Activities for Seniors to Keep Them Engaged
Do you have an aging adult at home who could use a little encouragement to stay active and engaged? If yes, you have landed on the right page. Let's discuss some of the best senior-safe activities to keep them engaged and healthy.
Studies have shown that developing hobbies as we age can positively impact our mental and physical health. At Heart of Mercy, we believe in maintaining a vibrant lifestyle for seniors. However, finding engaging activities for seniors is no easy task. Age and dementia can shorten their attention span, making them cranky and uninterested in most activities.
However, what sets an average caregiver apart from an exceptional one? It is the ability to help seniors stay active and engaged. If you cannot create meaningful engagement, you might never reach this level of comfort and care. To make this a little easier, we have made an all-in-one list of engaging activities you can do with your senior loved ones.
1. Music and Dance Classes
For some people, music is truly the best medicine. Studies have proved that music can jog the memory, and improve focus, and your overall mental health. Moreover, attending music and dance classes is also a great way to interact with people and socialize.
Calming music can also relax your mind and help you sleep better. You can join active dance classes with your senior family member to stay physically fit or attend calm music appreciation sessions to detox and relax.
2. Gardening
If your senior loved one appreciates nature and the outdoors, then gardening might be a great activity to keep them engaged. You can arrange a small gardening setup in your backyard or join community gardens to stay healthy and active.
Gardening is very therapeutic as it connects you to nature and the earth. Let your loved one wear their gardening gloves, spend some time with green crops, and soak up the sun.
3. Arts and Crafts Workshop
Let your loved one express themselves through arts and crafts projects. It doesn't only allow them to unleash their inner artist, but it is also great for enhancing their cognitive function. If you have kids in your family, include them to create a great bonding experience.
Art workshops for seniors provide an avenue for self-interaction and artistic expression. It gives senior members a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creations.
4. Game and Movie Night
Most senior members love game and movie nights. By arranging movie nights with snacks and games, you can make them feel like they still belong in the family. Watch their favorite movie together, prepare snacks, and enjoy. You can also play boards and card games to stay engaged and boost your mental focus.
5. Book Clubs and Reading Groups
You might notice shelves, upon shelves of rusty books in the house that your senior family member doesn't even open anymore. Maybe you can rekindle their love for reading by accompanying them to book clubs and community libraries.
You can encourage your senior loved ones to participate in book clubs and reading groups for intellectual stimulation. Moreover, attending readings can open up opportunities for discussions and form friendships. Reading is also great for improving cognitive function and staying mentally sharp.
6. Nature Walks
Walking through refreshing parks and serene landscapes can be calming for a senior loved one. It allows mental as well as physical simulation. You can explore new towns and stunning natural countryside while enjoying the fresh air.
Your senior family members can sometimes feel trapped and lonely inside the house. It is crucial to step outside the house every once in a while and interact with nature.
7. Group Yoga and Exercise
Sometimes, things get smooth when you do it in a group. Encourage your senior family member to attend senior group yoga programs to stay physically healthy and active. Group yoga is perfect for peace of mind, mental focus, and physical energy. Besides, you can also socialize and connect with new people during yoga classes.
Outdoor yoga is specifically great for senior members as it allows them to connect with nature and stay active at the same time.
8. Puzzles
Competitive games like chess and puzzles can improve focus and mental well-being. You can sit with them and try to figure out a complex puzzle or play a fun game of chess to give their mind a boost of adrenaline. Puzzles are time-consuming and can keep them engaged for extended periods, thus improving their attention span and focus.
9. Cooking
If your senior loved one likes to cook, assist them in making their favorite recipe. Cooking can be a rewarding hobby if you do it in a safe environment. If your senior family member experiences balance issues or has difficulty tolerating fumes, consider preparing simple recipes using premade ingredients that require minimal prep.
10. Family Bonding
Family bonding is a great way to keep aging parents happy. Make sure to take some time out and sit with them. Fetch old photo albums and go through your old pictures together. You can also make a memory book or a scrapbook together to stay engaged and close.
At Heart of Mercy Homecare agency, we understand why mental well-being is vital for aging adults. And we also realize that you cannot always be there for your loved ones. That is why we promise to be there for you when you need it the most. We provide in-home care services for seniors, veterans, and other patients –taking half your burden by offering a helping hand!
You can visit our website right now to check out our services or fill out the form on our page to book a consultation. We believe in the power of care and kindness, this is why we have promised to care for your loved one when you cannot!