Senior citizens in retirement homes can keep their minds busy and occupied with various pursuits, particularly online. If they don’t know how to use a computer, they can start off by learning some simple basic things and using the Internet, which will open up a whole new world for them.
As senior citizens, the body may be slowing down, but unless they have any mental health problems, there is no reason for their mind to slow down. They can keep it sharp and enjoy using the Internet which can offer so much for them to enjoy or even work on. Here are some of the things seniors in retirement homes can do online.
1. Safety First
Some seniors may have a little background with computers, but generally, they did not grow up with the age of the computer and the Internet as we know it today. For this reason, they have to be made to understand how to stay safe and protect them from unsafe websites and scammers. Seniors are the perfect target for unscrupulous, heartless scammers, so, before a senior get’s online, they have to completely understand the hidden dangers. As a starting point, they need to understand not to give personal information, use fake usernames only, not to click on any pop-up ads or windows and how to recognize a “secure” symbol on a site. This will go a long way in keeping them safe.
2. Online Games
There are many free online games that seniors can enjoy. Some can keep the mind thinking and staying sharp. Someone who likes playing chess will enjoy spending hours occupied with this wonderful game. Some games can help prevent cognitive decline and provide intellectual stimulation. There are crossword puzzles for those who enjoy this. Sudoku has also become popular. Then there are games such as billiards where they can play it on their own or with someone else in another part of the world. Others worth mentioning include solitaire, golf, checkers and jigsaw puzzles.
3. Socializing On Senior-Specific Sites
If someone has physical ailments and they have trouble getting about, they can make friends on sites specifically meant for seniors. It can get lonely and having socialization with others in similar circumstances can be such a godsend for these seniors. It gives them a bit of contact with the “outside” world. Facebook is also a good resource since there will be particular groups that they can join, or connect with grandchildren and share photos which is bound to bring a smile to their faces.
4. Online Course
A senior citizen who finds retirement a little too boring may want to take a course online. Talk about the perfect form of intellectual stimulation! Perhaps there is something that they’ve always wanted to do but never had the time. Well, the time is now, so they can enrol in anything that they fancy.
5. YouTube
YouTube can be a great source of entertainment for anybody. Seniors can enjoy programmes from yesteryear and enjoy travelling back in time to watch shows that aren’t shown anymore. There are also documentaries or just about anything that they are interested in. They can listen to music, watch comedies, past sporting events and much more.
For senior citizens, the Internet can be a huge blessing as they can do so many things online. It makes no difference whether they have mobility issues or not. They can constantly challenge themselves and enjoy doing so many things to keep them happy and occupied.
