Seniors today like to go on adventures, stimulate their minds, and learn new things. Dump bingo and try some of these fun activities to do with seniors.
Group Exercise Classes
Group exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and even light Zumba are fun and social activities that can improve flexibility and balance, essential in preventing falls among seniors.
Wii Sports
Nintendo Wii’s interactive console games are an excellent way for seniors to remain active without the heightened risk of injury.
Walking Clubs
Walking around the community is an excellent way for seniors to remain active. Walking in groups has added benefits. Some communities even provide transportation so that walking club members can walk through a nearby trail or park.
Gardening Clubs
Gardening is another great way for seniors to go outside, enjoy the sunlight, and remain active. Plus, gardening is a good way for seniors to reap the benefits of their labor by getting fruits or flowers when their plants are ready.
Book Clubs
If a senior enjoys reading, they’d likely appreciate the opportunity to share their opinions about a book with others. Book clubs are great to support seniors’ efforts to stay mentally alert and in touch with the world and add a social benefit to seniors’ lives.
Life Story Exercises
A very meaningful activity for seniors is capturing their unique life stories. They can do this either in written form or by gathering photos and mementos in a scrapbook.
Lectures and Classes
Expanding knowledge is a great way to stay mentally alert and engaged. This is especially true for seniors who can benefit greatly from education courses.
Art Classes
Watercolor, acrylic painting, drawing, and sketching are great ways for seniors to engage in artistic expression. Expressing their creative talent in a group setting can be a great way to engage with others and while adding the social element to a senior’s life.
Field Trips and Excursions
No one enjoys spending all their time at home. This is no different for seniors. The best senior living communities offer special trips and excursions to local attractions like museums, symphonies, art galleries, and nature preserves. Some communities even partner with community service organizations and local charities to help seniors volunteer and give back to their communities, which allows them find purpose.
Jewelry Making
Making jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets is a fun craft that can help seniors refind their fine motor skills while providing an outlet for their creativity. Plus, seniors can wear the jewelry they make, gift it to loved ones, or even sell it.
Live Music
Some senior living communities offer live music, which includes concerts featuring local artists.
Music Therapy
Music can undeniably have healing capabilities, especially for those who have dementia. Some assisted living communities to bring in trained music therapists and provide small-group cognitive stimulation. If your loved one’s community doesn’t offer this, there are other options to help provide this for them, such as private music therapy.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy programs that bring dogs in to snuggle with seniors can have many benefits. Spending time with animals can even improve a senior’s mental and physical health.
Spa Days and Self Care
It’s widely accepted that self-care is essential. This doesn’t change during one’s senior years. Seniors can benefit from haircuts, manicures, and skin treatments.
Make Sure Your Loved Ones Get the Best Care Possible
While many of these activities may be provided by assisted living facilities, not all facilities offer certain activities. If you have time, it’s a good idea to engage in some of these activities with the seniors in your life. At Nevada Adult Day Health Care, we have programs to provide some activities to help with seniors’ memory, mental stimulation, and stress relief. Contact us to find out more.
