Seniors should be out and about, having fun and enjoying their lives. However, this is not always easy as many seniors have a fear of falling. This fear can lead to a life that is housebound and lonely. A lot of seniors are so paranoid that they will not leave their homes.
It’s understandable: falls can lead to brain injuries, broken bones and bruises.
Activities for seniors do not have to be scary. Seniors can have fun, stay safe and also help increase their mobility (depending on the activity) through the fun activities that we’ve outlined below.
What are a few fun activities for seniors with limited mobility?
1. Water Aerobics
Water aerobics are a great way to stay in shape and stay active as a senior. This is one of the activities for seniors that can be done in a group setting to further promote socialization. But there’s no stopping a senior from entering into a local pool and going for a swim.
Water aerobics offer a low-impact exercise that keeps pain and strain away from the person’s joints.
If a senior has arthritis, warm water can also ease the pain while reducing overall swelling in the body. It’s always a good idea to check with a physician before going in the pool. Your local YMCA may offer this fun way to stay active.
When a senior engages in water aerobics, they’ll be engaging in an activity that can help with:
- Weight management and loss
- Muscle toning
- Improved circulation
- Heart health
The buoyancy of the water can also help a fearful senior eliminate their fear of walking due to a higher level of support.
2. Chair Yoga
Yoga is versatile, and it is one of the activities for seniors that can be used for tailbone pain, muscle tightness, stiffness and an array of other issues. Chair yoga is meant to be for the senior who lacks proper mobility and balance.
But don’t think that you’ll be sitting in one place the entire time.
Chair yoga can help you build up a sweat and start burning calories while improving range of motion, strengthening bones and muscles, and also alleviating pain. Yoga has also been shown to work for stress reduction – something a lot of seniors need.
Gentle chair yoga can be done in 30-minute sessions, and there are ample free YouTube videos available that will guide you through this gentle yoga practice. Classes in your area may also incorporate chair yoga and will be a great place to meet new friends and become part of the community.
3. Learning a New Language
Learning a language is fun because it allows seniors to be able to meet a world of new people. When you speak another language, it opens the doors to new friends and cultures like never before.
And there are often language learning classes at local colleges that seniors can take.
You also have the option of using italki.com or hiring a local tutor that can help you learn the language. When anyone learns a language, it’s a great exercise for the brain. Language learning has been shown to improve cognition and keeps the brain young.
The Gerontological Society of America further claims that socialization can help improve a person’s well-being, and to properly learn a language, you must socialize with others to be able to speak it.
Language-learning can also expose seniors to new:
- Music
- Friends
- Movies
- Television
- News channels
4. Art or Crafting Classes
Arts and crafts are two of the go-to activities for seniors, and they work so well because they don’t require much mobility. You may be able to find local classes or even meetup groups in your area where seniors get together to make crafts.
While making crafts may not improve your mobility, it’s a great opportunity to get out, socialize or learn something new.
Crafts also allow you to work on and maintain your dexterity – an issue many people have. You’ll be working with your hands, and depending on the craft, you’ll also be using your critical thinking skills in the process. Quilting is a popular craft among seniors.
5. Minor League Baseball Games
It’s also a good idea to just get out of the house and have a little bit of fun. One of the hottest activities for seniors is going to minor league baseball games. These games are very inexpensive, and they allow a senior to get outside and enjoy a day in the stands, cheering on a local team.
Baseball stadiums are handicap accessible, so even if a senior is in a wheelchair, they should have no issues getting seated and watching the game.
You’ll want to look for minor league stadiums in your area and inquire if they have any senior discounts available. A lot of stadiums will offer a discounted rate for seniors.
6. Reading
Sometimes, crowds and going out may not be possible. The weather outside may be poor, or the senior may be feeling unwell. Reading is a great option in this case and allows a senior to keep their mind sharp while doing something that they enjoy.
Reading is a great way for a person to keep their imagination sharp, and it also is very cost-effective.
Local libraries are a great place to find books, and they will also act as a means of socialization if the senior does want to get out of the house. It may also be wise to try and find a book club in the area where members meet to discuss the book they’re reading.
Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.
** This post was originally published on https://www.upliftingmobility.com/fun-activities-seniors/
