A Virtual Gift For You At Home

During uncertain and stressful times, like now, it is important to take care of yourself. We don’t want to sound like a broken record, but we care about our community and we care about seniors. While we’re all practicing social distancing, we put together this virtual care package to show support while you’re at home. These are resources we recommend based on community interests. Pick a category and explore!

Mental Health

Mental health is part of the whole-person approach to wellness. Here are self-care resources:

Harvard Business Review helps shift negative thinking.
Sharp reminds us to practice good mental hygiene.
Write and reflect daily on three good things.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains stress and coping.

Staying Connected

Let's help people of all generations connect while practicing social distancing. Here's some resources and thoughts:

Go virtual with Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime.
Help seniors feel involved, purposeful, and less lonely while at home by showing them video calling, using a smartphone, or adding captions to devices.
Boost neighborhood spirits with music or dancing, like San Diego DJ, I Am Noel. Watch how he did it:

Learning New Technology

Need tech help? We all need this support from time to time. Here are some helpful options:

One-on-one coaching sessions with Teeniors. Hire tech-savvy teens by calling (505) 600-1297 or emailing teeniors@gmail.com.
Embrace changing technology! Learn how seniors are keeping up with tech trends in this article from AARP.
How To Tutorials:

Social Movements

Take a break on social media with uplifting and inspirational movements. Here are our recommendations:

Alternative Aging on social media with Suzi Grant.
Tell your story and listen to others tell theirs on Story Corps. It also offers a step-by-step guide to get started and a help center for troubleshooting.
Show love to yourself and others with tools from Blessings Manifesting. You can also follow the Instagram profile.
“Farther Apart, Closer Together” videos with Rombauer Vineyards.

Entertainment

Tired of your dusty book shelf? No baseball to watch? Check these out:

Download and read books with Libby.
Sing along with your favorite artists with Rolling Stone In My Room Concerts. So far Steve Earle, Elton John, and more have made appearances.
Witness Andrea Bocelli: Music for Hope - Live from Duomo di Milano, spreading a message of love, healing, and hope to Italy and the world. The performance took place Sunday, April 12. View it here:

Virtual Tours

Explore the world from your couch!

Travel + Leisure recommends 12 online exhibits in this article.
Google Earth allows you to “walk” through national parks.
Go on a safari with San Diego Zoo live cams.

Exercise

Exercise is not only practiced at the gym or hiking at Torrey Pines. While at home, try these exercises and resources:

Exercise videos for people over 60.
Bustle introduces us to 24 at-home workout app trials.
Volunteer & Certified Yoga Therapist Zabeth offers a chair yoga class from our Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center.

Helping Others

Connecting with others is a heartfelt way to help them and you feel better. Here's how:

Visit a neighbor from a distance by waving from a balcony or dropping off lunch on their doorstep.
Invite your neighborhood to grow closer together and help each other out. Download this invitation from VICE and set up a closer community:

A Neighborly Invitation Regarding Coronavirus

Make and send greeting cards to seniors.

Podcasts

There's a podcast for everyone. These recommendations will help with feelings of loneliness, fear, and support mental health.

Counteract loneliness with Goodnight Robin.
Practice meditation with Headspace.
Overcome fear surrounding the current pandemic with The Happiness Lab series Coronavirus Bonus.