As COVID-19 has taken over all of our lives, to maintain social distancing we are more secluded than ever in our homes with reduced human contact. Therefore, combating social isolation has been climbing up our list of priorities. We offer you the following ideas/suggestions to help during this time. We are also in the process of making our classroom style programs available online.
Combating Social Isolation Press Release 4/22/20
Nutrition Education - Videos from our Registered Dietitians on nutrition and healthy eating.
Wellness - Looking to stay active? Visit our Wellness page to view fitness videos.
University Express - View some of the University Express online!
Aging Mastery - Would you like to start focusing on some positive behaviors that will allow you to address the new realities of aging? Click the link to learn about the Aging Mastery take-home starter kit!
Falls Prevention - Learn some tips to stay safe in your home by strengthening muscles and making your home more accessible.
More things you can do at home to stimulate your mind and combat boredom:
Aquarium of Niagara - The Aquarium is taking you behind-the-scenes to show what goes into taking care of over 120 different aquatic species.
Buffalo and Erie County Library - The library has downloadable content (ebooks, audiobooks, videos)! Info on how to download here. Update: Some locations may be open or offer other options to pick up materials.
WNED Local Productions - WNED uploaded all of their local original specials online!
Caring Cards for Seniors with Oasis Senior Advisors - Interested in making cards for seniors stuck at home in Erie County? Call Matt 717-3664 or email mgardiner@youroasisadvisor.com to volunteer.
Music Online by Tom Bender - Local musician, Tom Bender, will be posting performances on his Facebook page for seniors stuck at home. He will be playing music aimed at seniors and older adults!
National Comedy Center Anywhere - Featuring exclusive comedy content direct from the exhibits of the National Comedy Center, the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to the art of comedy, located in Jamestown, New York.
Cornell Cooperative Extension: Master Gardener Online Garden Fence Chats - Join the CCE Erie Master Gardener hotline volunteers as they host virtual hotline hours or ‘Garden Fence Chats’ Monday –Friday via Zoom from 10:00 am to noon.
Slow Roll Buffalo (Virtual)- Starting at 6:30pm on their website or the YouTube and Facebook pages, they'll present a live virtual 10-mile ride guided by hosts and a series of guests, who will share news and stories of how Buffalonians are responding to the crisis as well as announce plans for future Mondays in May.
Grosvenor Room Genealogy & Local History - For videos and information about genealogy research and local history research, click here to be taken to the Grosvenor Room blog
Old Fort Niagara Educational Events Online - Old Fort Niagara will continue to offer live, interactive, distance-learning programs during the month of June. Six unique sessions will share important information about Fort Niagara’s military history, from the early 1700s to World War One, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
YMCA Buffalo Niagara - Their website gives you access to a variety of activities; exercise classes, crafts, nutrition information, recipes and more!
Coursera - Online courses from worldclass companies and universities - free to join.
Virtual tour of US National parks from Google Earth - Take a tour of one of America's National Parks right from your home!
Duolingo - Learn a new language free of charge!
Ted Talks - These seminar type videos come in a range of topics.
List of Museums, Parks, Zoos around the world offering virtual tours - Take a tour of the world's most popular attractions right from your home!
Good Housekeeping Craft Projects - Good Housekeeping will walk you through fun craft projects using items you can find in your house! Their videos will be posted to their Facebook page.
Information on how to make a no-sew face mask
Crafts for Seniors - Looking for an inventive and enjoyable way to spend your free time? Check out this extensive list of crafts for seniors.
The Metropolitan Opera - Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met website, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m.
Senior Tech Club - This site helps older adults navigate computers, smart phones, and social media. It's a great time to learn!
Jazz at the Lincoln Center - Portal to the Lincoln Center's concerts, discussions, and programming!
National Geographic Explorer Classroom - Explorer Classroom’s live video events connect you with National Geographic Explorers across all seven continents to bring exploration to life.
PD Health @ Home - The Parkinson's Foundation is dedicated to bringing you virtual educational and wellness programs through PD Health @ Home.
History Channel - This Day in History - A look at major events that happened on certain dates. Check out what happened in history today!
Tai Chi for Seniors - Improve your physical and mental health with this gentle form of exercise.
Satsang House - Free Live Meditation Classes - Online meditation and mindfulness resources.
How to Order Food Delivery Through An App - Want to have your favorite food delivered to your home, but not sure how? Watch these How-To Order Food Delivery videos to learn how to browse your local restaurants and fast food, place your order within the app, charge to your credit card, and track your delivery in real-time.
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, call 911 or the NYS Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906 or Text 844-997-2121 https://opdv.ny.gov/
Crisis Services - (716)834-3131
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
Other Helpful Services:
Compeer - Compeer recruits, screens, and matches trained volunteers and mentors in one-to-one supportive friendship relationships with children, adults, military veterans and seniors who are striving for good mental health.
Telephone Assurance Program (Catholic Charities) - The Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) is a free volunteer service for Erie County residents providing regular telephone calls to homebound and disabled persons age 60 and older to check on their well-being. The program also offers the opportunity to socialize by telephone with a caring volunteer.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America - Their helpline is open with its normal hours of operation (9 am - 9 pm ET on weekdays, 9 am - 3 pm ET on weekends). Connect with a licensed social worker by calling 866-232-8484, or by clicking on the blue & white chat icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the page or by sending a text message to 646-586-5283 (the web chat and text chat accepts conversations in more than 90 languages).
Alzheimer's Association of WNY -Their 24/7 Helpline is available at 800-272-3900. They're are also hosting free, live, programs such as support groups, and education programs. Call the helpline or click the link to find out more!
Supporting Family Caregivers of Older Adults Through Times of Stress and Isolation Resource Guide - A list of helpful organizations and helplines for caregivers of older adults.
Dept. of Mental Health Resources - During this time, in addition to the care of our physical health we want to stress the importance of taking care of our mental health. The uncertainty of COVID-19 is causing heightened anxiety and fear for all of us. You are not alone!