Finding Solitude: 7 Quiet Activities for Seniors to Enjoy Indoors

Everyone needs some peace and quiet at times, and there are tons of ways that solitude can enrich the mind and nourish the soul. For older adults who need an indoor activity, there are simple yet engaging ways to make that quiet time valuable and memorable. From self-care to self-reflection to sharpening cognitive skills, these quiet activities will enhance any afternoon. 

Older Adults Need Activities to Keep Them Healthy 

Why are activities so important for aging adults? It’s not just for fun. Whether it’s a quiet indoor activity or an outdoor excursion, it’s critical for seniors to keep their brains and bodies active. If you know an older adult who isn’t receiving the care they should, a nursing home neglect lawyer can help. 

The following ideas can help, whether an older adult is still in their home, living with family, or in a care center. 

1. Puzzles Are Peaceful and Powerful 

Puzzles are not only an interesting activity, but they also have a powerful and healthy impact on the brain. The cognition required to solve or put together puzzles can be a great way to help aging adults keep their brains sharp, and it’s also fun. It’s an ideal activity when the weather outdoors is too hot or cold, and it can be done for shorter or longer amounts of time depending on the time available and the person’s interests. Along with physical jigsaw puzzles, seniors may want to try virtual online puzzles too. 

2. Brain Games Are Entertaining and Mind-Strengthening 

Another great quiet pastime for older adults is to work on brain games. These are widely available as digital versions that older adults can do on tablets or other devices, as well as physical games like Suduko books or crosswords.

It’s a good idea for seniors to have brain games that fit their skill level but still give them somewhat of a challenge to strengthen cognition and keep their minds sharp. Word games and some other types of brain games can also be done in small groups during a game hour. 

3. Simple Crafts Can Brighten a Senior’s Space

Crafting can be soothing as well as engaging creativity and cognition. Many older adults really enjoy crafting, so it can be a great quiet activity for an individual or for groups in nursing homes. Consider the mobility levels of anyone doing the craft and adjust it as needed.

If certain people struggle with small motor skills, you may want to do some pre-cutting or other prep work as needed to make the crafts enjoyable and not frustrating for those doing them. Seasonal crafts or anything that will brighten a room or living area can be a great choice. Doing things like crafting around the holidays can even help with holiday loneliness. 

4. Journaling or Writing Life Stories 

Journaling can be goo for all ages, and older adults have some special memories to bring as well. Journal prompts that help them remember fond memories, recall their achievements, or detail important people int heir lives can all be great for seniors. Alternatively, doing and outline or starting to dive into the story of their life may be a great endeavor for some aging adults. 

5. Air Dry Clay Projects for Fun and Stress-Relief 

Just like everyone else, seniors can experience anxiety and stress. Concern over their own health, issues with their families, and many other details may weigh on their minds. A great quiet activity that combines fun, brain power, and stress-relief is working with clay.

Using air-dry clay eliminates the need for expensive equipment like pottery wheels, and it can be done in small spaces with minimal mess. Seniors can create whatever they’d like, or provide prompts to create different items. 

6. Mini Indoor Gardens Can Be Soothing and Restoring 

While an outdoor garden may be too much work for some seniors, a mini indoor garden makes a great option. Seniors can enjoy the comfort of the regulated indoor temperature while working with their hands and cultivating some beautiful plants. Ideal options for mini indoor gardens include potted plants, certain flowers, herbs, and succulents. To keep these plants healthy, especially during colder months, consider using a frost blanket for plants.

7. Find Solitude and Joy in Working With Textiles 

Working with textiles is another fantastic source of self-expression that seniors can do indoors. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, quilting, or working with some other source of textiles, this is a practice that combines tactile strength and cognitive skill.

It can provide a sense of enjoyable solitude and reflection while building a sense of accomplishment in creating something beautiful they can use or give as a gift. 

Older Adults Can Express Themselves in Many Ways Through Creative Indoor Activities

It doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or space, to have an incredible indoor activity. From simple journal prompts to artistic endeavors like crafts or textile projects, there’s something for everyone’s interest. The next time a quiet afternoon rolls around, it can be one of the best thanks to some fantastic projects.