When older adults are in isolation or quarantine, the increased isolation presents challenges that ultimately affect them on a daily basis and impact their conditions. While isolation presents new sets of challenges, there are everyday activities that, when done repetitively and with vigor, can help!
Practical activities that focus on fine motor skills:
- Buttoning, tying, and zippering clothing
- Folding laundry
- Opening and closing containers
- Writing a letter
- Drawing
- Playing with playdough
- Knitting
- Working on a puzzle
- Reading a magazine and flipping the pages
All of these work to improve fine motor skills, memory, critical thinking, multitasking, hand eye coordination and grip strength.
Activities that focus on gross motor skills:
- Making a bed
- Cleaning the house, vacuuming and dusting
- Walking
- Walking up and down steps
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Yoga and other movement exercises
These activities help balance, coordination, dynamic movement, neuroplasticity, stamina and endurance. Furthermore, these tasks improve daily living and help to maintain both proprioception and tactile feedback.
Creative activities to help isolation:
- Phone calls with loved ones
- Video chats
- Games
- Zoom parties with friends
- Trivia night
Physical isolation plays a big part on our psychological wellbeing. With technology and a little know how, people can still find meaningful ways to connect with others and loved ones. These different past times go a long way to fighting depression and boosting someone’s mood.
Conclusion
Adults in isolation face many different challenges. Sustained isolation may wear heavily on people. There are, however, proactive ways to help. To learn more about the benefits of in-home physical therapy, call us today! 302-304-9729. You can also fill out our Contact form. We would be happy to answer any questions. We see clients in New Castle County DE, Kent County DE and Delaware County PA.
In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, we serve: Glen Mills, Boothwyn, Chester, Media, Newtown Square, Garnet Valley, Concordville, Aston, Broomall, Springfield, just to name a few.
