COULD ISOLATION BE SPLENDID?

Over 70 and self isolating? It’s no fun – or is it? We’ve found some things you can do at home.

Self isolation has its plus points. For starters, you can please yourself. Hurrah! If you want to eat a whole packet of biscuits and watch 10 episodes of Coronation Street back to back, then go for it. You can sing at the top of your voice, dance like no-one’s watching and avoid the neighbour you can’t stand. Things are looking up.

PRACTICE POSITIVITY!

You have to be more accepting of your life but, more importantly, you have to acknowledge the current situation and respect all the great things you have. Think not about what you do not have but rather what you do.

Look at things like how you have plenty of great family and friends in your life or that you have done a great job in your professional life. Think about how you have many events and activities worth looking forward to when this is all over. Make a gratitude list and read it every morning to set yourself up for the day. 34

GET CHATTING!

If you don’t use email, social media or apps you can still use your landline to let your friends and family know you’re ok. They’ll appreciate your call as much as you do theirs.

Age UK’s Silver Line “for a cheerful chat, day or night” might be a nice addition for anyone living alone – the number is 0800 470 80 90. The charity suggests, in its coronavirus advice, “setting up a rota with family and friends to make sure someone is regularly giving them a ring”.

If you’ve never been introduced to Netflix and have a smart TV, then now’s the time to start the simple process of setting up an account. You can watch Downton Abbey into the early hours. Similarly, if you’ve never followed The Archers, now’s the time to get acquainted with BBC Radio 4. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qpgr/ broadcasts/upcoming

MAKE SOMEONE ‘APPY

If you know your apps from your platforms, aren’t baffled by your browsers, maybe you could help someone older (or not) in your community to do more online.

If you’re more technically minded, consider an ‘advanced tutorial’ in something like Zoom so that you can keep in touch with community groups or classes they already belonged to pre-coronavirus.

There’s lots of music making apps or just turn up the music and sing along. Scholars have shown that indulging in music can provide a sense of belonging. Favourite songs can evoke memories and feelings of connection to a person or place.

Or tune into the radio, you may find a few surprises that you’ve not heard before. If you’re missing out on live music Montreux Jazz festival is streaming concerts: montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/50-concerts-to-stream

GET BAKING!

Baking isn’t just about creating a culinary masterpiece, it’s about relaxing and unwinding. Studies have shown that baking can be an effective form of therapy that can reduce stress and help manage depression. It can also stimulate the desire to eat which can diminish when older people live in isolation. So dust off those recipe books and cook up a storm!

GET SEWING!

If you’re a dab hand with a sewing machine, then get altering those trousers that have always been too long, or if you’ve got material in storage, get it out and make a cushion cover or even an item of clothing. If you can, then do! Here are five fabulous books that can be ordered from Amazon.co.uk.

Senior Smiles 11 Big Laughs: A laugh a minute for all ages, in big print, by John Moher.

Colouring Book for Seniors: Nature Designs Vol 1 by Art Therapy. Colouring demands time and concentration and these days it’s not just for kids.

Driving Miss Norma: This fun book tells the tale of a 90 year old hitting the road in her car for the trip of a lifetime. By Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle.

A man called Ove: A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door. By Frederk Backman

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared: International bestseller about a man who escapes from a care home and has the time of his life. By Jonas Jonasson.

And don’t forget a bumper book of crosswords for all those wishing to keep their brain cells active.

DE-CLUTTER! PLAY GAMES!

Organise your old photographs chronologically, put everyone’s birthdates in your diary, clear out that chest of drawers, do a spot of light decorating if you’re able, weed the garden, put out some bird food and document the species that pay a visit. It’s time to sort out that tool shed and greenhouse that you’ve been putting off for so long. Cards, chess, dominoes, jigsaws, all those games that haven’t been touched since the kids grew up, get them out of storage and have some fun reminiscing.

DO A MORNING WORK OUT!

The Green Goddess, Diana Moran, has returned to breakfast television to help the elderly keep fit during the crisis. Diana, 80, will lead exercise classes on BBC Breakfast from her home, where she is in self isolation. They will be broadcast at 6.55am and 8.55am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, then shared on social media.

During the 1980s, Diana was a familiar presence on TV in her trademark green leotoard, urging viewers to “wake up and shape up”. She returned in March for a guest slot on BBC Breakfast, which proved so popular that the broadcaster has hired her for the regular slots. If you’re less mobile then chair yoga has been designed for you.

Check out this video. dailycaring.com/ chair-yoga-for-seniors-reduce-painand-improve-health-video

BE MORE CREATIVE!

Whether it entails writing books, performing music, or painting/drawing, creativity is something that makes the mind happier. Paper and pen and a whole lot of ideas are the basics for writing. Now’s the time to document that life story for future generations to enjoy. Who knows, it may even be a bestseller. If you don’t have paints try a spot of life drawing with a pencil or pen. Make cards to tell your loved ones how much they’re appreciated.