Find ways to reduce your risk of getting sick when you are around others by taking these measures.
For more information on the virus, whether or not you should get tested, and other information, visit the CDC website.
For information and resources specific to our state, visit the State of Michigan website.
Communicate your needs! Talk to your family and friends about what is going on and what you need.
Try and set up a regular phone call with a close family member or friend just to chat. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Try to stick to a routine as much as possible-- get up and go to bed at the same time, eat meals at about the same time.
Take care of you! Take a bath, paint your nails, do some gentle stretches that feel good.
Get organized. Since you are inside, it might be a good time to clean out that junk drawer, reorganize your shelves, or clean out your purse. Go through your old clothes and choose some to donate.
Get back into an old hobby or try something new. Knitting, sewing, painting and writing are all great ways to spend time indoors and stimulate your mind.
Think positive! Go through some old pictures that remind you of good memories. Write a letter to a friend.
Write down memories from your childhood or other times in your life that you can share with your grandchildren. They will treasure it!
Get cooking. Try making a new recipe or exchange a recipe with a friend.
Work your brain. Read that book on your shelf that you’ve never gotten around to. Do a crossword puzzle or play Solitaire.
Laughter is the best medicine! If the news gets to be too stressful, take a break and watch a comedy movie or TV show.
Sign up to do phone call wellness checks for other older adults in Michigan. To do this, call the Detroit Area Agency on Aging at 313-446-4444 and mention you want to volunteer to do senior wellness checks. You can also register online here.
Call an old friend who you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
Organize a virtual book club with a friend or two. Read the same book and find a time each week to talk about the book over the phone.
Or...have a “film club” meeting. Call a couple friends and have them watch the same movie or TV show, and then you can talk about it afterwards.
Attend a free virtual art class with your grandkids via Make on Facebook.
Go out for a walk (assuming you are able to social distance at least 6 feet from others, of course!)
Use your Workout2Go Booklet from the Positive STEPS program. The exercises in the booklet are designed to be done in your own home with items you already have on hand.
The YMCA has free online workouts. Check out this free online workout for older adults.
Stream University of Michigan’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) seminars for free on your phone or computer. You can find their webinar schedule here.
Take a virtual tour of the beautiful Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
Listen to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.