Indoor Activities Seniors Can Do Without Internet

Finding ways to stay busy at home during the coronavirus outbreak can be challenging. During these difficult times, many organizations have offered us online opportunities to enjoy the parts of culture that feed the soul and challenge the mind. But not everyone has access to these resources. For seniors who do not have internet access, this isolating period can lead to even more feelings of loneliness, boredom, and frustration. If you have a loved one who is currently in isolation without internet, help them stay engaged and active with creative indoor activities that don’t require any online access. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Create a memory book

There’s no better time to reflect on one’s life than the present. Ask your loved one to put together a collection of written or recorded memories, recipes, or traditions that they would like to pass down to their children and grandchildren. If your loved one enjoys crafting, a scrapbook could be a great way for them to organize photos. 

Keep the brain active and engaged

Whether your loved one is interested in academics or wants to develop a new skill, there are plenty of ways for them to keep the brain engaged. If they have an interest in languages, consider gifting language books and CDs. Options like Living Language or Rosetta Stone can help them learn or brush up on another language. You could also order or borrow books on their favorite scientific, medical, or cultural subject. Photography, drawing, and painting are also able to be self-taught with books. And don’t forget crosswords and Sudoku: studies of groups who regularly do crossword puzzles have shown a slower decline in brain health.

Solve—or just enjoy—a mystery

Another great puzzle for the brain is working on a mystery. Several companies offer a monthly subscription box of stories, clues, and items for solving solo or with a partner. And if you have a favorite mystery author, check out their recent books or other popular reads in the genre.   

Experiment in the kitchen

Cooking and baking are also ways to feel creative and inspired (with the added bonus of experiments you can eat). You might join the bread-baking movement, try a new salmon recipe, or give yourself a “cookbook challenge”: going through a cookbook from start to finish (seen in the book and movie Julie & Julia). 

Slow down and enjoy quiet reflection

Studies on meditation have shown positive health effects on the brain. This could be a time for quiet reflection. Try either seated or moving meditation (like tai chi), puzzles, reading, journaling, organizing, or cleaning. You could even make it a scheduled date with yourself as something to look forward to in your calendar.

Keep moving

Exercise, even if light, is one of the most recommended ways to keep our immune system strong. Walking, exercises with hand weights, and stretching are all ways to help ourselves stay healthy. These stationary exercises can be done at home with explanations and no additional props needed.