Boredom in older people can have a significant impact on quality of life. Boredom is often brushed off as an insignificant side effect of ageing, but mental health issues such as depression can stem from extended periods of solitude and a lack of stimulation.
An irritable, impatient nature can often be a sign of boredom. If you or someone in your life seem to have an altered temperament, it may be because they are spending large amounts of time with no entertainment or company.
There are many ways of combating boredom in later life. Some activities are ideal for doing at home, and days out can add some extra variety to life. As the top telecare provider to the elderly, we take the well-being of our customers very seriously. Here are some of our top tips for dealing with boredom in older people.
Gardening
If you’re able, spend some time outside in the garden. Seeing your plants and flowers blossom will give you a huge sense of achievement as well as making your surroundings look beautiful. Gardening can be adapted to suit your needs and there are many tools, such as gardening stools, that can aid you.
If you don’t have a garden of your own, allotment gardening is a great option. This is also a way of getting involved with your community and meeting likeminded individuals.
If you’re not able to get your hands dirty, even sitting outside for a short period will give you a boost. Perhaps you can watch someone else garden or read a book. Consider looking out for birds and maybe set out some seeds to attract them. The fresh air and vitamin D will be invaluable to your body and mental health.
Puzzles & Colouring Books
Speaking of books, puzzles and colouring books are making a comeback right now and could be the perfect way to prevent boredom in older people. There are so many different types of puzzles to choose from now, including Sudoku, crosswords, word searches, anagrams, and Kakuro.
Before you know it, you will have spent hours trying to fill in the gaps and complete the challenge in front of you. Completing some of these puzzles will bring a sense of achievement to your day. Not only that, but some of these puzzles will also give your brain a workout – which is very useful in the fight against dementia.
If you’re more of a creative person and want to relax, then a colouring book is the way to go. There are plenty to choose from, and they have also become very popular among the younger generation – why not do some colouring with your loved ones?
Keep Learning
There are many ways to keep your brain active by learning. One way is to take a class. Local colleges and community centres offer adult courses on everything from floristry to computer science. Or, if you are good at something, you could even offer your services and teach. The Open University also welcomes older students if you’re interested in more formal learning.
If you find it difficult to leave the house, you can learn online for free at websites such as FutureLearn.
Get Out For the Day
It’s always a good idea to get out for the day, especially as the weather gets warmer. If you or an older person in your life struggles with mobility, even a simple journey in the car can be a stimulating day out. Going for a drive round town is a good idea for older people who don’t leave their homes much as they rarely get to see the new things that are going on. You could also stop for lunch or take a picnic for the car.
Visiting a farm or a zoo during the warmer months is always an uplifting experience, too. Seeing animals from other parts of the world can really boost your mood. Public attractions will usually have mobility scooters or wheelchairs if you don’t feel able to walk around all day.
Silver Surfers & Gamers
The older generation are starting to find their feet on the internet and on gaming devices such as tablets and consoles. The internet is a great way for the elderly to discover new things and to also keep in touch with their loved ones through social media.
Gaming, meanwhile, can help stimulate the brain, whilst also providing you with hours of entertainment. You can even combine the internet and gaming by playing online scrabble.
There’s nothing to stop you picking up other video games, though. Whether it’s racing the grandkids on Mario Kart or becoming a world-famous streamer like Shirley Curry – affectionately known as the “Skyrim Grandma” – there are countless games that are sure to entertain.
If you would like more information about our Telecare service, please call our friendly customer team on 0800 635 7000 or send your questions to support@telecarechoice.co.uk. Alternatively you can complete our contact us form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 16th April 2024 to reflect current information.
