An active lifestyle plays a major role in both physical and mental health, and this is especially true of the aging population. Generally, seniors who maintain an active lifestyle are healthier and happier compared to those who don’t. But what does being ‘active’ actually mean? Does it only mean physical, or are there any other aspects to it?
This article will answer those questions and more! We will walk you through the benefits of activity, what sort of activities for seniors are considered ‘active’, and how you can help your loved ones implement activities in their lives.
Benefits of Engaging Activities for Seniors
Before we jump into creating engaging activities for seniors, we will first explain three crucial benefits of implementing them:
1. Physical health
First, by being active physically through exercises (without overexerting, of course), your loved one can improve mobility, strength, and coordination and maintain independence. Also, when exercising regularly, your loved one’s balance can be improved, and the risk of falls can be reduced by as much as 23%.
2. Mental Health
Engaging in mental activities for seniors, like playing sudoku, crosswords, or memory games, requires your loved one to think. This, in turn, activates the frontal part of the brain (the part responsible for executive function) and stimulates its neurons to form new connections. With better cognitive functions, your loved one can better approach daily challenges.
3. Emotional health
Though it seems counterintuitive, being active can help produce the endorphins (a hormone known for its role in happiness) that prevent your loved one from feeling depressed or anxious while also combating any pain associated with health issues that come with aging. Living an active lifestyle can also help your loved one feel energized and sleep better.
Types of Engaging Activities for Seniors at Home
Being ‘active’ does not mean only physical activity (especially not in the sense of exercising rigorously). Activities that involve the body and mind are all considered ‘active’.
Physical Activities
There are a lot of gentle exercises like chair yoga and simple stretches that can improve your loved one’s muscle strength, balance, and flexibility.
These days, more experts are recommending resistance training as an optimal strategy to combat muscle wasting in seniors. The easiest way to do this exercise is using a resistance band at home.
If these physical activities are too challenging for your loved one to do, don’t worry. Sometimes, the best activities for seniors are simply to get out of the house for a leisurely walk around the block or park. There are a lot of health benefits of getting outdoors, from vitamin D for bone health to the relaxing nature of the outdoors.
Cognitive Activities
Puzzle games, like crosswords and sudoku, are known for their cognitive benefits since they engage the brain area responsible for solving problems.
Another activity for seniors your loved one can do is by playing matching cards or classic card games like ‘Go Fish.’ These activities can be done together with the caregiver, family, or friends from the community, fostering social interactions crucial for your aging loved one.
Social Activities
Humans are social beings. That being said, everyone, including your senior loved one, needs to be connected with others.
Storytelling sessions between generations can make your loved one feel heard. The key to better communication with seniors is to be patient and remember how you want to be heard when you’re older.
For those lucky enough to live nearby, embrace every second of your moments with your loved one. As for those far away, technology has made it easier to have conversations with one another through video calls or group chats, and our team has just the right tips to succeed in your long-distance caregiving journey.
Tips for Implementing Activities in Home Care
1. Create a Routine
You may have heard this advice a million times, but the key is to show up every day. To reap the benefits of these activities for seniors, make them a habit. Otherwise, these activities won’t effectively improve your loved one’s health and well-being.
2. Encourage Participation
Your job is to encourage your loved one to keep trying the activities. As your loved one gets the hang of these activities, they will be easier to do and the results will be worth it!
3. Adapt Activities as Needed
There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all solutions in caregiving. So, as a caregiver, your job is to learn what activities work and which don’t.
Remember that you’re dealing with someone who may have some limitations due to physical and cognitive decline. If your loved one doesn’t feel like going for a walk, change to something else, like listening to calming music while putting a puzzle together.
End Note
Through engaging activities for seniors, you can help your loved one live a healthy and meaningful life. Remember, the key is to be consistent but flexible and encouraging but understanding.
Sunny Days In-Home Care Carolinas’ professional caregivers are here to ensure that your loved one can live an active life safely and comfortably. Contact us today to learn how we can help!
