IN a recent column, I wrote about how, as people grow older and potentially lose some of their physical mobility, the days can seem very long, particularly if they live alone and rely on visitors and carers for face-to-face contact.

This is where relatives, friends and homecare workers can play an important part to keep them stimulated, both physically and mentally. This, in turn, can pay dividends in terms of boosting their sense of general well-being.

At Westmorland Homecare, as part of our ethos of care, we organise social activities to give older people fresh and new experiences. For example, prior to lockdown, we arranged for the Owl Sanctuary at Barrow, which has a range of hand-reared and rescued owls, to visit a social event at Kendal.

Such events can’t take place at the moment, of course, but once they eventually restart after the end of lockdown restrictions, we also aim to offer ‘meet the bees’ sessions to elderly clients, in conjunction with Kendal-based The Bee Team.

There are many ways to help elderly people feel stimulated. Simply reading to them – from newspapers or books – can help. If they enjoy word and mathematical games, encourage them to do crosswords, word searches or Sudoku. If their eyesight has deteriorated, get hold of some large print versions.

Card games, such as whist and solitaire, can help improve cognitive function among seniors, as can games like chess.

And doing jigsaws can help with maintaining dexterity.

Remember, of course, with all this to abide by the social distancing restrictions currently in force.