Are you stranded on what activities you can engage senior people in? Well, I know it is quite a task to establish a definite activity that will benefit them without putting them to a risk of getting hurt or getting harmed. Worry no more. I have compiled a collection of activities that you can engage your elderly loved ones in without having to risk their lives.
As people get older, their mobility is restricted from medical condition like stroke and arthritis or an injury resulting from a fall. When this occurs, the activities they used to enjoy when they were in a healthy condition are now limited and they can not do them anymore. However, not all elderly people get affected by these conditions hence they can still enjoy their activities as before. Below is a list of all the activities which can be practised by senior people with a health condition and those without.
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Sports – activities to build the body
Senior Olympics – these are sports organized and governed by National senior games association who have a goal of promoting the health and lifestyle of the elderly people above the age of 50. You should encourage and train senior persons for senior Olympics as it a good exercise for their bodies. However, you should be careful and observe their health status before allowing them to engage in the activities as it might be strenuous
Dancing – dancing is among the most enjoyable activities anyone can partake in. most the elderly folks like socializing through dance sessions like Zumba, tap and many others. You can set aside dancing sessions for the seniors in a home care or if you have an elderly one in your home, you can sign them up for such sessions and ensure that they attend them consistently.
Swimming – this is the only non-weight bearing form of exercise that gets rid of the risk of accidents as a result of falls among elderly people. It strengthens the core muscles and advances the body posture. If done well under good supervision, it gets rid of the risk to cardiovascular diseases.
Games – activities that challenge the mind
Bingo – this is an interactive activity common among seniors where a game master will draw number and all the players will be required to create an identified pattern in their card of the numbers which will be announced. This game does not limit the number of players. Everyone can participate as long as they there are enough cards for the players
Scrabble – this is a word game that involves two or even more players. This is a strategic board game that tests one’s vocabulary skills and memory. This is a good way to keep elderly people’s minds active.
Monopoly – this is one of the oldest games that has ever existed. This is where one monopolist controls the game. It was well known in the 1930s and most seniors got addicted to playing this game.
Senior moments – this is aboard game that challenges memory strength. It is suitable for two to eight players. The game is played by players by memorizing a list from a game’s booklet then one is required to recall it correctly. This is a great training for memory strength for elderly people.
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Activities that sharpen the mind – puzzles
Sudoku – sudoku is a well known logic game that sharpens skills for solving problems. Although it is composed of various numbers, it does not require arithmetic or arithmetic skills. You are only required to come up with a pattern that you can fill out the right set of numbers in the empty boxes of that game. It has been popularized in the past years and has become very specialized even narrowing down to puzzles meant for older people.
Crossword – this is another mind challenging game which was first started in magazines and newspapers. It is common among many seniors because it became popular in the 1950s. Providing seniors with various crossword puzzles will fine tune their thinking skills and keep their minds sharp and active.
Jigsaw – there are jigsaws mainly meant for seniors. They are larger than the normal jigsaw and the elderly ones will find them better in case their vision is a bit blurry. Assembling jigsaws instills one with skills of problem solving as they try to figure out the right jigsaw which will fit into the specific part. This video explains on how to assemble a jigsaw.
Activities Which Promote Creativity – Art And Craft
Painting – having painting activities is a good redirection activity for seniors. It is a good way of expressing thoughts and emotions. It also aids in boosting their eye-to-hand coordination and improving their confidence. The painting activities which can be done by seniors include watercolor, oil painting and acrylic.
Mosaic – most senior have fun when coming up with mosaics out of flower pots, tiles, eggshells and other tiny elements. Eye and hand dexterity is very key for this activity. It shapes creativity and imagination skills as they mae colorful items out of assembled parts of art
Scrapbook – Giving this to seniors is like taking them back to memory lane as this is a creative and fun activity where one can document memories immortalized in memorabilia pieces and photographs. It exercises the mind well as the seniors will be able to remember vital moments in their lives.
The above highlighted activities are very essential for a elderly and planning one for them can go a long way in exercising their minds and body and even making them more creative during their free time. However, there are a number of factors you should put in place when engaging the elderly in these activities. They include sense of cooperation, physical tolerance and interests. Despite that elderly people are not as energetic as young people, they need an opportunity to have fun and engage in activities. If you found this information helpful, share it with a friend or two and implement it in your home care for the elderly.
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