Home care takes away seniors’ independence – this myth has been around for far too long. This time we are going to address it by showing how you can keep seniors active & engaged even when they are receiving home care.
Families can significantly enhance seniors’ mental and social well-being by adjusting activities to their interests and preferences. When activities are based on what they genuinely enjoy, seniors are more likely to stay active, happy, and engaged.
We have gathered all the activities on one page so you can start implementing them right away!
How To Keep an Elderly Person Active & Engaged?
Knowing where to start and which activities to pick can be confusing. To give you a head start, we’ve discussed three steps that will help you narrow down your options.
- Stimulate their senses by introducing familiar scents (familiar aromas or scents connected to positive memories), different textures (different exercises such as gardening, or textured balls for light exercises), and vibrant visuals (keep their surroundings visually appealing)
- Involve them in their daily self-care routines ( brushing, dressing) letting them take the lead where they can.
- Get them involved in meal prep, whether it’s choosing ingredients, stirring a pot, or simply setting the table.
Activities To Do:
Try incorporating these activities into their daily routine and see how they can make a positive difference in their day-to-day life.
1. Light Physical Activities:
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining mobility, strength, and overall health. Depending on senior health condition( if they don’t have any doctor restrictions), seniors can engage in various light exercises:
Walking:
Daily walks around the neighborhood or in a nearby park are great for both physical activity and social interaction. Walking after Fajar prayer, in particular, not only offers physical benefits but also helps boost overall mood, making you feel more positive and happier. Make it a routine, and try to join them on these walks. Remember, it’s not solely the caregiver’s responsibility; walking with them can foster a deeper emotional connection.
Yoga:
Simple stretching exercises or gentle yoga routines can be done at home to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. So, gentle chair or sofa yoga is another way to gain multiple health benefits such as improved sleep, balance, and stamina, and keeps your mind sharp.
Stretching:
Stretching might not sound like a big deal, but it helps relax muscle tension which often builds up from sitting in one place for too long. This is often the case for seniors who might not have much to do and end up lying down or watching TV a lot. The great thing about stretching is that it can be done anytime! If they stretch in the morning, it can help energize their body for the day. If they do it in the evening, it’s perfect for winding down and getting ready for a good night’s sleep.
Gardening:
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening can be both physically and mentally stimulating. Watching the plants they have sown grow can give them a sense of purpose and add meaning to their life. Moreover, it helps lower your blood pressure, improves mobility, and boost immunity.
Home Chores:
Try involving them in light household chores, such as folding laundry or helping out in the kitchen. This can be especially beneficial for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as it helps them feel valued and keeps their minds active, preventing idle or negative thoughts.
If there are no restrictions from the doctor, encourage them to walk to the masjid (if it’s within a feasible distance) for namaz. This allows them to interact with neighbors and other seniors, allowing them to chat and lighten their mental load after prayer. Plus, attending Namaz five times a day naturally creates a routine. This way, you and your loved one won’t need to go through the extra hassle of scheduling separate time for walks or physical activity.
2. Fulfill Their Requests:
My grandfather has multiple health issues, including lung and heart disease, and he underwent knee replacement surgery a while back. Now, he wanted us to get him pigeons, as he used to keep them when he was healthier and more mobile. We didn’t argue and got him a pair of pigeons. But as time passed, he couldn’t take care of them anymore and eventually asked us to give them away.
The takeaway here is to listen to them. If they specifically ask for a pet or something that reminds them of their past, try to fulfill that request. You can also recreate or rearrange something they once loved. This can bring them happiness and keep them active, making them feel like no illness has touched them.
3. Involve Them in Daily Decisions:
Involve seniors in making decisions about their care and daily routine. This makes them feel respected and valued. Discuss meal plans, daily activities, and hobbies to ensure they have a say in how they spend their time. Moreover, engage them in their medical decision-making process to make the care more personalized.
4. Plan Small Family Gatherings:
Arrange a get-together with some of their old friends or people they’ve known for years—it’s a great way to bring back happy memories. Also, when you can, include them in family gatherings. Even something simple like a casual lunch at home can offer the social connection they need.
For seniors with dietary restrictions or specific health needs, try planning small, health-conscious gatherings. When inviting friends or family over, you can prepare meals that fit their dietary needs, like low-sugar or heart-healthy dishes. That way, everyone can enjoy the meal together without worrying about their health concerns.
5. Play Games:
Games like UNO, carrom, puzzles, and other board games create a fun, interactive environment for the whole family. So, while enjoying your evening tea, try playing these games to create a positive and relaxing atmosphere at home. These games improve short-term memory and reduce risks of cognitive decline.
We all have some pastel colors or even just colored pencils lying around, right? So, next time you’re all sitting together, try having a fun painting or drawing challenge. It’s sure to be full of laughter!
I have lived in a joint family system from the start. One Eid, we played the whispering game, and it had everyone laughing nonstop.
Read More: 8 Free Online Brain Games for Seniors
6. Help Them Embrace Technology:
Teach them how to use mobile phones, make video calls, and handle other tech-related tasks. This way, they can set alarms and reminders for themselves, helping them stay more in control of their daily routines. They’ll also be able to watch their favorite videos and shows whenever they want, giving them more freedom to do what they enjoy.
Find Out More About Us:
Discover how we provide compassionate, personalized care to help seniors live independently and comfortably at home.
Final Thoughts:
Remember,
Maintaining your loved one health and overall well-being will always be a two-way street.
All these social interactions, fun activities, and games will benefit their mental health, keeping their minds sharp and boosting their physical health. Whether your loved one requires light home care or has more significant health restrictions. The goal is to modify activities to their abilities and interests while being mindful of any physical or medical limitations they may have. The essence of staying active doesn’t always mean physical exertion; it’s also about keeping the mind and spirit lively and engaged.
FAQ’s
1. What activities can I do with a senior who is bedridden?
Activities such as reading aloud, listening to music, watching movies, engaging in conversation, or doing simple hand exercises like squeezing stress balls can be enjoyable for someone who is bedridden.
2. Can social activities benefit seniors with chronic health conditions?
Yes, social engagement can positively impact mental and emotional health, reduce stress, and provide a sense of belonging, which is beneficial for seniors with chronic conditions.
3. How do religious activities benefit seniors’ mental health?
Religious activities, such as prayer, Quran recitation, and listening to Islamic lectures, provide spiritual comfort and a sense of belonging, which can significantly benefit seniors’ mental health.
4. How can pets benefit seniors with limited mobility?
Pets can provide companionship, reduce loneliness, and give seniors a sense of responsibility. Even if they can’t care for the pet fully, just having one around can bring emotional comfort.
5. Can technology help keep seniors entertained?
Yes, technology can be a great tool for entertainment! Tablets and smartphones allow them to play games, video chat with loved ones, watch shows, or listen to audiobooks and music. Just ensure they are comfortable using the devices.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
