5 New Activities to Try During National Anti-Boredom Month

Each July, National Anti-Boredom Month kicks off as a way to help ease the boredom people experience when the weather gets too hot to spend too much time outside. Family gatherings on the Fourth of July kick off the month, but families do their own summer activities after that.

For older adults, the hot weather and excessive sun can cause them to stay inside more and become bored. Keep your mom active this year by trying these five activities together. When you can’t be there, companion care at home is the best way to keep your senior engaged and active.

Build a Terrarium

A glass container, some uncolored gravel, peat moss, activated charcoal, sandy potting soil, and low-maintenance plants are all it takes to build a terrarium. Start by putting down a layer of gravel for drainage.

Cover that with a thick layer of moss, activated charcoal, and then potting soil. The moss helps hold moisture. You could also use perlite pellets for moisture retention if you wanted to.

Use a spray bottle to dampen that potting soil. Once the soil is damp, add plants to the soil making sure their root system is covered. Some of the best plants for a terrarium are Polka-dot Plants, African violets, Baby Tears, and small cacti.

Cupcake Decorating

Make a batch of cupcakes and some frosting, and go online to find decorating ideas. Books like Hello, Cupcake give step-by-step instructions for cupcake designs that are whimsical and suitable for beginners. With a little practice, you and your mom could design cupcakes worth selling at a local farmer’s market.

Jam Making

Homemade jam allows you to make your favorite jams while controlling the ingredients. It’s easier to do than you might imagine. You need some jam jars, fruit, pectin, and lemon juice. Some recipes call for sugar, but you can make preserves that avoid added sugar and have healthier options.

Learn a New Language

Apps like DuoLingo make it easy to learn a new language. Work at your pace on exercises through activities that have you repeating what is said, writing out what is said, identifying items in pictures, or translating what’s on the screen.

Origami

The Japanese art of paper folding is a relaxing hobby where a square of paper is folded into a bird, animal, flower, or other design. There are plenty of books and online tutorials you can follow.

Hire Companion Care Aides

When you’re busy at work, traveling, or taking care of your kids, your mom doesn’t have to be alone. Hire caregivers to spend time with her each day, a few days a week, or once a week. Companion care at home ensures your mom has the company she craves, as well as gaining help around the home.

With companion care at home, your mom has someone to help with household chores like laundry, meal preparation, and cleaning. She has a friend to talk to or to drive her to stores and appointments. Call a home care agency to get started.

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Manteca, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.