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Top 5 digital pastimes for older adults

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Top 5 digital pastimes for older adults

Top 5 digital pastimes for older adults 

The virtual world opens up a plethora of opportunities for older adults, especially those with limited mobility and mental conditions, to stay in touch with the outside world and build on their sense of self. Here are the best avenues of digital engagement for the elderly. 

Playing interactive games

While elderly residents may initially reject the idea of venturing out of their comfort zones to embrace digital technologies, there are few better ways to stimulate the mind, connect with loved ones, find new hobbies, and raise self-esteem.  Any premier care home providers in the UK will tell you that keeping the brain active is essential for preventing the onset of dementia or boosting cognitive functions in patients with neurological disorders and those who experience increased anxiety, disorientation, forgetfulness, and speech inhibitions.  care home investment   Therefore, in addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, living in a hazard-free environment, and following a customized care routine that allows for flexibility for the patient’s varying requirements, it’s vital to engage in games and activities. Online multiplayer games and metal exercise apps are a great place to start, and these could range from beloved classics like virtual Scrabble and Sudoku to user-friendly Facebook games and Mario Cart. 

Join social media networks 

Even if they’re at one of the best dementia care homes in the UK, patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s need enhanced levels of love and support from friends and family, while also still feeling like an integral part of their loved ones’ lives.  Social Media networks are a way to make the silver generation feel relevant and not left behind by a fast-changing world; for instance, platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow grandparents to follow the achievements of their grandchildren, re-connect with kith and kin scattered around the world, and keep abreast of world events and topics of interest. In addition to this, instant messaging and video calling services, such as WhatsApp and Skype enable the elderly to share special moments and meaningful interactions with their favourite people, through sharing daily motivational quotes on family chat groups and confabs with friends residing around the globe. 

Indulging in online shopping 

Retail therapy is always a fun way to unwind, and residents of nursing homes can experience the joy of picking out customized gifts for their precious ones from all over the world! The internet and mobile phone apps also facilitate bill payments and charitable donations, not to mention doorstep deliveries, with just a few clicks, leading to older adults feeling a sense of accomplishment at being able to manage tasks independently without overexertion. 

Learning and teaching courses 

There is no age limit to expanding knowledge, and cyberspace has plenty of options, such as captivating TED talks with diverse topics, as well as interactive online courses where seniors can learn a new language or how to bake a three-tiered cake! The wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise that has been accumulated by senior citizens can also be channelled to benefit the community’s youth in the form of guest lectures and virtual classes for local institutions. 

Research and reaching out

The digital world can also empower older people, who often feel alienated as the people around them move on with their lives while they seem unable to keep up. For instance, virtual community groups and blogging sites enable seniors to connect with people around the world who experience the same medical conditions and challenging transitions into their autumn years and choose to inspire others with positivity and sound advice. 

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