Ideas for activities to participate remotely
Artistic activities
Visit virtually using websites
For example, you can visit museums, countries or behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil
To do this, start by
Identify the type of virtual tours you would like to conduct.
If needed, ask for help finding resources to access visits.
Browse the different websites.
Be curious!
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
How did I feel during this visit?
What did this visit help to stimulate?
What did you like about this visit?
What surprised you?
Access virtual tours of museums, of Cirque du Soleil or other suggestions
Picture by Betty of iStockphoto
Listen to the radio
Mmusic, interview, news…
Start by
Check that your equipment is working.
If necessary, ask for help if you are unable to operate your equipment properly.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
What was this radio activity about?
What did you like about this activity?
What surprised you about this activity?
What types of music do you prefer?
Who are your favorite musical artists?
What is your favorite radio station?
You can use platforms such as iHeart Radio, Radio-Canada Ohdio, radios Quebecers and, in English, CBC Listen.
Listen to podcasts
A podcast is a program (audio or video) that you can listen to using an application or website that allows you to download and listen to it..
Please note: while most are free with ads, some podcasts require a fee.
Start by
Identify the content you want to listen to.
Choose the app and install it on a device if needed.
Subscribe (if needed) and download the podcasts you want.
Navigate the app to find what you're looking for.
Adjust the volume or flow rate.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
What is this podcast? toldt ?
What did you like about this podcast?
What surprised you about this podcast??
What did you learn from this podcast??
How I felt during the podcast?
What kind of podcast do you like?
Would you recommend listening to this podcast?
You can use platforms such as
Apple Podcast, iHeart Radio, Radio-Canada Ohdio and in English, CBC Listen.
Watch movies or series
Start by
Identify the shows or type of content you enjoy watching.
Find the corresponding TV channels or online platforms (be careful, they are sometimes chargeable).
If necessary, create an account.
Note the times of the program.
Make sure you are able to operate the equipment (turn the TV, computer or tablet on and off; use the remote control to change channels).
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
How did this movie make you feel?
What was the story?
What did you like about this movie?
You can use platforms such as Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV or even, the sites of video.TVA.ca, ici.tou.tv Or noovo.ca.
Intellectual Activities
Explore the web
By learning how to use your tablet, phone or computer.
Start by
Identify the type of content you would like to discover.
Ask for help if needed.
Discover search browsers.
Be curious!
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
How did I feel during this activity?
What surprised you?
What did you discover?
To learn about tablet loan initiatives or personalized support for the use of various technological devices in your region, click here or call 211
Image by Mart Production from Pexels
Create your family tree
Start by
Find the platform to create your family tree.
Navigate the platform.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
What discoveries did you make?
How do you feel about these discoveries?
What did this activity help you to stimulate?
What do you like about this activity?
What surprised you about this activity?
Have you shared these findings with any family members? If so, how did they react?
You can use the websites Ancestry.ca ($) or Family Search.com (free).
Read
Search your library to find and read your favorite novels.
Start by
Find a book that suits your interests.
Get the books you want (electronic or paper).
Use the electronic device's features (brightness, font size) when relevant for reading digital books.
Take steps to participate in a virtual book club.
Contact the library near you.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
What was this book about?
What did you like about this book?
What surprised you about this book?
To access digital loans, there is the National Library and Archives of Quebec and Libby (mainly in English).
Image by Dave from Pixabay
Manual activities
Cleaning, redecorating a room
Take care of your environment to feel good at home
Start by
List what you want to achieve.
Describe the steps you want to take.
Get the materials you will need.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
How do you feel about the changes made to the play?
What can this room do now?
What do you like about this room?
Are you satisfied with the changes made to the room?
If you haven't been able to make all the changes you want, how could you possibly do so?
For redecorating inspiration, click here
Make a recipe to treat yourself
Make yourself a nice little dish.
Start by
Find what you want to cook (starter, main course, dessert or snack).
Identify the recipe (in a book or on a website).
Make sure you understand the different steps of the recipe and that you obtain all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
If necessary, make a list of missing materials and ingredients and obtain them from the grocery store or store.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Are you satisfied with the recipe you made?
How did you prepare the recipe?
What does this recipe remind you of?
What do you like about this recipe?
What surprises you about this recipe?
Where did you taste this recipe?
Why would you recommend this recipe?
How does this recipe influence your desire to cook?
Several websites are available such as defisante.ca, Ricardo recipe, Jean-Philippe's kitchen, Cook Télé-Québec and Enjoy.
Image by Julita from Pixabay
Garden
Sow, plant, harvest, enjoy.
Start by
Identify what you would like to grow in your garden or on your balcony (for example, herbs).
Make sure you have the necessary materials to do the activity, if not, get the missing materials (make a list, find a nearby store, etc.).
Identify the best place to install your garden.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Are you satisfied with the contents of your garden?
How do you feel while gardening?
When will you be able to start harvesting the contents of your garden?
What do you plan to do with your harvest?
What memories does gardening bring back to you?
What do you like about gardening?
Discover gardening tips in Quebec here.
Make gifts to give
Create to spoil what you love.
Start by
Identify the people you would like to give a gift to.
Determine the type of gift you would like to create.
Plan the activity (steps and materials).
If necessary, obtain missing materials where relevant.
Identify the best place to do the activity.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Are you satisfied with the DIY project you completed?
What does this DIY mean to you?
Is this craft intended for someone? If so, who is it for and why did you want to make it for them?
How did you feel during the craft activity? And when you gave or handed over your gift?
What memories does this craft bring back to you?
What do you like about this DIY?
You can also get inspiration from the questions here and crafts presented on Pinterest.ca.
Physical activities
To move
Dance or do exercises or stretches.
Start by
Identify some upbeat pieces of music that you enjoy listening to.
Choose objects that you could use for exercises or stretches.
Search for virtual classes.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
What types of exercises do you like to do?
How do you feel during and after exercise?
What does this exercise allow or would stimulate?
What do you like about this exercise?
What surprises you about this exercise?
Would you like to continue this exercise?
If the activity is too difficult, how could you continue while reducing the demands?
For inspiration, see the examples cited here in the “Home Exercises” section, or for other exercise ideas and more information on the benefits of exercise, see the document here.
The GO program to move, the programs offered on the site move50plus.ca and the dance therapy have been created and adapted for seniors.
Do relaxing activities
Play music, meditate, do yoga, do breathing exercises, etc.
Start by
Select a place in your home that is conducive to relaxation and the right time of day.
Find the resources to complete the activity.
When relevant, obtain the necessary equipment.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
What relaxing activities do you like to do?
Were you able to relax? If not, how could you do so next time?
What do these relaxing activities help stimulate?
What do you like about these relaxing activities?
What surprises you about these relaxing activities?
How did you feel before, during and after the relaxing activities?
Here are some resources to help you get started with this activity (for example, Yoga Tout: Elder Yogas (2011), Breathing exercises , Mindful meditation awareness and their audio capsules, Little Bamboo, Apple Fitness)
Social activities
Calling friends and family
Take some time to talk with your loved ones.
Start by
Identify friends and relatives to contact.
Specify the best times and means to contact them (by phone or videoconference), as well as the frequency of calls.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Who do you like to talk to and why are they or these people important to you?
How did you feel during the calls? And now?
What do these calls help to stimulate?
What do you like about these calls?
What surprises you about these calls?
Would you like to do this activity more often? If so, how can you do it?
For tips on good practice in using videoconferencing, see the document here.
You can use multiple platforms such as Skype, Zoom, Messenger Or Facetime.
Organize a dinner party or a happy hour.
Start by
Identify friends and relatives to contact.
Choose a date.
Create a menu and plan a shopping list of ingredients.
If you are holding a virtual dinner party, choose a connection platform that all guests are familiar with.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Who did you enjoy sharing this moment with?
How did you feel during that moment? And now?
Did you enjoy sharing a meal?
Would you like to do this activity again? If so, how can you do it?
To prepare your meal, several websites are available such as
that Ricardo recipe, Jean-Philippe's kitchen, Cook Télé-Québec and the recipes of Enjoy.
Do a remote reading
To a loved one, a grandchild, as a volunteer.
Start by
Choose a text according to the tastes of the person to whom the reading is addressed.
Identify the length of text that you will feel comfortable reading.
Practice speaking well so that it is enjoyable to read aloud.
Check that the microphone is working properly.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Did the person you read to enjoy the book?
Why did you choose this book?
What did you enjoy about this moment?
How did you feel during this reading?
Would you like to do this activity again? If so, how can you do it?
If you would like to continue and become a volunteer reader, you can contact Read and do, read, The ear that reads or even Read all about age Everywhere in Quebec.
Image by Mart Production from Pexels
Participate in an online game night.
Start by
Establish the number of participants.
Choose suitable games.
Prepare the game board before the evening.
Choose a connection platform that all players are familiar with.
Check that your webcam and microphone are working properly.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Who did you enjoy playing with?
What games do you like to play?
Why do you like these games?
How did you feel during this game night?
Would you like to do this activity again? If so, how can you do it?
The following sites offer several game ideas that are easily adaptable for remote game nights: Geekbecois, Lillogames, Play-in and Randolph.
Connected Canadians also organize online gaming sessions between seniors while offering remote support.
Record an audio or video message, or write an email or text message.
To a friend or family
Start by
Identify the recipients of your message.
Choose the message type and sharing tool.
Save the message.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
How did you find the experience of recording a message?
How is the recipient of the message an important person to you?
How did you feel while recording the message? And now?
How did you feel when you received a message?
What do these exchanges help to stimulate?
What do you like about these exchanges?
What surprises you about these exchanges?
Pay it forward
Through small gestures or volunteering. For example, by making friendly calls. for community organizations.
Start by
Identify your interests and preferences as well as the type of volunteering you would like to do.
Find the resources needed to communicate with the organization.
After completing this activity, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Why did you choose this organization to donate your time to? Why is this organization important to you?
How did you feel while volunteering? And now?
What does this volunteering remind you of?
What do you like about this volunteering?
What surprises you about this volunteering?