As people get older, they tend to have a difficult time finding healthy and enjoyable ways to fill their time. Changes in eyesight, fine motor control, and mobility can make engaging in former hobbies more difficult. Fortunately, there are still many ways for your senior loved one to get out, get involved, and stay healthy. Here are some healthy hobbies to look into.
Tai Chi
Tai chi classes are commonly held at local senior centers and community parks. This Eastern practice is a slow-moving form of exercise that engages every muscle in the body and evokes a sense of peace. Practicing tai chi can help your loved one develop better balance and flexibility, increase his or her strength, and get regular opportunities to socialize with others.Professional caregivers can help aging adults exercise at home in safety and comfort. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Des Moines Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Bowling
A senior bowling night at a nearby alley can be incredibly fun. In fact, aging adults who are adept at 10-pin games can even take part in local bowling leagues. More importantly, this activity can tone the muscles, relieve stress, and increase hand-eye coordination. If your loved one lacks the physical ability to send heavy bowling balls down the lanes, there’s also the option of playing lawn-based bowling or croquet.
Gardening
The act of nurturing live plants can be extremely rewarding. In addition to giving seniors the opportunity to grow natural foods that can be used in homemade meals, gardening can also burn a considerable amount of calories while increasing fine motor control. Best of all, gardening can be cathartic, so your loved one can use it as a daily form of stress relief.From gardening to managing basic household chores, seniors may need help with an array of tasks. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care.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 serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Bird-Watching
Bird-watching isn’t just for people who have extra time on their hands. It’s also a mentally stimulating activity that promotes the formation of new neural pathways in the brain, which can help seniors delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Your loved one can start exploring this hobby by scouting out bird species in the local area. As your loved one’s interest in this hobby progresses, he or she can also sign up for bird-watching tours with other seniors, which presents opportunities for making new friends, seeing new places, and heading out in search of more exotic avian species.
Swimming
Swimming is a highly competitive sport and even a form of art, but it also offers health benefits for the elderly. Though it involves whole body conditioning, swimming is also a low-impact exercise, which makes it very easy on senior joints and bones. Your loved one can build strength, burn calories, and indulge his or her competitive and artistic spirit.Pursuing healthy hobbies helps seniors retain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Des Moines families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Call Home Care Assistance at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
