23 March 2020

Things To Do When You’re Over 70 and Self Isolating

As per the government’s advice, it’s currently vital that over 70s remain at home – both for their own protection and for the protection of the wider community.

However, that likely means a significant disruption to your daily routine. It’s important, whether you live alone or with someone else, to make sure you create a new routine. While you may be stuck at home, there are still things you can do and ways you can stay connected.

Below we’ll give you some advice and tips on what do during this period of self-isolation.

Make the most of your hobbies

Now is the time to enjoy your hobbies – whether that’s an art or craft, puzzles or games of some kind.

It’s also a good time to take up a new hobby. For example, if you own a deck of playing cards then this could be a great time to learn how to play one of the many kinds of solitaire.

Equally, if you have jigsaw puzzles in a cupboard somewhere then now is the time to get them out.

Stay connected

Self-isolating doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. There are many ways to connect with people, and this is the right time to make use of them and learn some new skills too.

If you know how to use the technology, then video calls – either on a computer or a mobile phone – are a good way to get some face to face contact.

If you don’t know how to use video calls then don’t worry, traditional phone calls are just as good. Make time to call your family members and other members of faith or social communities.

Everyone is in the same boat, so people will be glad to hear from you!

Enjoy a good story

We live in a time where there is so much television and media to watch – if you enjoy a certain type of television show, soaps or detective shows for example, then why not start a new one? If you can find it on something like BBC iPlayer, then you can start from the beginning – if not then just jump in, you’ll soon pick up what’s going on.

Alongside that, you can’t beat a good book. Whether it’s re-reading an old favourite or reading a book you’ve never quite got around to, reading is a great way to make use of this time.

Get some fresh air

 It’s important not to have contact with other people at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay completely locked in. If you have a garden, then getting out there – even if you just sit out there and do something, like read a book or do a crossword puzzle – will mean you get some needed fresh air.

If you don’t have a garden, then taking a short walk out of your front door is fine. Just make sure you stay a safe distance from other people – the government recommends a distance of at least 2 metres (6 and a half feet).

Stay Positive

While these are certainly strange times, the important thing to remember is that this will only go on for a limited time and soon enough things will go back to normal.

So, stay positive, use the time to try all the things we’ve listed above, and make sure to pay attention to and follow any updates to the government’s advice.