There are so many different types of activities seniors can try, but they won’t necessarily like all of them. What makes a big difference is to try things that are already connected to interests seniors have. Personalizing these activities makes them more meaningful for seniors, helping them enjoy them more and encouraging participation.
It’s not easy to go from not being very involved to suddenly having an extremely full calendar. That’s why it’s a great idea for family caregivers to encourage seniors to start out with one or two activities a week they’re interested in trying. As they adapt, they can add more. Gradually becoming more involved in the activities they enjoy helps seniors see their progress and feel more accomplished.
One big reason to find more activities to engage in is the social component. Seniors might try group activities and classes or they might try activities at home with support from elder care providers. Social engagement makes life more enjoyable overall, because it provides seniors with a sense of belonging to the world around them.
Every activity doesn’t have to be a physical one, but finding ways to help seniors move more during the day is always a great idea. Gentle exercise that is built into daily activities, like walking a little more, can help to boost energy and improve mood. If seniors do want to be even more physically active, they should clear that movement plan with their doctors.
When seniors don’t have choices, they tend to feel as if their lives are out of their own control. They may not be able to control health issues, but they should have control in every area of life that does offer them choices. There’s nothing wrong with picking up and trying a variety of activities and then putting them down again. It’s all part of finding the right fit.
Routines offer structure and support that seniors often need. They also help seniors to make sure they do all of the things that they need and want to do. It’s easier to establish solid routines with the help of senior home care providers. They have experience helping older adults find their groove.
Lots of times, seniors are more apt to get involved in certain activities if friends and family are joining in, too. There’s a social component involved, but it’s also an opportunity to spend more time with the people seniors love. Whenever possible, finding joint activities like movie nights, dinners, or game nights can have benefits for everyone involved.
Senior home care providers can offer so much support to seniors in all areas of life from nutrition to hands-on assistance. But they can also help seniors to adopt routines that make it easier to find activities they enjoy, too.
Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-truth-about-exercise-aging
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/best-exercises-senior-citizens
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Brooklyn, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 646-480-6266
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