them so they can chat.
4. Watch a series or movie!
Whether you decide to watch a classic movie, (many are easily accessible today and of the highest cinematic quality) or you decide to watch more recent content, don't miss the opportunity to share this time together.
5. Explore a new hobby.
Use your imagination and creativity. An example is learning to paint or trying new recipes. On the internet there are many articles or videos to learn a new skill, why not do it as a family?
6. Opportunity to get to know each other as a family.
Now we all have the opportunity to get to know our seniors better and they get to know us better by simply spending more time together. Take the opportunity to learn details that may seem "insignificant" but are not. How did my parents/grandparents meet, what is the family history, where are we from, what other difficult circumstances have they experienced throughout their lives? Rest assured that COVID-19 was not the first and not the only one.
7. Meditate more.
Silence can also help us to relax, to breathe, to have more time for introspection, the simple fact of being able to stop for a moment and think, gives us the opportunity to reflect on any situation or problem we have either at home or at work. Take advantage of these moments of reflection, and even more important: take the necessary actions required in your work or on a personal level. Take your phone and make that call, make that apology, say thank you. Let's protect the senior. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we are living.
