Home alone on dark nights - how to keep occupied

Primrose

Can anybody suggest some interesting ways for an older friend of mine, living alone, to pass her time during the winter evenings? She doesn't like going out in the dark and isn't very computer literate, so getting involved in internet forums like these would probably be beyond her. (I've usually got my nose buried in a book so am struggling to suggest some appealing options which would help her pass the time indoors).

JenniO

Jigsaw puzzles? Highly addictive

Apollonia

Does she have any hobbies or interests?

A day-time art or craft classes would give her something to carry on with in the evenings. I like doing crafts while listening to an audio book or BBC Radio 7* for dramas and comedy.




*digital station available through freeview tv

JulieGeorgiana

Cross Stitching, Knitting (Useful for warm clothing to avoid those Gas Price Hikes), Card making, Gift Making!

Oh and Reading!!!

parsonswife8

Puzzles, crosswords, knitting, sewing, painting, embroidery, reading, writing a book, entering competitions in magazines, baking, crocheting blankets, glass painting.:)

dandy-candy

I stick on dvd's and do my knitting while watching them (and a big bar of chocolate close by helps too!)

Olliebeak

How about writing down her memories - if she has family, I'm sure they'd be interested in reading them - one day.

I've been researching my family tree, and really wish that some of my relatives had 'made notes' or written down their memories of times gone by, their lives and how they lived.

Older people are 'living history books' - we should get their memories down on paper while we can. If she doesn't like writing, maybe she could record some memories.

It helps if we label all our old photographs - and I don't must mean writing 'mum' on the back - names/dates/places are always good ideas.

My kids 'took the mick' out of me a bit at first, but my daughter has now become very interested in one relative and often asks me 'how's great-great-aunt Julia' coming along these days :j.

pigeonpie

An 88 year old great friend of mine is alone a lot and does a lot of Quick X words. She cheats a bit with a thesaurus but it keeps her brain really ticking over - she beats us all to the clues every time.
Radio is also a good friend.

Paulie'sGirl

Sudoku - addictive once you get into it. Its been proven that these sort of mental exercises help stave off memory loss in older people too.

All of the craft suggestions are great. I'd add tapestry, I find it easier as the holes are bigger as is the needle and the wool. A serious consideration if her eyesight isn't what it used to be, and the nights are dark.

How lovely of you to think of your friend in this way. *hugs*

PGxx

Patchwork_Quilt

Would a pen pal be a good idea?

katholicos

Crafts such as cardmaking can be enjoyable and there doesn't have to be an expensive outlay initially, there are card making kits for only a piund or two with all the bits included, they come in different themes; Christmas, Celebration etc. People often donate their handmade cards. I am soon going to be making some to donate to charity so they can be sold to raise funds. Cancer Research have transparent plastic envelopes available to take free and then you pop a handmade card in them and take to their charity shop and then they sell it.

Another thing i enjoy is crochet. I've only this year taught myself and believe me when i say that if i can teach myself then anyone can. A crochet hook and a bit of wool can soon turn into an enjoyable hobby.

Wordsearch puzzles, crosswords and the like can really help to stimulate the brain...they aren't really my thing but i know a lot of elderly people who do enjoy them.

Depending how mobile your friend is, and what her financial situation is, the Wii fit can be quite enjoyable and it's good for both mind and body being as active as ones level of health will allow. Also it can be played alone and it isn't overly complicated to operate.

Needlecrafts, painting, drawing, jigsaws, knitting, quilting etc.

Perhaps connecting with other people via the internet would be a possibility. My mother refused to use mine or my Dad's computers for years ...she was too scared to even press the large 'on' button in case she did something wrong!

Now she is a super silver surfer. She follows my blog and many of my friends blogs, she reads the news online, emails friends and family....and she does this all on her own laptop. This is only in the past couple of years that she has got on board with computers and the internet...so maybe there is hope for your friend in establishing internet friendships online on frums such as this? Is your friend perhaps able to take a short course in learning how to use a computer and the internet...or could yourself or someone else have the time and patience to teach her?

Connecting to people via the internet can be a real life line to many people, especially those of us who are isolated/alone/lonely/bored/frustrated/desiring communication and friendship with other likeminded people.