Activities for Seniors
Do you ever get the feeling that your older family member is feeling a little bored? As we age, it’s really common for us to lose interest in hobbies we once loved; we’ve either long since conquered them, or we can’t quite tackle them like we used to.
If you’re struggling with finding ways to keep your loved one interested and engaged, here’s a great list of options for activities both in and out of the home.
Why is this so important? Creative activities can help people battling serious illnesses to decrease negativity and stress.
Activities for seniors at home
Reading or listening to audiobooks. Or check out a new podcast together! No matter what topics your loved one enjoys, there’s tons of options to choose from.
Cooking and baking
Birdwatching
Knitting, crocheting, and quilting
Gardening. Get creative! You can sit at a table and plant flowers or succulents in small pots.
Playing an instrument. And remember, the voice is an instrument. Don’t worry about being great; just enjoy.
Drawing, coloring, painting, and sculpture. Art is such a powerful outlet. Head to the craft store and let their imagination flow.
Recounting memories. Even better - record the memories your loved one shares, so you can cherish and share them for years to come.
Playing games or doing puzzles. In fact, if you don’t have any at home, there are endless options in your device’s app store.
Television watching. Pick something to enjoy and engage in together. The television isn’t a 24-hour caregiver, but select programming can inspire creativity, like home and garden shows, cooking competitions, travel shows, etc.
Activities for seniors outside the home
Is everyone up for an adventure? Here are some ideas for outside the home:
Museums
Theater or movies
Restaurants
Senior centers
Recreational classes
Senior centers
Sporting events – even their grandkids’ games
Walking clubs
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteer opportunities for seniors
Volunteering/helping others is a really powerful mood-booster. If your loved one enjoys engaging in the community, here are some options for getting involved:
Soup kitchens
Animal shelters
Church ministry
Political advocacy
Schools, libraries, museums, or hospitals
Community gardening
Neighborhood cleanup
Why activities are important
Having hobbies and interests is important for everyone, but for our older family members, it’s critical to staying healthy and maintaining independence.
The research shows us that active seniors:
Are more disease resistant
Have a longer and happier lifespan
Are less depressed and more resilient
Have an easier time coping with loss
Maintain their ability to communicate and reason
We hope you’re feeling inspired for new activities to try with your loved one! But, we know you’re busy, too, and it can be a lot to manage basic care needs while coming up with fun activities. If you need some support to ensure your loved one maintains their safety and independence, we’re a 24/7 phone call away: (817) 887-9401.
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