Luanne Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 She is 73 years old and still gets around pretty good, but she can't work due to back issues and some other health issues. She needs something to occupy her time with because she is going stir crazy. We have suggested scrap-booking to her already and it wasn't met with great enthusiasm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knit247 Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 How about knitting or crochet? I taught myself both using Knitting Help and YouTube videos. It's portable - I take my knitting everywhere. I'll even knit while standing in line, waiting on an app't., etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 She is 73 years old and still gets around pretty good, but she can't work due to back issues and some other health issues. She needs something to occupy her time with because she is going stir crazy. We have suggested scrap-booking to her already and it wasn't met with great enthusiasm. surfing the WTM boards??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 How about knitting looms? The round Knifty Knitter looms can easily make scarves and hats. I remember hearing about a retired gentleman who made hundreds of preemie hats for his local hospital. The looms don't require quite as much fine motor dexterity as crocheting and knitting. My mom was able to use them before her Parkinson's got worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 If she needs someone to knit for she could donate them to deployed soldiers. My dh has socks, a hat and gloves from a donating knitter. :) http://socksforsoldiersinc.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 She is 73 years old and still gets around pretty good, but she can't work due to back issues and some other health issues. She needs something to occupy her time with because she is going stir crazy. We have suggested scrap-booking to her already and it wasn't met with great enthusiasm. Health clubs, community centers and YMCAs have fitness programs designed just for seniors with physical problems. There's one called "silver sneakers". I've noticed these programs develop quite a following and are a great social outlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 (edited) If she doesn't knit, does she sew? Maybe she can make baby quilts to donate? Do you have a Senior Center in your area? There is a food bank and second hand store at our Sr Center. They are all volunteer, and it seems very social. I've dropped food & other items off, and there are always a few older folks chatting together. While she might not be able to lift a lot, maybe she could do something else? Take calls? I've dropped food & other items off; there are always a few older folks chatting together. It seems quite social, but also useful. Would she like Yoga for the elderly or disabled? It's very gentle, and good for the joints. You might find this at a Sr Center, or maybe a Y or yoga center? Can she walk ok? Maybe join a Sr Citizen walking group? What about a book or film group? Our library has a program for older adults. Does she like to play cards? Can you find her Gin or Bridge partners? Edited April 18, 2011 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarreymere Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Computer role playing games! Dh and I are going to choose our nursing home based on the availabilty of wireless internet to play World of Warcraft. If anything, it IS addictive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 What about a Wii and balance board? She can do all kinds of great fitness and balance exercise (balance is key for seniors), and some fun mental fitness games as well. Old school puzzles, logic games, and word searches. I second the idea of Silver Sneakers or similar programs; exercise and social outlet all in one. Is there a senior center nearby? Ours do all kinds of activities like outings and card games, teach all kinds of stuff like tai chi, painting, conversational foreign language, etc. They do some very cool day trips and vacations as well. Honestly, my mom, 72, is dreadfully addicted to MSN games on the computer. She just upgraded to a laptop and high speed internet, and she can compete with my tweens for time spent online :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Has she worked out the family tree? Is there a local historical society where she could research things? (I am researching the s/w side of Elgin IL, just 'cause that is where I live and researching our 100+ year-old house turned into doing the entire street then the neighborhood etc. etc. :-) ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I vote for volunteering - can she be a "grandma" at a local hospital? They need them to rock the babies in the NICU when the parents can't always be there.... I plan to do this when I get to that age.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunD Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 My mom takes pottery classes. She really enjoys them and says there's a great age range, so it's not just "little old ladies". That was a big issue for her. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Does she like to talk on the phone? Many organizations are in need of volunteers to make phone calls. Not the kind asking for money (though there are those too), but calls to schedule volunteers or coordinate services. I volunteer in a food pantry and we deliver food to shut-ins. We are ALWAYS in need of callers who coordinate with the clients for deliveries. Another program, Salvation Army's Meal on Wheels, usually needs phone volunteers as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Has she worked out the family tree? Is there a local historical society where she could research things? (I am researching the s/w side of Elgin IL, just 'cause that is where I live and researching our 100+ year-old house turned into doing the entire street then the neighborhood etc. etc. :-) ) :iagree: Genealogy is addicting, and a very popular hobby among older people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLG Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Many schools have a 'grandma' in the classroom to assist with the Kinders and read to them. That could be an outlet. Also volunteering at the library maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knit247 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Has she worked out the family tree? Is there a local historical society where she could research things? Oooh! Love this idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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