Keeping busy engages the mind and body so seniors preserve their abilities. However, seniors sometimes get bored after they pursue a few dreams post-retirement. These eight activities are all perfect for seniors, and you can help your loved one pick from this list whenever he or she needs some enjoyment.
1. Make a Scrapbook
Scrapbooking is a cheerful activity that also inspires seniors to express their creativity. Print out some photos from your loved one’s recent past. If possible, focus on finding photographs of friends and family members your loved one adores. Put out some craft paper and glue and help your loved one make a book full of memories.
2. Learn to Dance
Whether your loved one has always wanted to tango or dreams of taking up tap, there’s a type of dance out there just waiting to be learned. Your loved one can either take private lessons or look for a dance studio that offers group lessons. Many places offer classes specifically for seniors, which can ease jitters about trying something new.Although some elderly people have mobility challenges that limit their ability to dance, they can still get out of the house and socialize with the help of a professional caregiver. Des Moines home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
3. Join a Book Club
Book clubs are unique because they blend both solo and social time. Having a book to read every day gives your loved one something enjoyable to add to the daily routine. He or she can also look forward to meeting for the discussion once a week or every month.
4. Collect Coins
Seniors grew up in a time when they learned to save their pennies. Now, your loved one can enjoy hunting for specific coins that hold value. Since coin collecting requires little more than a handful of coins and a guide, your loved one can easily start up this hobby with little money involved. In fact, your loved one can research many coins online, and going to coin shows gives him or her a regular event to get excited about attending.
5. Become a Birdwatcher
Animal lovers will enjoy watching for birds from their windows or patios. Give your loved one a pair of binoculars and set him or her up with a good view. For some added fun, help your loved one make bird feeders to set out and attract even more feathered friends.
6. Play Board Games
Traditional board games may remind your loved one of fun times he or she had with family and friends over the years, but you can also find a few games designed specifically for seniors. Suggest a game to play with your loved one when you’re spending the day together, or consider hosting a game night to enjoy with other members of his or her social circle.
7. Begin a New Craft Project
Arts and crafts are always fun, and your loved one can enjoy benefits such as feeling more relaxed and strengthening his or her focus while working on projects. Look for activities your loved one hasn’t tried in the past to keep things interesting. For instance, your loved one may want to try mosaics or knitting if he or she has always been a painter.For seniors with health limitations that make crafting a challenge, painting on a computer or listening to audiobooks are enjoyable alternatives. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Des Moines, IA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
8. Go Swimming
Indoor pools make it possible for seniors to enjoy a swim without exposing themselves to the heat or direct sun. Swimming also burns calories, strengthens muscles, and relieves chronic pain. Ask if your loved one would like to swim laps or join a water aerobics class, and watch him or her enjoy this senior-friendly sports activity.Engaging in fun activities boosts physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but some seniors may need a bit of assistance to remain active. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Des Moines senior home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.