Better Living Author March 9, 2019
Our elderly loved ones need to be stimulated physically, mentally and socially to enhance their quality of life and lead them to a successful aging. How do we promote their well-being? We can achieve doing so by engaging them in leisure activities. Participating in these type of activities can enhance social relationships and improve memory, as well as restore strength and mobility.
According to studies, social interaction and activities are one of the best defenses against dementia and functional decline. It can also prevent depression and social isolation.
Initially, you must choose activities that you both enjoy. You then have to consider the physical and cognitive demands of these activities. After careful consideration, you will be able to determine the type of activities best suitable for them.
If you’d like to spend time with your elderly loved ones but unsure what activities are best, we’ve got some suggestions for you.
Participate in water aerobics classes. It is important for the elderly to keep active and mobile. By utilizing aquatic exercise, they become more active, healthy and independent. Water aerobics is one of the best non-impact fitness activities out there. You can spend fun time with your elderly loved ones in the water, also strengthening each other’s physical health.
Get creative, do arts and crafts together, whether it’s learning a new craft or continuing a hobby. Activities like painting, clay modeling, knitting and so much more. It can reignite their vitality. You can also create a scrapbook, wherein you put all your favorite life memories together. It is a fun opportunity to socialize and connect.
Consider games and puzzles like Uno, Scrabble, Monopoly, Dominoes and Poker with the whole family. These games provide great ways to socialize and help sharpen their minds. It also gives them a sense of progress and accomplishment. Assemble jigsaw puzzles together. You can help them improve their problem-solving skills.
Make delicious snacks. Consider frosting cookies or baking brownies or bread. Get them to help out from kneading the dough to laying out the table. This increases the feeling of being productive and purposeful. There are lots of cooking-related activities you both can enjoy.
Organize outdoor activities with your aging loved ones such as gardening, walking in parks, kite flying even bird-watching. Breathing fresh air and getting a little exercise can do wonders for them. You can also bring them to different excursions. Many great options exist like theme parks, carnivals, art shows and wineries. Go on trips for some fun and excitement.
At Better Living Home Care Services, we will help you create a plan suitable for you individualized goals. We offer home care services ranging from personal care, respite care, senior transportation services to end of life care. Call our Access Care Coordinator at (604) 765-1827 to see what your options are.
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