Keep Your Loved One Happy and Healthy With These Senior Activities

As people age, their bodies begin to slow down. Limitations caused by health conditions or social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, sadness, and boredom as seniors find themselves confined to their homes or unable to do the things they enjoy without assistance. But research shows that the more seniors engage in enjoyable activities, the less likely they are to develop certain diseases, become depressed, or experience mental decline. The good news is that there are many ways you can provide entertaining and engaging activities to help keep your family member sharp and vibrant.

Putting the Fun Back In Your Loved One’s Routines

The best way to get ideas about what kinds of activities your mom or dad might enjoy is to ask questions like these:

• What did your loved enjoy doing when he or she was younger?
• Are there hobbies they used to enjoy but that have fallen by the wayside as they have aged?
• Can you help them relive those hobbies or activities in a new way now that they are more limited in what they can do?
• Are there specific limitations you should consider based on your loved one’s physical abilities?

For example, if your mom or dad enjoyed planting a big vegetable garden every summer, perhaps you could set up an indoor herb garden on a kitchen window sill. If they loved to read but have poor eyesight, perhaps you could keep a supply of audiobooks on hand.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for ways to build fun into your family member’s routine, here are some ideas to get you started.

Indoor Activities

If your mom or dad can’t easily get outside or if they are confined to the house during a cold Ohio winter, it helps to have plenty of indoor activities they can enjoy on their own, such as:

• Crossword puzzles
• Reading or listening to audiobooks
• Coloring books designed for adults
• Houseplants or a windowsill garden
• Card games that can be played alone or with a visitor
• Magazines
• Favorite television programs
• Jigsaw puzzles
• A small aquarium
• Listening to music

Outdoor Activities

As the weather warms up, your family member may enjoy getting outside in the fresh air. Depending on their physical capabilities, there are a number of ways they can experience nature at home:

• A bird feeder on the porch
• Potted plants
• Short walks in the neighborhood
• A small garden
• Eating lunch outdoors
• Nature photography

Social Activities

Social interaction is a wonderful way to help your mom or dad overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness. There may be groups or clubs they can join that offer opportunities to have fun with people their age, or family members may be able to stop by and take them for an outing.

• Miniature golf
• Yard games like horseshoes or croquet
• Aqua aerobics
• Dancing
• Volunteering at the library or a local charity
• A neighborhood holiday gift exchange
• Taking a class in painting or cooking
• Playing games

Special Outings

Getting out of the house is also a great way to break up the monotony of living alone. A family member or caregiver can take your loved one on outings like these to give them more opportunities for interaction and enjoyment:

• Visit a museum
• Go shopping
• Go to a park
• Visit a pet store
• Attend a concert or play
• Attend religious services
• Go to a restaurant
• Take a scenic drive
• Go out for ice cream

Keeping Senior Activities Fun and Safe

The kind and frequency of special activities your loved one is able to enjoy will depend on his or her physical condition and possible limitations. For example, if your dad has dementia, he may enjoy listening to music from his youth rather than trying to remember the rules of a card game. Here are a few additional considerations you should keep in mind as you plan activities for your senior family member:

Safety always comes first—Consider safety not only in terms of potential falls or health risks, but also in terms of being aware of surroundings. If your loved one is participating with an unknown group or going to a new social activity, ask a family member to attend with them the first few times.

Don’t push too hard—If your mom or dad doesn’t want to go out, don’t force it. Find enjoyable activities they can do at home. Remember, the goal is for them to have fun, not to check an activity off your list.

Offer companionship—Sometimes the most important thing seniors need is someone to talk to. Visits don’t always have to be centered on activities. If family members all live far away, a home caregiver can stop by several times a week to sit with your loved one, play games, or just chat.

Helping seniors find new ways to enjoy life when they can’t do all the things they used to do can be challenging. Sometimes the best way to encourage them to stay active both mentally and physically is to have someone stop by regularly to talk and interact. If family members are unable to do this, hiring a home caregiver is an excellent solution.

If you’re ready to learn more about how home care can give your senior loved one the safe, enjoyable life they deserve, download our free Guide to Home Care.

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