Leisure and Recreational Activities That Older People Will Love
Older people sometimes find themselves having little or nothing to do but care for themselves, whether they are living alone or staying in a nursing home. Without other activities to look forward to and enjoy, they lose their sense of purpose and tend to become depressed and disinterested in the events around them. They become inactive physically and mentally.
This is where caregivers can introduce leisure and recreational activities. Recreation provides stimulation, or the body's way of saying, "This is fun! I want to do this more often.” Enjoyable activities pump up happy hormones which improve mood, energy, and morale. With the right balance, it can also be a form of exercise for the body and mind.
Here are some smart ways caregivers can introduce leisure and recreation to older people:
1. Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities can be as simple as walking, or as physically demanding as tennis. The most important consideration when encouraging activities outside the home is their safety and level of activity. Usually, these permissions are discussed and written in the care plan, which caregivers must follow carefully.
A stroll in the garden with friends early in the morning and late in the afternoon is a refreshing way to reminisce and exercise their leg muscles. For socialization, how about scheduling a picnic where they share food and stories with friends or fellow residents?
2. Arts and crafts
Because older people love thinking about their family and the memorable moments they had with them, caregivers can help them make a photo album or scrapbook of fond memories. To encourage socialization, caregivers can also motivate them to decorate a room for an event.
3. Ballroom dancing
If you have the moves to invite dancers to the floor, you will not be disappointed in spreading good vibes with ballroom dancing. An appealing swing or waltz could lift everyone’s spirit and get them twirling around the room. That is physical exercise, anti-depression therapy, and an immune-boosting strategy all in one.
4. Karaoke and some Kenny Rogers, the Beatles, or Patti Page songs
A sure hit even if clients aren’t expert singers. A simple song contest will have everyone clapping their hands. The caregiver can pass the microphone around so that everyone gets a chance to showcase their talent.
5. Board and card games
These activities are all-time favorites and can be fun for everyone. Play Bingo or have them roll dice to finish a game. Let losers pose for a silly photo.
6. Introduce the internet and online games
Electronic gadgets could be a great way to entertain older people, if balanced with some form of physical exercise during the day. They can send and receive chat messages from friends and family or make video calls. Connecting with loved ones is just a click away. Games that are played on a mobile device or a tablet could also provide the mental stimulation they need.
7. Gentle Yoga
Yoga improves joint flexibility, respiration, balance, and mindfulness. It is also a great way to reduce blood pressure and anxiety. There are many yoga poses which are appropriate for older adults, such as chair yoga, where they sit on a chair while gently flexing their arms and hips in different positions.
Caregivers can help bring color to the lives of older adults by providing them with safe activities that they can enjoy on their own and with others. Leisure and recreation should always be on their to-do list.
