It’s important for seniors to connect during these difficult times. Because we have a large list of senior readers, we are contemplating turning a portion of SeniorsSkiing.com into a forum for our readers. We’re going to ask some questions that you can respond to in the Reply Box below each question. Hopefully, others will respond and we can create a dialogue. This is an experiment in connecting readers to each other.
What advice would you give your fellow senior winter outdoor enthusiasts in dealing with an indefinite period of isolation?
Please respond in the Reply Box below.
Learn something new. Walk in someone else shoes. Read about something that will make you think and see the world thru someone else eyes.
Great advice. Find a good adventure novel and lose yourself in it.
Get out of the house. Take a walk, work in the garden. Catch up on reading. Plan for next winter. Stay in shape.
Found a good read & got my gravel bike back from the LBS. Bring on spring !
I make a written to do list each morning that including doing some type of outside activity. I make sure before the day is done I have cross off most of my line items
Connect with people via Zoom or other video chat. We did a virtual happy hour this week and it was fun and we plan to continue once or twice a week until this passes. Also, rejoice in the fact that Epic Pass is finally giving a major senior discount for those of us 65 and over who ski in the Northeast. The industry is recognizing the importance of keeping us engaged to keep the torch alive to pass on to the next generations.
Boredom arrives quickly in self isolation. It means staying home – not biking, not going for walks, not having friends over for coffee, not sending your kids out to play, not having your grandkids over etc. Make sure you are stocked up on non perishable food, soap and other essentials – at our house that is wine – laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes and be prepared to do lots of sanitizing.
Notice I didn’t list toilet paper – its a single use product so you don’t need more than a normal 2 week supply.
Eleven days to go.
Keep moving. Outdoor activity is still okay. Walk, run, bike, maybe just not in big groups. Stay strong and healthy.
Figure out an exercise program you can accomplish in your home/yard. Get into a heat environment (sauna), gargle with saline or combination of 1:1 hydrogen peroxide and saline or tap water.
We seem to still be a little numb. Reading news on internet is not real exciting as it’s mostly all the same. E-mail is a great way to keep up with old friends. I like the comment about “learn something new.” I’m working on some new guitar music, and it’s nice to have the time to read and reply to this publication.
Get outside as much as you can, even if you must be alone: walk, hike, snowshoe, bike. You don’t have to go far. Sunshine and trees are so good. When stuck inside, even simple exercises while watching videos about all sorts of things are good. So is getting caught up on reading (outside, or in front of a window!) is so therapeutic, as is finishing those little projects that have been hanging around…
I agree. I feel a lot happier if I get outside and take a walk. I have also been working through a list of little things to get done around the house, reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and watching a few movies. Just watched Downhill Racer for some vicarious skiing.
What Eric Lunan said.
Read, call, Skype, FaceTime, zoom, whatever your friends and family. Do some home projects. Look locally for ways to help others without coming in direct contact e.g.get some meals delivered to help your local restaurant.
Ditto to all the folks who noted “reading.” I just went through the New York Times Review of Books in search of authors I have neglected over the years. And, “yes” I found quite a few. Their books are available on Amazon. One book I recommend to anyone interested is Richard Singer’s Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don”t Have To. Provocative.
Double ditto to the folks who recommended “get outside.” Anything and everything outside.. Right now I am shoveling, straightening, and dog walking but once the yard is orderly will move on.
GET OUTDOORS!!!!
All of the above, and find a way to help others.
We are some of the most fortunate people in the world share the blessings a bit more. There are those all around us, and there are a about to be a lot more, living on the edge of making it by. Give what you can for others; give money, food, even just a smile. We have all been in tough places and somebody helped, pass it forward. It is our time, that is how a younger generation will learn to do the same.
What a beautiful approach!
I have started making contributions to my local food bank and other organizations that are working to help others suffering from the emergency conditions. I figure I can afford the same amount as I would have spent skiing, traveling and shopping!
First, turn off the TV, especially the cable guys/gals. They mostly scare people, IMO. Go for walks. Remember all those books you thought you’d read some day? It’s here.
Like they say in Baseball. Wait till next year.
Call friends more often to check in. Particularly friends who are alone. Be especially appreciative and supportive of your significant other as cabin fever sets in. Pet and walk your dog more often.
Hunker down and enjoy it.
Exercise, work on delayed home projeccts, read, pray. This too shall end.
Respect the quarantine provisions, stay healthy, keep fit and dream of more skiing next year.
Get outside and do things that keep your brain occupied. In the nicer places, sit outside and read a book or garden. And, learn to cook. think how much money you can save on food.
But stay away from other people, even your grandkids!
Get outside for a walk, run, or bike ride. The vitamin D from the sun will be good for you. Im a personal trainer and my gym is closed. I’m encouraging my clients to get outside as much as possible.
Respect the quarantine, help others & enjoy the peace.
Dont do nothing.
Call your friends and check in, Exercise , Read some good books.
Get outside and relish the fresh air (and maybe the sunshine, too). Make a list of the pros and cons of your situation and look for the positives. Read a book, a magazine or start a subscription to Netflix (easily started and just as easily ended). Reflect on the good things you have compared to many others. Reduce stress and maybe call up and old friend. This is also a great excuse to binge eat the stuff you’ve been avoiding for the last few years!
Get outside, catch up on projects at home, enjoy the “down time” by doing puzzles, reading, catching up with friends by phone and e-mail.
Find someone who will share your isolation but so not succumb to isolation. Walk, hike, , bike etc. and out side as much as possible. Seek out new, interesting people Find new, different venues.Find good books but do not become a couch potato!
Stick with your core group of like minded friends. Enjoy outdoor sports where transmission of Covid is less likely. Be careful that you aren’t the guy that brings infection into the group, don’t kiss any strangers!