Stimulating Activities for the Elderly
Are you feeling like the senior person in your life has slowly been slipping into a daily routine? It’s certainly common for elderly people to fall into routines that eventually dull their spirits and negatively affect their physical and mental health. However, there’s some good news: You can include a whole host of stimulating activities to help improve your loved one’s well-being.
There are a variety of options that are suited to a variety of mental and physical capabilities, so you are able to be able to engage your loved one in as many ways as possible.
Explore this list of 10 exciting activities and make use of them as you see fit to help your aging loved one become more involved in their personal life.
- Crafting
Let their creative juices go wild with any number of crafting options. Invite them to use acrylics or watercolors, draw and sketch (with any pencils or markers to crayons or chalk) Knit basic or more complex patterns, create jewelry, craft pottery, or participate in any crafting activity that allows them to showcase their artistic talents. Many older adults who are living in assisted living in Newport Beach enjoy having time and space to explore their creativity. It’s also a good way to get to know others in a group environment. You may even have the desire to wear, give as gifts or even sell their creative creations. - Gardening
If you have an elderly relative who is outdoors-loving gardening can be a fantastic alternative. Even if they do not possess the strength or agility to do more advanced gardening activities, there are always the basics like raking, placing seeds, and watering. You can take care of anything from plants and flowers to fruits, herbs, and vegetables. This exercise stimulates the senses and allows the old person in your family a chance to take in essential Vitamin D. When it comes to more physically fit older adults, there are also the benefits of physical exercise that come with tasks like digging, weeding, and potting. At some point, the fruit of their labor will be in full bloom, bringing further enjoyment. - Walking & Exercising
Help your elderly loved one to feel better by engaging them in some form of physical activity. Go for walks with them around the community, encourage them to join a gym, or register them for swimming. Consider opportunities for organized exercise classes such as classes in senior fitness, yoga, or other strength-building and heart-pumping options. If they’re finding it difficult to leave their homes, consider setting up exercise videos that they can take part in through a television or computer. - Higher Learning
Do you have a loved one who is the kind of person who studies? Give them an opportunity to be a part of ongoing lectures or classes for continuing education. This is an effective method to ensure that your brain is alert and engaged. Some senior living communities and community centers within the local area provide the same kinds of educational opportunities. You can check out the opportunities at local community colleges, too. There are lots of options to take advantage of cultural and academic events for seniors. - Reading & Writing
If someone person in your life loves books, magazines, and other reading materials, be sure to keep these materials accessible to them frequently. This can be done in a private setting, with the two of you, or as a group. Would they enjoy discussing the books they’ve read recently in a book group setting? It’s a great opportunity to speak their opinions as well as interact socially. Perhaps they enjoy creating personal stories. If that’s the case Encourage them to start some of their own writing. Articles, family histories poetry, autobiography, poetry novels, how-to’s…the sky’s the limit! Writing helps keep the mind alert and the creative side wide. Writing can also help develop a deepened sense of motivation and passion.