Keeping older parents active is key to better overall health and wellbeing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a massive shift to our everyday life. Everything has turned upside down, and all of us are locked home, hoping for this epidemic to end soon so we can get back to our daily life. But, even after the development of coronavirus vaccines, we see no way of things coming to a settlement; instead, we are being introduced to new variants that are making life more stressful and more worrying.
Amid this epidemic, when we are distressed, most of us have concerns regarding our parents. This experience, when these lovely human beings are aging in normal life, is are already very traumatic, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more nerve-wracking and tensed, and it has become very challenging to keep these dearies active and engaged while maintaining their sanity.
Tips to keep older parents active
If you are in the same boat, the following are ways to help you keep your parents engaged and active during quarantine, so they don’t get sluggish and surpass this challenging time in the best way possible.
1. Get them a pet
Studies reveal that people with pets have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and are more active than those who don’t have a pet. Also, pets help in reducing stress and increase the physical activity of people.
These four-legged friends can become your parent’s biggest support and buddies when they have a hectic time combatting COVID-19. It is said that elders who have pets are more lively and energetic because pets bring a tremendous amount of bliss and enjoyment that can boost their mood and keep them happy and contended.
2. Host a family concert
You can also hold a family concert with people living in the same house. It may sound a little crazy, but there are a lot of options that you can go with while hosting the concert, such as if anyone of you can sing, dance or play instruments. Make it a show and involve the family.
Another option to go with is singing and whistling altogether. Sing your favorite songs, make the party peppy and full of beans. Warble out loud and revel in; you won’t get this time again.
The third option is to play your parent’s favorite music. Pamper them through their most loved melodies and perk them up.
3. Encourage them to make exercise a routine
Exercise is essential, especially during these times when they may feel like they can’t go out in public. Communicate with them and voice how exercising is vital for them.
For best results, perform these drills along with them. Set a time when you and your parents will walk around the house. During this walk, you can also discuss some important notes that are otherwise tough to discuss.
Early morning meditation can also be an excellent option to encourage them to make exercising their daily routine.
4. Gardening is good for older parents
Because of the challenging routine and plethora of responsibilities, many parents neglect their hobbies throughout their life. They serve all their time for their children.
Even today, it’s considered a stigma for parents to spend their lives according to their choice. Many children believe the only thing parents have to do is nourish their kids and look after them.
It’s time we change this mindset and empower our parents. Let them do whatever they like. Ease their responsibilities. If you have parents who love gardening, support them. Make your conservatory a gardening lawn. Grow your favorites fruits and veggies. Allot space in your backyard for a flower garden and see your parents all happy and on cloud nine.
Gardening brings joy and keeps people engaged. It is also one of the best ways to keep your parents involved with nature and nurture their mental health.
5. Get them some good books
According to research, reading books may reduce their chance of having Alzheimer’s, sharpen their decision-making skills and improve sleep, to name a few.
Books also can help relieve worries, and support emotional and psychological wellbeing that can be advantageous in keeping aging parents active and engaged, even when they are not able to be with other people.
You can also get some coloring and doodling books if your parents are art enthusiasts.
6. Plan a movie date
Who does not like a movie date? Absolutely no one. If your parents are action movie lovers, get a setup done in your living room and host a movie night. Make some caramel and salt popcorns and bake some nachos.
The movie date can be an all-family get-together or just your parent’s rendezvous. Since they can’t hang out in their favorite places, make this movie night a wonderful experience for them.
7. Help an older parent find a new hobby
Exploring new hobbies with your parents can be very effective in keeping them active and engaged. This practice will be like discovering a never-known side of your parents.
These hobbies can include playing musical instruments, learning a new language or a new skill, knitting or embroidery, etc. if your parents are art lovers, you can also consider engaging them in painting and sketching.
While indulging them in such activities, there are many chances that you can bring out a talent of your parents that they and you never knew they had in this challenging time.
8. Play board and card games
In our busy schedules of lives, we’ve snubbed the fun of board games. Wholesome were the days when every night or on weekends or at least once a week, we all used to play board and card games with our friends and families.
But the social isolation has once again given us all a chance to revive those beautiful memories. The boredom and dullness of life have allowed us to compete with our family in such tournaments. Utilize this time.
Don’t neglect to engage in these games. Challenge your older parents and (sometimes) lose deliberately, because the joy of winning on your parent’s faces will be all you will cherish later.
9. Involve them in cooking and baking
Involving your parents in cooking and baking is again an excellent idea to keep them participated and energetic.
Though there are many chances that your mum cooks the food for you all, try to engage your father in this chore. This way your mum can get a lot of relief and your father will also stay engaged and employed.
10. Host a family dinner
Believe me or not but parents love spending time with their children more than anything in this world. Since the earth is on rest and you and your parents are altogether stuck at home, utilize this time wisely.
To cheer your stressed and depressed parents, organize a family dinner. Bake and cook your parent’s favorite food. Pick up their favorite drinks and have a wonderful dinner discussing current affairs. This is one worth a while combo that you can’t miss.
