Mom died about 6 weeks ago. Dad is there by himself most of the time. 90 years old. Can’t drive anymore, but is in decent shape for his age. We go in as often as we can, 2-3 times a week. He does his yard work, listens to high school football on the radio and does the college and pro schedule during the weekend.

That’s no way to live.

He doesn’t know many people, they have all either died or are in the same situation.

What are some things we can help keep him occupied while he is there on his own? He needs something to keep his mind and body active. I’m at a loss. He needs something meaningful.

My mom is 81 and did a lot of 300 piece puzzles to keep her occupied during Covid

That is something I have been considering. Thank you

https://welcome.storyworth.com/

That looks like something that would be good for him and you.

Also, was he in the service? If so, is there an organization nearby? Is there a local gas station where the older generation hangs out to play dominos or cards? Does he have a pet? It sucks watching your loved ones get older and alone. I was speaking to a client today and his mother-in-law just passed at 93. He said her funeral would only be family as she had outlived all of her friends. Broke my heart.

Really wish I could be of more help.

I was blessed my parents lived into their 90’s
Only thing they ever asked was to come see them
Could not keep dad off a tractor because he loved it, so stop worrying about it
Spend as much as you can
Maybe take him to the game next Friday

I have been trying to get him a dog, but he just won’t do it. It would be great for him. We have a stray cat that keeps coming by who would also be great for him, but he says no. We do all we can other than moving in with him. He loves to fish but we are waiting until it cools down a bot more.

He can’t see or hear very good anymore, but he would love to drive a tractor. He was raised pulling bolls by hand and skipped the tractor generation. I just don’t know where he would drive it. He didn’t have indoor water or electricity until he went to the navy.

Take him some items that need fixing. Most older guys like that stuff.

I have been trying to find something like an old lamp or something. He can Fox anything. I learned a lot from him like that.

I have a 96 year old aunt that still lives by herself. Every Tuesday morning, my wife picks her up at 9 am and they come to our house and cook lunch and some other things for her to pack up fr the rest of the week. It gives her something to look forward to and solves some of the issues with her eating right.

Short of having him move in with you there's not a lot you can do... We had my wife's 90 year old aunt move in with us 2 years ago. The first year was great and now she on the decline... Do what you can do... Dan

If you're on facebook, look at the marketplace. People will post free stuff that needs repair a lot...or craigslist.

We are taking food into him and I do his shopping for him. Maybe bringing him here a day or two would be a good thing, I work from home, maybe my wife go get him and I can take him home. Not a bad idea.

Sounds like my grandfather. But he was too mean to teach me much! But I did inherit his desire to cut down every tree in the yard. HaHa

Have you ask him what he would like to do? My dad didn’t last long after my mom went. Best prepare yourself for that. He just didn’t really care to live after being with her 50 years.