BOREDOM BUSTERS – Part 1

Below are a dozen ideas … in no particular order. Simply choose the one(s) you find most appealing and bust that boredom.

Listen to Music

Whether on CD, an mp3 player, an iPod, or the radio, you can listen to your favourite music. Not only can music lift your spirits, but studies show that music often awakens memories long buried. This is especially helpful if you’re concerned about increasing forgetfulness.

Listen to Radio Programs

With the right device, you can listen to your local station, satellite radio, or online stations. The possibilities—from music to news broadcasts to talk shows—are virtually endless. A great boredom buster!

Lend a Hand

Although you may not be able to do what you once did, offering a kind work or a helping hand can go a long way to making you feel better—as well as brightening someone else’s day.

Redecorate Your Room

It doesn’t take much effort to completely change the feel of a room. You can switch up the pictures, buy and new throw cushion, add a small shelving unit and regularly change what you display. And if you enjoy decorating for the holidays or different seasons, think of adding a few key pieces. These touches can add that special something to even the smallest living spaces.

Surf the Internet

Of course there are some precautions you should take before exploring the Internet, but it is a wonderful place to learn new things, keep in touch with family and friends, and explore and develop new interests. It computers and the Internet intimidate you, ask someone who is comfortable online to give you some pointers.

Go on a Virtual Vacation

An actual vacation is far more fun, but there are options when that is not a possibility. Check out Google Earth online and choose a place you’d like to visit. Many locations have street view options and you can tour countless exotic spots without leaving your residence.

Participate in Online Social Networking

What’s all this talk about Facebook and Twitter? If you have access to the Internet, you may want to open an account to stay in touch with family and friends. If you don’t know how to go about it, just ask one of your grandchildren—or someone else’s. They would likely get a kick out of guiding you through the process. Emailing and learning to use Skype are two additional options you might like.

Plan an Event

Before moving into the residence, you may have loved to plan events and throw parties. Of course it isn’t exactly the same now—far from it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t let your imagination run wild and put together an event for you and the other residents.

Start a Club

Do you enjoy scrapbooking or stamp collecting, knitting or reading? Why not gather a few likeminded people together for meetings once every week or two? It will give you—and them—something to look forward to.

Attend a Social Event

Many seniors’ residences plan regular social events. This may not be your “thing,” but why not attend. Who knows? You might have a really great time and make a new friend or two.

Throw a Party

Why not reserve one of the community rooms, decorate it with matching paper tablecloths, napkins, plates, and cups? Invite some of the other residents for a theme party or a “just because” get-together. Serve punch and cookies, play some music, and have fun.

Help a Charity

With the holiday season fast approaching, there are many charities asking for contributions. One way you can help out is to choose a reputable charity and ask for contributions from staff members and fellow residents … if this is allowed. For example, Samaritan’s Purse sends shoeboxes filled with daily necessities, toys, etc. to underprivileged children. Relief organizations like International Needs and World Vision have catalogues of items you can buy for various impoverished communities around the globe.