Staying active during a difficult time

The COVID-19 pandemic is turning our lives upside down. This is especially the case since public-health authorities are promoting social distancing to stop or slow the spread of the disease. Many are thus worried about staying holed up in their homes, being physically inactive and socially isolated. We’ve compiled a few ideas to help you stay active and engage during this difficult period.


Walk outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer
Walking can lower the risk of heart disease, benefit those with chronic conditions, improve physical ability/function, and reduce pain. But make sure to keep a safe distance from others you may encounter during your walk as part of precautionary measures against the pandemic.


Try a new recipe and share them via social media with your friends and family
Showcase your culinary skills and knowledge via social media with friends and family. Food not only nourishes the body, but the soul too! 


It's time to prepare the garden
Although some regions may still have snow, gardeners around the country are starting to get busy. Gardening is sometimes considered as a simple hobby but think again! It is an amazing activity that can have positive effects on health and well-being.


Do something creative 
Spring is the perfect time to wake the artist inside you. Dust off the camera, piano or pick up your paint brush.


Use this time as an opportunity to learn something new
Engaging with others in online courses appears to foster a sense of belonging to a group (albeit virtual), improve self-esteem, and help address isolation among older adults.

 

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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.