7 Activities that Promote Wellbeing in Seniors with Parkinson’s

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Activities that Enhance Wellbeing in Older Adults with Parkinson’s in Des Moines, IA

Healthcare providers recommend seniors with Parkinson’s maintain lifestyles that are as active as possible, both to boost quality of life and to slow the progression of the disorder. There are many different activities that can benefit seniors afflicted with the neurological disease.

1. Crafting

Crocheting, knitting, drawing, painting, and woodworking are all crafts seniors with Parkinson’s might enjoy. Crafting reduces stress while helping seniors maintain fine motor skills. Creating projects encourages strategy and problem-solving skills. Working on creative projects gives seniors a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Crafts also require stimulation in multiple areas of the brain to perform and complete each project. Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Des Moines, IA, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

2. Cooking

Seniors with Parkinson’s can bake or cook with family members or prepare meals for everyone to enjoy together. Cooking can be therapeutic by allowing seniors to focus on something other than the disease and enjoy the company of others. Even if seniors have limited physical function, family members can suggest tasks that allow their loved ones to take part in the process. Being in the kitchen together provides the chance to socialize and create memorable moments.

3. Cycling

This activity may involve riding a bike around town or exercising on a stationary bike indoors. Being outside and enjoying nature tends to elevate the mood and prevent depression. Whether cycling indoors or outside, seniors with Parkinson’s benefit from this physical exercise that strengthens the lower body and boosts blood circulation while feeding the brain.

4. Exercising

Engaging in physical exercise encourages nerve and neuron communication, which enables neurons to create new pathways between each other. Aerobic calisthenic exercises increase flexibility, balance, and overall strength. When large muscle groups are exercised, the cardiovascular system also benefits. Taking part in a regular exercise class provides socialization. Mobility issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family carer for a senior loved one living in Des Moines, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

5. Playing Video Games

Video games have been shown to boost activity in many regions of the brain. The visual area is triggered by looking at the colorful graphics. Fine motor skills are enhanced by using the controller or keyboard. Players must also use memory to make characters move in specific ways and perform various actions. Problem-solving skills and strategy are necessary to accomplish the tasks required to advance or win the game.

6. Walking

Walking is a no-cost activity that can be enjoyed indoors or outside, and it’s been known to increase gross motor skills and strength. Seniors with Parkinson’s feel less fatigued and enjoy enhanced gaits. The activity boosts cardiovascular health, which in turn provides nerve cells and neurons with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Walking with a friend or a loved one gives seniors with Parkinson’s the chance to socialize, which prevents isolation.

7. Working Puzzles

Whether a senior attempts to complete a jigsaw puzzle or a crossword puzzle, the activity is helpful for maintaining cognitive health. Along with stimulating the areas of the brain that govern visualization and fine motor skills, seniors must use memory, problem-solving skills, and strategy. Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an at-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

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