Stimulating Activities for the Elderly

Do you feel like the senior you love has slowly lost their way into a daily routine? It’s not uncommon for older individuals to settle into routines that ultimately dull their spirit and negatively impact their physical and mental well-being. However, there’s some good news you can provide many engaging activities that can improve your aging loved one’s well-being.

There’s a myriad of ideas that can be tailored to a variety of physical abilities and mental capacities, which means you can get your elderly loved ones involved in as many ways as feasible.

Check out this list of activities provided by the assisted living newport beach that stimulate your mind, and leverage them as you see fit to help your elderly loved ones become more involved in their personal life.

Crafting

Let their creative energy flow through any of the craft activities. Invite them to use acrylics or watercolors as well as draw and sketch (with anything from pencils to markers to chalk or crayons) knit simple or more complex patterns, design jewelry, make pottery, or participate in any craft activity that lets them exhibit their artistic side. Many older adults value the time and freedom to discover new ideas. This is also a great way to connect with others in a group. Perhaps your loved one may be tempted to wear, gift or even sell their creative creations.

Gardening

For an elderly loved one who loves to be outdoors, gardening is an ideal choice. Even if they do not possess the strength or flexibility to carry out more difficult gardening, there are basic tasks like raking, planting seeds, and watering. You can take care of everything from shrubs and flowers to plants, fruits, and vegetables. This activity awakens the senses and gives the elderly seniors in your lives a chance to get a dose of critical Vitamin D. If you’re looking for physically able seniors, there’s also the benefit of exercise inherent in tasks such as gardening, weeding, or digging. When the time comes, the fruits of their labor will be in full flower for additional pleasure.

Walking & Exercising

Aid your loved ones with aging and get their adrenaline flowing by participating in an exercise routine. Go for walks with them around the community, and encourage them to join a fitness group or make them sign up for swimming. Explore opportunities to participate in organized exercise classes like seniors aerobics, yoga, or other cardio-based and strength-building options. If it’s hard for them to leave their homes, consider setting up exercise videos that they can take part in via television or computer.

Higher Learning

Are your loved ones the academic type? Consider allowing them to participate in ongoing lectures or continuing education classes. This is an excellent way to maintain mental alertness and engagement. A few senior living communities as well as local community centers provide these kinds of learning opportunities. Look into the programs at nearby community colleges as well. There are plenty of possibilities to take advantage of educational and cultural activities for seniors.

Reading & Writing

If the senior person in your life loves magazines, books, and other reading materials, be sure to provide these resources available regularly. This activity can be done on your own, in conjunction with the two of you, or as a group. Would they enjoy discussing their recent reads in a book club? It’s a great opportunity to express their thoughts and socialize.

Perhaps they prefer to create your own tales. If that’s the case you can encourage them to write some writing of their own. Brief articles, family histories autobiography, poetry novels, how-to’s…the sky’s the limit! Writing helps keep the brain sharp and the creative juices wide. It also allows for the development of a deeper sense of motivation and passion.