Daily schedule is helpful for those alone
AT this difficult time, I am writing to give some advice to people living on their own as to how to survive prolonged isolation. To begin with, and this applies to all of us including families, write down a daily schedule. I am now over 90 and I am lucky to have my shopping done for me, but apart from that I have to cook and wash up, do the laundry, generally keep the house clean and tidy. Having done all that I have to keep myself amused. To do this, I have written down a daily schedule… Of course, no two people are the same so I will not bore you with my personal schedule.
Keeping oneself occupied is of paramount importance. In my case I spend time on dealing with emails, paying bills, etc. I have set times for exercises which include some work with my Body Gym, walking and gardening. I restrict my television to watching the 1pm BBC news, the 6pm ITV news and some evening programmes or films. I play computer games such as Upwards and Scrabble with friends and family in America. I also play Auction Bridge against a computer. Most of us have a hobby but if not, you should start one. It could be reading history books, watercolour or oil painting, cooking etc.
In my case it is researching family history which is truly engrossing. It is quite difficult to restrict it to just one’s direct lineage which I have managed to go back to the late 17th century. My mother’s side has been particularly interesting, and I am following her parent’s lineage. I do find that my days are fully occupied, and I do not have time to worry so I have prevented the onset of depression which I am afraid many people are beginning to suffer from. I assure you it is possible to survive and setting oneself a strict daily routine is an essential part of it.
T. C. TILDEN-SMITH
Les Landelles,
Castel.