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Do all old people sleep so much?! suggestions how to entertain them please?!

Friday, August 17, 2012

My parents safely arrived yesterday afternoon which is great.
They are both in their 80's and very active, fit persons with no current health concerns. When I go stay with them, they are go, go, go, but when they come here they sleep, sleep, sleep.
Each time I have come into the living room today, they are asleep on the couch! I am hoping it is just the long drive here (1200 miles driven in 2 days) but worry about them perhaps being just bored.
Any suggestions on how to entertain older persons on a limited budget would be appreciated?
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CINDYWAGNER1 8/17/2012 10:37PM

    I am with you. Traveling can take A LOT out of you. Wait and see what tomorrow will bring. Yes, boredom can be it too. What do they do when you go to them? Can you do the same where you are?

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CCHEF1 8/17/2012 9:19PM

    I am not in your parents' age group and I am also a fit and active person lol but I have always needed more naps than other people, it seems, and that is increasing a little as I age. They probably were just pooped from the drive. Maybe you could just ask them what they want to do. I kind of think as Towhee does that possibly they'd rather just hang out with you for the most part, maybe just relax? Have a good time with your parents. Love your blog background picture.

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ERINMARIE424 8/17/2012 9:02PM

    My parents are just a few years younger than yours and they always need a rest after their drive here too. They usually bounce back after a day or so. I don't know what your parents like to do but I have a list for when mine come of things to choose from - art museums, historical museums, walk in a scenic area, etc. If your city has a tourism website or webpage you might get some ideas there. (I picked up a bunch of brochures at the interstate rest area nearest my home too!)

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JENAE954 8/17/2012 8:17PM

  I am not as old as your parents (just 71) and such long drive in two days would knock the starch right out of me. Let them recover for a while and then give them a good home made energy drink. Hope it helps.

If not, how about asking them how they are feeling and what they would like to do during the day.

P.S. You sound like a wonderful daughter Hmm, wonder if you learned that from your parents.

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TOWHEE 8/17/2012 7:18PM

    I would give them a couple of days to recuperate from their long drive; 1200 miles in 2 days is a very strenuous trip for anyone of any age.

What do they do when they are home? Can you do the same or similar things in your area? Are there museums that you can go to? Many have a discounted senior rate. What about a drive in area or to some tourist locations. I know you asked for low budget ideas, but some tourist places are reasonable in price and have senior rates that can be 25% to 50% of the normal rates. Are there elderly neighbors near you? Maybe you can invite them in for a card game or an afternoon party. Is there a Senior Center in your community? If so, they may have some drop-in activities that your parents would enjoy.

Since they are your parents, they came to visit with YOU. Make sure you have plenty of time for them. Sit and talk, ask advice, follow their lead. When my parents were alive they would take me shopping to get new towels or a do-dad for the house. Mom and I would do some canning or baking. Dad and my DH would take care of fix-it projects that never seem to get done.


Good luck.

Margaret


Comment edited on: 8/17/2012 7:19:10 PM

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