Mental activity is just as important for health as physical activity. The right pastimes can help seniors stay sharp and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. What are some good activities for seniors? Caregivers can use these tips to plan fun entertainment for their senior loved ones.
Ask What They Want to Get from the Activity
A good starting point when planning activities is thinking about the needs an activity should fulfill. Does your loved one want something to pass the time, or is he or she mostly interested in making new friends? Is your loved one trying to stimulate his or her mind by learning something new or hoping to become more physically fit? Figuring out the answer to these questions can help you decide which activities are best for your parent.
Consider Hobbies
It’s important to remember every senior is different, so something one senior enjoys might be incredibly boring for another. Tailor activities to suit your loved one by thinking about his or her past interests and hobbies. For example, a senior who loves listening to music might be interested in learning to play an instrument, while someone who likes to watch cooking shows might want to try his or her hand at baking.
In-home caregivers can help aging adults enjoy activities at home safely. Homecare agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Avoid Childish Activities
Even if your loved one has mobility issues, dementia, or other health conditions that make it difficult to plan activities, try to avoid doing anything too childish. Activities of this nature can make seniors feel like they’re being patronized, and the frustration might be enough to keep them from enjoying the activity. Fortunately, it’s easy to customize all sorts of activities for seniors. Something like an adult coloring book or a puzzle depicting a piece of fine art can make the activity feel more mature.
Plan Activities for a Broad Age Group
Though senior-only activities can be a great way of addressing senior-specific needs, many older adults prefer activities that target a wider age range. Spending time with people of all ages can provide new perspectives and memorable conversations. Consider getting the whole family together for a movie night or using the internet to arrange a local all-ages meetup to hike or visit a museum.
For families living in Miami, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Select Activities with the Potential for Advancement
An activity can become a way to introduce your loved one to a new hobby or skill. The most rewarding activities tend to be ones that offer seniors the chance to repeatedly do the activity as they advance in skill. Things like painting, playing music, dancing, swimming, and crafting can turn from a single-time activity into a new passion your loved one spends a lot of time focusing on, which can provide a sense of pride and self-confidence as he or she gradually masters the activity.
Miami Beach at-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (305) 564-6251.
