It is heartbreaking to think that social isolation is not new for some older adults. A report by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 13.8 million of community dwelling older adults in live alone. Research has even linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions including obesity, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
The Stay Sharp committee typically hosts events to promote socialization and engagement with older adults through board games. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak our ability to organize groups has been curtailed. Stay Sharp has developed a list of one-player and small group games that can be easily sanitized to ensure that we can still engage our mind, body, and spirit during this tough time. Please remember that if you are playing a game in a small group to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds before and after playing.
Check out these games!
References
- National Institute on Aging (2019) Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks