Activities for someone with depression

Singing is very good for mental and physical health. Have a look at Goldies who have lots of singing venues.

Bright colours are stimulating. Can you casually leave her with some colouring pencils and a picture just barely begun?

Would she enjoy baking a cake together, arranging some flowers, a manicure?

She's likely to tire very quickly and worry about anything new - to start with I'd see if you can find some fairly easy (150/200 piece) jigsaws and just work on one for a short while at a time. If that goes well, then expand to going somewhere with nice sights - depends where you live, but I'm thinking parks, sea view, countryside or nice town - tea and a treat - how's her appetite? Would she go along with (initiative is too much to expect just now) planting something for later in the year - it's good to 'start' something.

And don't forget the bath. They absolutely love bathing and it's so funny to watch them.

Just thinking that a budgie might cheer her up. They are sociable, funny and very cheerful little creatures. You can't be miserable when there's one around because they are very chatty and demand your attention. They can be so funny. Obviously they need seed and something green every day (lettuce, dandelion leaf) and maybe their sand sheet wiped over (not replaced). Grit and millet. But really very cheap to keep and such fun. A budgie would form a friendship with her and raise her spirits.

My mum used to be OK taking out on a drive. Nothing was "expected" of her in that situation but the change of scene helped just a wee bit.
Sometimes feeling she "ought to have" to do something was the wrong thing, but everyone is different.

The other thing that occurred ion my memory was just sitting with - I'd do something with my hands. Perhaps the simple gift that you are "there" helps more than one might think.

I agree with you Germanshepherdsmum

Thank you all so much for these lovely suggestions. I will try them out and see which works best for Mum. You are all so kind thank you for taking the time to help. XX

I agree with GSM. I wouldn't show her old photos.

Maybe up to date ones of the family doing different things might be nice though

My mum had all her family photos and I tried a few times to get her to put them in albums. We managed a few but she was never happy doing it and there were loads left. I've started doing it but it can be upsetting.
Is there an exercise class near she could go to, perhaps seated ? It does help with depression. Or would she join a choir?
Creative arts are good. There are lots of resources and places on here baringfoundation.org.uk/blog-post/covid-19-arts-and-creative-resources-for-older-people-and-anyone-else-in-isolation/

I agree too. Old photographs could be pretty depressing.

Never alone with a German shep !

Glad I’m not alone Caleo!

I couldn't agree more GSM. Nostalgia leads to discontent.

We are all different, but my own experience of depression is that looking at old photos isn’t helpful - they are a sad reminder of times long past, those happy highways where we went and can never go again …

PS my friend had actual clinical bipolar depression. He also liked my dog and had never before lived with an animal. He also enjoyed conversations about his own great interest.

Also get maybe go to a lovely spot that she used to enjoy going to and bring a photograph album so she can remember good memories and friends...

I once had a friend who was extremely depressed and what made him laugh and joke was when I gave him a bath, especially care of the feet.

I wonder if she would enjoy a hand massage with lovely essential oils? I think the RVS might have volunteers,or maybe an aromatherapist would visit. Old people so rarely get touched

Perhaps plain paper and pencils even, perhaps she has a little bit of an artistic flair and could draw?

Do you think she might enjoy sorting through old photos from when you were young?
Unless she has already done it, maybe picking her favourites to put in an album. I think a lot of folk your mum’s age would have loads of photographs, some of her own parents and siblings perhaps.

Looking through old pictures could perhaps take her back to happier times when she was a young mum.

That’s a nice idea, you can chat and maybe record what she says and write it up if she isn’t able to.

Could she write her life story - or anecdotes or memories from her life. Or dictate to you - bit by bit. My parents used to love talking about old times.

gardening?