Charity Releases ‘Self-isolation Survival Guide' To Support Vulnerable Older Adults

Charity Vegetarian for Life, which supports older vegans and vegetarians, has put together some tips on preparing as best you can, and how you might still keep in touch with others, during this challenging period.

1. Another meal is possible. When you have seemingly bare cupboards, or have bought whatever you were able to nab, the Supercook recipe search engine might save the day. Simply type in the ingredients that you have in your cupboards, fridge and freezer, and it will come up with a raft of recipes you can make without leaving the house to buy more. 

2. If shopping really isn't an option, Vegetarian for Life has a great guide called Veggie Meals to Your Door. It details all of the companies that can deliver vegetarian and vegan meals - either hot, chilled or frozen - straight to your home. The guide can be found here or we can post a copy to you, free of charge. Please contact us on 0161 257 0887 for more information. 

3. It's important to keep in contact with your friends and family, so why not make use of programs such as Facebook, Skype, and Whatsapp for sharing photos and a (virtual) face-to-face chat? Vegetarian for Life runs the Mature Vegans and Veggies UK group on Facebook, which already has over 1,400 members, and also a veggie pen- and phone-pal scheme, exclusively for older vegetarians and vegans. Full details are available on our website. 

4. Making nutrition a priority is important for a healthy immune system. And thankfully there are some key things you can do to keep it simple and eat well, even when housebound. Pick ambient foods, such as canned goods, pastas, rice and beans. Make the most of your freezer if you have one, where you can store breads, vegetables, fruits and more. Stock a good variety of foods where possible, so that you don't rely too heavily on items that might easily run out at the supermarket. Vegetarian for Life has compiled a handy guide to what to buy for your store cupboard and freezer, here. 

5. Make the most of some time at home. If you are having to self-isolate at home, you may well start to feel lonely. Keep your spirits lifted by exercising, watching TV, reading a good book, or listening to the radio, with the window open, for a light breeze of fresh air. Why not start that new hobby you've always wanted to have a go at? Or take advantage of the time of year and begin sowing seeds in the garden for a few veggies of your own creation. For inspiration, check out the incredible 81-year-old vegan whose mission is to complete one million press-ups, here. 

We hope that you and yours stay well during this challenging time. If you're experiencing any difficulties, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on 0161 257 0887. You can also find out what shopping and home delivery services your local Age UK offers, here.