
There are many activities seniors with Parkinson’s might enjoy that are emotionally, mentally, and physically beneficial. The therapeutic effects also include symptom reduction and slowing of the disorder’s progression. In the long run, seniors experience better quality of life.
1. Art
Coloring, drawing, and painting are ideal activities to strengthen the fine motor skills in the hands. Completed projects also boost self-confidence and provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Adult coloring books and pages are readily available and can be completed with crayons, colored pencils, or water-based markers. A simple pad of paper and a pencil are all the tools needed to sketch. Paintbrushes and acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints are available in sets.
2. Exercise
Occupational and physical therapists routinely recommend that seniors with Parkinson’s regularly engage in some type of physical exercise. Different types of physical movement enhance balance, coordination, flexibility, and mobility. Seniors also often experience a reduction in fatigue, soreness, and stiffness after exercising. The workouts encourage the release of dopamine and other mood-elevating hormones, and seniors also benefit from enhanced cardiovascular health and cognitive function. Some of the many exercise regimens seniors with Parkinson’s might want to consider include cycling, swimming, and walking.
Mobility issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver 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.
3. Music
Listening to music has calming effects. The body relaxes, which eases stiffness while minimizing tremors and spasms. Moving to the music by dancing enhances balance, coordination, and posture. Seniors with Parkinson’s might also want to consider attending concerts with friends and family, which prevents isolation.
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, a home care service 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.
4. Singing
As Parkinson’s progresses, seniors may have greater difficulty speaking and swallowing. Singing is an ideal means of strengthening the facial, oral, and throat muscles to maintain quality and strength in these areas. By regularly exercising the voice through singing, older adults can minimize vocal tremors. Family members should encourage their loved ones to sing some of their favorite songs at least every other day. The more often they sing, the greater the benefit. Families might also want to consider hosting a karaoke night and let all join in to make the occasion more fun.
5. Writing
Keeping a journal is a great way for seniors with Parkinson’s to express their thoughts and feelings while reducing negative emotions. While engaged in writing, seniors are focused on the task at hand and not thinking about what the future might hold. They can start journals using basic notebooks and pens, which also promotes fine motor skills. Large, easy-grip pens are also available. Keeping a journal on a laptop or a desktop computer is another option. Some seniors might enjoy creating short stories or poems, which can also serve as a means of self-expression.
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 elderly 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. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (515) 264-2438 today.