What to do if an elderly person watches TV all day
Many informal caregivers notice that an elderly person spends increasingly more time in front of the television. Television can be relaxing and is a fixed part of the day for many people. However, when the television is on for almost the entire day, it can be a signal that there are few other stimuli or activities.
Why television often becomes a habit
Watching television requires little energy. You don't have to leave the house for it, and it requires little effort. For elderly people who are less mobile or have fewer social contacts, television can therefore easily fill the day.
Daarnaast biedt televisie structuur. Veel programma’s worden op vaste tijden uitgezonden. Programma’s zoals Koffietijd in de ochtend of het Journaal in de avond kunnen daardoor herkenbare momenten in de dag worden.
That in itself is not wrong. Television can actually be a pleasant way to start or end the day, as long as it is a conscious choice and does not dictate the entire day.
Television as part of the day
Het kan helpen om televisie te zien als één van de activiteiten in de dag. Bijvoorbeeld:
- watching a program in the morning with coffee, such as Koffietijd
- in the afternoon, maybe a favorite series
- ’s avonds het Journaal of een programma dat iemand graag volgt
By linking television to specific times of the day, room remains for other activities.
Also consciously turn off the television
What often happens is that the television stays on all day, even when someone isn't really watching it anymore. It can therefore help to turn off the television after a program.
A simple trick is to use settings on the television itself. Many televisions have a feature that automatically switches off the device when the remote control is not used for an extended period.
Bij sommige toestellen kan dit bijvoorbeeld worden ingesteld op ongeveer drie uur zonder interactie. Wanneer niemand op de afstandsbediening drukt, gaat de televisie dan vanzelf uit. Dit helpt om te voorkomen dat de televisie ongemerkt de hele dag blijft aanstaan.
Bring more variety into the day
Often, it is small changes that can already make a difference. The goal is not to replace television entirely, but to bring more variety into the day.
Consider, for example:
- take a short walk together
- working on a better daily routine
- samen koken of iets klaarmaken voor de maaltijd
- play a game or do a puzzle
- receive a visitor or call someone
- Drinking coffee together without the television on
Small steps make a difference
When watching television has become a habit for a long time, it often helps to gradually make small changes. Just one extra activity a day can provide more movement, more contact, and more variety.
Watching television therefore doesn't have to be a problem at all. It only becomes unpleasant when it becomes the only way to get through the day. By being mindful of it and turning the television off again, it remains a relaxing part of the day instead of filling the entire day.
