COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down, most would say. There is a very real risk of catching the virus, with just the simple act of stepping out of the house. This discourages us from keeping active and exercising like how we did before the pandemic. Yet, there are many pandemic activities for you and your loved ones to choose from. After all, keeping healthy and fit is just as important as staying safe from the virus moving forward. Here are some pandemic activities for your elderly loved ones and you, all whilst minimizing the risk of catching COVID-19.
Walking
The simple and humble act of walking can do more than we think. Go out with your loved ones when the weather is pleasant and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Try to avoid large crowds and minimize interactions with others. Even this simple exercise can bring about mood-enhancing and immune-boosting benefits. If your loved one cannot leave the house, even taking steps or marching on the spot can help them keep active.
Dancing
Turn on the speakers and start dancing. You don’t even have to ask your loved one to leave home to do this. Do it in the comfort and safety of your home, and dance to the beat. While it may not seem like much, dancing is a form of exercise and can improve moods and endurance – what we need in these socially distanced times.
Exercises
Besides dancing, consider yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and even simple stretches. Once again, there is no need to leave the safety of your home. Search online for videos on these exercises and you might find masterclasses hosted by experts or social workers. This way, your loved ones can do it with a community.
Arts and Crafts
Being active does not always mean moving your legs, engaging the mind is just as powerful and effective. Be it knitting or crocheting, painting, or writing, there are countless options for you to introduce to your loved one. While trapped at home, we can flex our intellectual muscles, and come out of the pandemic in a better place than before.
Gardening
As cliché as it might sound, growing a garden or even tending to a few flowers at home can help overcome the restlessness and isolation brought upon by the pandemic. Gardening allows us to move our muscles, burning some calories and giving opportunities to breathe fresh air. It can be incredibly therapeutic. It feels as if we have some connection with nature, leaving us with a sense of peace while tending to and walking through the garden.
At TerraBella Lake Norman we recommend activities such as these in our communities. Contact us if you are interested to enquire about our services and what living in one of our communities is like.
