There are many things to do with elderly people to keep them entertained and not lonely. Check out these activities by clicking here.
It’s common for seniors to experience isolation, anxiety, and depression as they age. These feelings of depression can even be more severe for the elderly.
There are many prevention techniques to help keep boredom and loneliness at bay. These ideas boost mental and physical activity for better health and wellbeing. They also offer opportunities for entertainment and socialization to increase engagement.
Here are 9 creative and entertaining things to do with elderly loved ones.
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Take a Cooking Class
Experimenting with baking and trying new recipes is a delicious and exciting activity. You can either sign up for a cooking class together or host your own class right from the comfort of your kitchen. This is easy to do by setting up an online tutorial on an iPad.
It’s best to focus on fresh and healthy recipes, with nutrient-dense foods. You can make a full day of it, with a trip to the local farmer’s market for fresh ingredients.
Another fun idea is to try seasonal or holiday recipes to feel more festive. You can also incorporate different cuisine styles from around the world.
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Get Involved in the Community
Community events offer many things to do with parents who live nearby. Seniors may enjoy attending productions at theaters or concert halls in the area. They can partake in charities, festivals, and workshops as well.
Volunteering in the community also creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Many local schools, theaters, and art galleries offer volunteer opportunities for the elderly.
Getting involved in clubs and organizations is another great idea for staying social. This gives them a chance to connect with others and make new friends.
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Go on a Nature Walk
A daily walk is one of the best things for seniors to do. It helps them to stay active and lets them get out of the house or living facility.
Walking outdoors provides fresh air, sunshine, and a change of scenery. Take them for a walk around a local park, lake, or beach.
You can collect shells along the shore or go on an easy-level hiking trail. Other outdoor activities to try together include canoeing or cycling.
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Join a Book Club
Book clubs are ideal for sharpening the mind and encouraging communication. It’s easy to start up a book club by asking friends or family members to join in.
Be sure to select books that appeal to all generations so the readers stay engaged. Then get together for weekly meetings to discuss opinions on the reading.
You can also serve appetizers and beverages for the group. Choose new locations for your meetups, like a coffeehouse or someone’s home. This changes the scenery and will keep the meetings more entertaining.
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Start a New Hobby
A happy old person often enjoys many hobbies to keep them entertained in their spare time. Art and crafts, like pottery, painting, and jewelry-making are all great ideas for seniors. They may also want to take a sewing or photography class.
Scrapbooking is another engaging hobby for spurring creativity. This activity helps them to go through old memories and piece together parts of their past. These moments of reflection will bring about happiness and memories they cherish.
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Create an Exercise Routine
An elderly person can benefit from a group workout class or an at-home exercise routine. A weekly workout is good for their health as well as your own. Only 10 minutes of exercise each week may even prolong their life.
Exercise lowers the risk of many diseases, like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It helps increase flexibility, balance, and coordination. Certain exercises can promote better mental health and relaxation.
There are many low-impact exercises for seniors to try. These include yoga, swimming, or working out with resistance bands.
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Build a Beautiful Garden
Gardening is a great activity for seniors, benefitting their mental and physical wellbeing. Create a garden together so they can plant and care for different types of flowers.
Then you can fill their home or room with fresh bouquets of flowers. Another idea is to build a vegetable garden. Here you can grow fresh produce together to use in new recipes.
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Teach Them About Technology
The latest technology trends to create some confusion for older people. Taking the time to teach them about technology can be helpful and enjoyable.
The best computer for elderly parents can help connect them to the digital world. Then they can stay in touch with family members through social networking sites.
They may also have fun playing video games. Wii Fit makes it easy for them to enjoy golf, tennis, and bowling.
Online games work to help challenge their minds. They may enjoy playing the lonely things game or other adventure or puzzle games.
Getting them an iPod is another idea. Then they can make their own music playlists. Music therapy techniques are helpful for connecting with the elderly. Encourage them to clap, sing, and dance along to their favorite songs.
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Learn a New Language
You’re never too old to expand your education. Activities that promote mental stimulation can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Learning a language is something you can do together. Let them select a language they have always wanted to learn. Then hold weekly practices to study it.
You can use books from the library or online resources. Language learning software is also helpful, like Rosetta Stone. They may even be interested in attending a language class at a local college.
Challenging activities like these are great things to do with elderly people. Helping the elderly this way ensures their mind stays sharp and focused.
The Best Things to Do with Elderly Loved Ones
These 9 things to do with elderly people help to keep their minds and bodies engaged. These activities benefit their health and wellbeing while providing entertainment. They can even help to lower the risk of developing certain diseases.
Looking for more ways to enhance one’s livelihood? Check out the health section of our blog for the latest tips and advice.
