According to the latest reports, one in three older adults in the United States is struggling with feelings of loneliness.
Do you think your elderly loved one could be feeling this way? If they’re spending a lot of time at home by themselves without much entertainment, there’s a good chance the answer is yes.
One of the best ways to combat loneliness and bust boredom for seniors is to find some activities that they can engage in with fellow seniors or that you can do together.
Listed below are some fun senior activities that are perfect for keeping your loved ones entertained and free from feeling lonely.
Importance of Activities for Seniors
Regular activity — preferably activity that involves other people — is essential for seniors who want to avoid loneliness and maintain their health as they age.
Activities help seniors to meet people their own age and continue socializing. This is key for warding off mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
They also help to stimulate the brain. This is essential for reducing cognitive decline, especially in seniors who are starting to show signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Regular activity is great for seniors’ physical health, too. It helps to keep them physically active. Regular physical activity, in turn, helps to strengthen the immune system and promotes a better night’s sleep.
When all their needs are met through participation in frequent activities, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life and even a longer lifespan.
Top 6 Senior Activities
Clearly, regular activity is a must for seniors who want to remain physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. Here are seven great activities that are perfect for older adults:
1. Exercise Classes
Many seniors are under the impression that exercise is not necessary for them. Some also think that exercising is dangerous and can increase their injury risk.
The truth, though, is that everyone needs to be exercising regularly, regardless of their age. Furthermore, exercise is only dangerous if it’s done under improper conditions or without the assistance of a trained professional.
This is why exercise classes are so great.
They’re taught by trained fitness professionals, so seniors can get the guidance and support they need to stay safe. Exercise classes also give seniors opportunities to socialize while also working on their strength and stamina.
Check in your loved one’s area for group fitness classes geared toward seniors. If they’re not able to leave the house to make it to these classes, you can bring the classes to them with online workout videos.
2. Art Classes
Art classes provide seniors with opportunities to get their creative juices flowing and create memorable keepsakes. There are tons of art classes available for seniors that teach everything from drawing and painting to sculpting.
For seniors who aren’t able to leave the house to attend an art class, there are lots of kits out there that allow them to make their own art projects from the comfort of their own home.
Maybe you and your loved one can have a regular craft night where you work together to create something new for their home.
3. Games and Puzzles
Games are a great option for seniors who want to kick up their heels and have a little more fun in their lives.
Many senior centers provide older adults with access to tons of board games. They also often host game nights where seniors can play large group games like Bingo.
Don’t underestimate seniors’ ability to learn to play video games, either. Many seniors love to play games like Tetris or interactive Wii games. There may be a bit of a learning curve initially, but they’ll soon learn the ropes.
4. Music Classes
You’re never too old to learn something new.
If your loved one has been wanting to learn to play an instrument, now is the perfect time to start. Attending a regular music class is a great opportunity for them to spend time with their peers while also picking up a new skill.
Even if your loved one has experience with a particular instrument, they may still enjoy attending music classes for the social aspect. Perhaps they could even teach a class to other folks who want to learn!
5. Gardening
Your loved one might not be able to kneel down in the dirt and plant flowers or herbs anymore. That doesn’t mean they can’t still grow a garden, though.
There are lots of gardening classes out there that will allow your loved one to socialize while also giving them the tools they need to put together their own planter box or grow a potted plant.
They can also work with you or a home care aid to grow and tend to some small plants indoors.
6. Bird Watching
Spending time outside is very important for people of all ages, but especially seniors.
Seniors may have a hard time getting outside on their own, so it can be helpful to schedule time throughout their week for them to get out and breathe in some fresh air.
If your loved one needs a little more stimulation once they get outside, bird watching is a fun activity for them to try. They’ll love trying to spot new birds and learning about what makes them unique.
Learn More About Senior Care Today
As you can see, regular participation in senior activities plays a key role in helping older adults to stay engaged and entertained.
If you want to help your loved one to enjoy their golden years and avoid feeling lonely or depressed, encourage them to give one (or more) of these activities a try today.
Do you think your loved one could use some additional care? Maybe they need more companionship than you can provide them?
If this is the case for your loved one, you may want to consider hiring a home care aid to help out.
Contact us at Families Choice Home Care today to learn more about our services and see if we’re a good fit for the senior in your life.
