How to keep the oldie entertained (and mentally healthy) during isolation?

CheapskateQueen on 01/04/2020 - 14:32
Last edited 01/04/2020 - 14:32

Looking for ideas to keep my mum entertained. It's crazy to think that having a job right now is actually great, because it's something to do for 8 hours a day. She, on the other hand, is stuck at home all day every day in total lockdown.

I visit her daily (I'm also totally isolated except for outdoor solo exercise and groceries) but otherwise she's eldery (70) and alone. Eventually I may just move in with her.

I have equipped her with:

  • Netflix, Stan and Spotify
  • WordSearch and Sudoku Books
  • Knitting gear
  • playing cards (been like 20 years since she's played, so we're starting with Go Fish haha)
  • Books

What else is there? What have you got for your parents/vulnerable?

Just think 16 hours a day, everyday to fill. Far out.

Entertainment

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 01/04/2020 - 14:33

    Texas Hold'em.

    Still not entertained? Up the stakes.

    Try introducing board games. Try Catan or Carcassonne.

  • 87percent on 01/04/2020 - 14:49
    +2

    puzzles

    • John Kimble on 01/04/2020 - 15:42

      It's not only the Prime Minister's family who regard jigsaws as "absolutely essential" to surviving home life over the next few months.

      Retailers say sales of jigsaws are at record highs. And families working and studying in close quarters are never more likely to lose it. A piece that is.

      The hottest toys and games item in the "movers and shakers category" on Amazon.com.au is a jigsaw puzzle roll up mat. Sales are up 14,493 per cent.

      Need a puzzle mat though

  • GG57 on 01/04/2020 - 14:49
    +2

    What did she do to pass the time before the lock-down?

    • CheapskateQueen on 01/04/2020 - 18:58
      +1

      well she's has a rough few years since retirement health wise, but the last year she's been volunteering at the library which also helped her build a network of friends she saw almost daily at the local shopping centre. they have their little crew, it's very cute. well it was.

      • try2bhelpful on 01/04/2020 - 19:05
        +3

        So, what you need to do is find out how many of the others have PCs, tablets, etc to setup a “FaceTime” equivalent system. That way they can still have their daily chats. You could put together a detailed “how to” guide so they can be guided to do the setup.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 01/04/2020 - 14:49

    I hear World of Warcraft is addictive. Try that.

  • Yummy on 01/04/2020 - 14:54

    Get her a kimono and youtube how to wear one. Might as well throws in japanese tea ceremony.

  • lunchbox99 on 01/04/2020 - 14:55
    +1

    My parents are a little older and never go anywhere normally so I don't imagine COVID lockdown a huge adjustment for them.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/04/2020 - 14:58
    +2

    Get her onto ozbargain. We'll entertain her for free.

  • yoonibear on 01/04/2020 - 15:04
    +4

    Wife and I are doing a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, great time killer as we sit and discuss whether we should open the pack or not.

  • nfr on 01/04/2020 - 17:25
    +1

    P*hub premium

  • Muzeeb on 01/04/2020 - 17:46

    52 pickup

  • try2bhelpful on 01/04/2020 - 18:23
    +1

    Get her a tablet, e.g. an iPad, with a subscription to The Age. She can read the news, download the crosswords, sudoku, word puzzles etc. she can also download games etc from the associated stores.

    The stores have online jigsaw puzzles, etc.

    • kerfuffle on 01/04/2020 - 18:25

      Get it for 50% off because if you're paying more than that, you're paying too much

    • CheapskateQueen on 01/04/2020 - 18:55

      thank you for an actual comment!

      yeh she has an ipad with games and she's gotten a lot better with using the internet.

      been browsing for jigsaw puzzles today. most reasonably priced ones are sold out of course, but I'll definitely get one we can do together

      • try2bhelpful on 01/04/2020 - 19:17

        There is a freebie jigsaw puzzle app for the iPad. You can set the number of pieces you want the picture divided into. There are freebie jigsaw puzzles to go with it.

        If she is into logic puzzles I would look at the “Room” series. Also the “Monument” puzzles are lovely.

        If she is into “match 3” series there are a heap of them. I’ve been playing Gardenscapes.

        I would urge you look into something like The Age subscription, depending on her politics as it is left leaning, but the crosswords etc are really good. I do my cryptic everyday, we do the trivia quiz, there is a sudoku, an anagram puzzle etc.

        If she is OK with online books then you can “borrow” them from the library. Dependent on the library there are magazines that can be browsed as well.

  • hymio on 02/04/2020 - 00:05

    I've always thought it might be nice for older family members to start using Instagram or start a Youtube channel. My dad used to take photos and videos but cost of film+printing was very expensive and he stopped when I was a kid. You could also look back on those photos that they take down the road! She also sounds like a smart lady that could learn to play games like Cat Quest!

  • casho on 06/04/2020 - 15:24

    Gardening, drawing, painting etc

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