Activity plays an absolutely essential role in keeping seniors healthy and well-adjusted. Studies have shown that regular physical and mental exercise can lower the risk of stroke, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, dementia, and other serious conditions.This is not surprising news. People of all ages benefit from moving their bodies and engaging their minds in a variety of ways every day. The trick is to keep coming up with different activities.
Even the most creative caretaker needs a little inspiration now and then, so the team here at BrightStar Care has put together this list of simple activities to keep seniors engaged.
Walking
Whether it’s up and down the block or around a park, the combination of movement, fresh air, and nature’s beauty can be restorative for the body and the mind. Seniors with all degrees of mobility can benefit from daily walks, whether you are assisting them or just serving as a companion.Gardening
Speaking of nature, the benefits of gardening for seniors are almost too numerous to list! It relieves stress, boosts the immune system, and can also be a great form of exercise. Working in the soil can even help treat depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.Reading
While this activity certainly can be done in the privacy of one’s own home — and it’s easier to discuss a book in that setting — a trip to the library can be a real adventure. Whether you prefer to delve into old classics or look for the newest, hottest books on the shelves, encouraging seniors to read or reading to them is an extremely easy way to stimulate their mind, jog their memory, and relieve their stress.Scrapbooking
One of the great pleasures in growing older is reminiscing about all the wonderful moments in our lives. Seniors have amazing stories to tell about where they’ve been and what they’ve experienced. Dig out the old pictures and have them describe or write out what was happening in each one. Have copies made of photos, and together, you can build them into a special scrapbook. This isn’t just a great activity to pass the time and engage the mind, but the finished scrapbook can be given as a gift to younger family members.Listening to Music
Music is a universal language that bridges all divides, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to relate to each other. It can be an especially effective tool for keeping seniors healthy and happy, especially those who have trouble communicating or find physical activity too challenging.Check out this infographic for just a few of the many benefits of music therapy for seniors.
For more ideas to keep elderly loved ones active and engaged, or to enlist help with caretaking duties, contact the team at BrightStar Care today. We offer companion care, personal care, skilled nursing care, and more, and we have the experience and compassion necessary to serve seniors with all types of needs and challenges.