Is your loved one a homebody? They can keep themselves entertained with many hobbies in the comfort of their own home. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have learned to appreciate the safety of our homes and explore the various possibilities for leisure. While going out to town and catching a movie at the theater are classic activities we do in our pastime, our home provides a world of opportunities to have fun. In this article, we explore a few indoor activities for your loved ones to participate in.
Cooking
Some people may find cooking a chore, but others may find it as a way to bond with friends and family or to have some alone time. There’s no need to have a knack in the kitchen and possess chef qualities to find joy in cooking. It’s truly an activity for everyone, though we do recommend ensuring children are kept away from hazardous items. Your loved ones can take this time to try out a new recipe, explore various cooking techniques or simply whip up their favorite meals.
Gardening
Gardening does not only have to take place outdoors but indoors as well. Your loved ones can purchase a pot or two to take care of, but if they have particularly green fingers, they can go all out. Whichever feels comfortable for them. Some plants such as ferns do not require much direct sunlight and are pretty low-maintenance, making them perfect for the indoors. Gardening brings out many health benefits, including de-stressing and boosting mental well-being.
Be Creative
Thinking creatively has many advantages. Most importantly, it improves cognitive function, which is the method to slowing down mental decline. Some hobbies are also creative, and what better time than during your retirement years to try out new activities? Some creative hobbies your loved ones can pick up are painting, scrapbooking, photography, calligraphy, and sewing. What’s more, these art pieces can be sold on online platforms such as Etsy, thus your loved one can make some extra money on the side.
Reading
Reading provides a form of escape that allows us to imagine a different world and reality. Aside from enhancing our communication skills, reading is especially beneficial in improving brain function and memory ability. These days, books are not only sold in physical forms in bookstores. For convenience and accessibility, we recommend trying out eBooks, which can be read on any digital device from phones to tablets. What’s great about eBooks is that some books come with audio versions and readers can change the font sizes, which are helpful if your loved one isn’t able to see well.
Board and Card Games
Here at Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh, we are aware of the positive benefits of playing board and card games. As such, we usually hold these game sessions for our Celebrations Activities and Events. Besides providing an opportunity for residents to get together and socialize, the game keeps the mind sharp and focused, strengthening brain function. Some card games can also improve memory over time, which can slow down the onset of memory-related illnesses such as dementia.
