3 Stress-Reducing Tips for Seniors Who Love Screen Time
Screen time is often a big part of our daily lives, bringing real-world news and events to our fingertips. While this immediate access can be a benefit, excess media consumption can cause anxiety and stress, especially for our aging loved ones, who may spend too much time watching news or "doom scrolling” on their social media feeds.
Increased screen time can also have physical health impacts, such as sleep disruption, eye strain, and reduced physical activity over time.
Your loved one may not recognize the negative effects of too much screen time. Finding a balance between scrolling on their phones and staying active can be challenging, particularly for seniors with mobility problems.
A professional caregiver from Visiting Angels can help by providing the companionship and connection your loved one needs to spend time in healthier ways.
Healthy Alternatives to Screen Time
Filling time with meaningful activities can help reduce screen time-related concerns. Here are some tips we all could benefit from to reduce stress-inducing screen time.
- Revisit Favorite Hobbies
Your senior may be watching TV or scrolling on social media out of boredom or loneliness. Consider suggesting the following alternative activities that can positively impact their physical and emotional well-being:
- Cooking or baking
- Listening to music or reading
- Painting, writing, or knitting
- Playing board games and puzzles
- Spending time in nature, gardening, or simply sitting outside
- Taking walks or practicing yoga
A Visiting Angels home care companion can participate with your loved one in hobbies and events and help them get to and from activities safely.
- Volunteer at Local Charities
Getting your loved one involved in charitable organizations can give them a sense of purpose and opportunities to meet new people. Research shows that volunteering may lower rates of depression and increase strength and energy.
Seniors can volunteer at blood centers, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, children’s organizations, and anywhere else that assistance is needed. They can share their skills from a past career or hobby, help with administrative tasks, or provide companionship for others.
For example, the Foster Grandparent Program encourages seniors to serve as role models, mentors, and tutors to children and youth in need. Local humane societies or animal shelters are always in need of volunteers to help socialize the animals, assist in the office, or participate in fundraising campaigns.
Visiting Angels home care can offer transportation assistance, allowing your senior to volunteer in the community.
- Consume More Positive Content
If your senior has mobility challenges and relies on screen time to see the world, consider alternative TV or web content that is more positive or comforting, such as:
- Classic movies
- Feel-good comedies
- Nature documentaries with soothing narration
- Reruns of favorite sitcoms
According to Psychology Today, re-watching favorite shows can reduce cognitive load, enabling our brains to process information with less effort. Your senior can become fully immersed in the experience, enjoying a sense of comfort and predictability.
Choose Visiting Angels to Help
Every senior deserves to feel connected, purposeful, and joyful. Let Visiting Angels help your loved one discover the many alternatives to excessive screen time while maintaining their independence and dignity.
When you choose Visiting Angels, you're not just getting care for your loved one – you're gaining peace of mind knowing a trained professional is helping them live a more balanced, engaging life.
Contact us today to learn more about how our dedicated home care services can make a positive difference in your senior’s life.