Adults need to stay busy in the senior years to prevent boredom and receive mental stimulation. There are many everyday activities your elderly parent can take up while living at home. Continue reading to find enjoyable activities for seniors and learn about the benefits they provide.
1. Gardening
Gardening can enhance vision, strengthen the hand muscles, trigger positive memories, and boost mood. It can also provide physical activity for older adults. One of the most significant benefits is growing many of the fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices your loved one uses in daily meals. As a result, your loved one can control his or her weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels better in the senior years.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Reading
The everyday activity of reading can boost cognitive and mental health in addition to short- and long-term memory. Seniors can choose new books or older stories they enjoyed in the past, and they can join local and online book clubs to make reading more of a social opportunity. Being a part of these groups allows your loved one to discuss books with other like-minded individuals, which could lower the risk of boredom and prevent isolation.
3. Walking
Elderly people need to stay physically active to stave off aches and pains, increase balance and flexibility, and lower the risk of falls. Your parent can walk around the neighborhood alone or ask his or her children, grandchildren, or friends to go on weekly walks together. Walking can boost heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as strokes and heart attacks. When walking, your loved one should always dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and avoid bad weather.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Rhode Island respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Cleaning
Handling everyday household chores like vacuuming, dusting, doing laundry, and organizing various rooms in the home can enhance your parent’s quality of life. The purposeful activities can keep your loved one busy and provide a sense of accomplishment. Cleaning around the house could also increase independence and allow your loved one to age in place longer.
5. Volunteering
During the retirement years, seniors can volunteer their time instead of committing to part-time or full-time work. While volunteering, your loved one can strengthen many skills, including communication, memory, and mobility. Volunteering can enhance cognitive health and stave off various conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, heart disease, and insomnia.
6. Grocery Shopping
Going out to the store a couple of times per week allows older adults to interact with people other than their caregivers. Seniors can search for healthy foods and enhance their cognitive skills by speaking with other shoppers and store workers. The interaction can boost communication skills and keep the memory sharp. Encourage your parent to go shopping during the week to avoid crowds and traffic.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Rhode Island senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979.