If you have to care for a senior loved one in-home, we often recommend you have a plan for a series of activities and ways to keep your elderly ones active while at home.
This is an important consideration owing to how bored seniors get as they age. Keeping elderly loved ones active and engaged at home is crucial for their overall well-being. Besides the fact that it keeps them busy, it is good for their physical and mental health.
Physical and mental activity play a significant role in maintaining their health, mobility, and quality of life. Thankfully, in these present times, there are numerous ways to keep your elderly ones active while at home. These strategies help seniors remain active and involved within the comfort of their own homes.
By implementing various strategies, it is possible to create a stimulating environment that promotes physical fitness, cognitive function, social interaction, and emotional well-being.
Here we have explored some of the ways to keep your elderly ones active while at home. From gentle exercises and engaging hobbies to virtual experiences and social connections, these activities can enhance their physical and mental vitality while providing a sense of purpose and enjoyment.
15 Ways To Keep Your Elderly Loved Ones Active At Home
Here are some ways you can actively engage seniors at home to combat boredom and keep them happy and healthy:
#1. Daily walks
Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health, maintain joint flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Encourage your loved ones to take short walks around the house or in the garden.
On the other hand, if they have limited mobility, they can walk in a safe and spacious area indoors, such as a hallway. This is also a form of exercise that keeps them active.
Daily walks is also one of the activities in our Senior Health and Fitness guide which is the key to thriving in golden years.
#2. Stretching exercises
Another low-impact exercise is stretching. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, prevent muscle stiffness, and increase blood flow to the muscles.
One way to keep your loved ones active at home is to encourage them to engage in gentle stretching exercises targeting different muscle groups. They can find senior-friendly exercise routines on the internet or consult with a physical therapist for guidance.
#3. Chair exercises
One of the ways to keep your elderly ones active while at home is to engage them in chair exercises. This strategy is best for seniors with limited mobility or balance issues.
They don’t need to move around or walk around. Chair exercises like the name signifies can be done while sitting on a chair. This form of exercise helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance. You can find a flexible routine, you can scout online or consult with a fitness professional specializing in senior fitness.
#4. Dancing
Dancing is fun, energetic, and a form of physical exercise. This joyful and engaging activity improves cardiovascular fitness, balance, coordination, and mental well-being.
Encourage your loved ones to put on some music they enjoy and dance along. They can sway, tap their feet, or move their arms to the rhythm of the music. Joining them in this exercise is fun as well.
#5. Yoga
Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that focuses on stretching, balance, and relaxation. Help your loved ones try out some simple yoga poses designed for seniors.
Yoga can improve flexibility, balance, posture, and mental clarity. Look for senior-specific yoga routines online or consider virtual classes. Your loved one will love a good yoga experience.
#6. Balloon games
Balloon games are a fun and interactive way to engage your loved ones in gentle physical activity.
Play games like “Keep the balloon in the air” or “Try to catch the balloon.” These activities promote hand-eye coordination, and gentle movement, and can be done indoors.
#7. Gardening
If your loved one appreciates planting, buying plant pots, or having a small garden in the yard can be such a good way to keep them active. Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic activity that can be done both indoors and outdoors.
Encourage your loved ones to tend to plants, sow seeds, water flowers, or create a small garden. Gardening improves mobility, strength, and mental well-being by connecting with nature.
#8. Household chores
Light household chores provide an opportunity for your loved ones to stay active and contribute to daily tasks.
Activities like folding laundry, dusting, or organizing not only keep them physically engaged but also give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
This does not mean you should keep them working all day with lots of house chores.
#9. Brain games
One of the ways to keep your elderly ones active while at home is by engaging them in brain games. Engaging in brain-stimulating activities helps keep the mind sharp and active.
Encourage your loved ones to solve puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, or play memory games. These activities challenge cognitive abilities, improve memory, and provide mental stimulation.
This activity is a good fit for Patients Living With Alzheimer’s in In-Home Care.
#10. Virtual classes and meet-ups
Virtual classes for seniors?
Yes. Many organizations offer virtual classes specifically designed for seniors. These classes cover various subjects such as art, music, exercise, and more.
If your loved one is interested in any of those, signing them up for a virtual class is one way to keep them active. Encourage them to participate in these virtual classes.
This allows them to learn new skills, stay mentally active, and meet others in a virtual community. You can find out places to get virtual classes for seniors at Televeda.
#11. Arts and crafts
Engaging in arts and crafts activities stimulates creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Encourage your loved ones to paint, draw, knit, crochet, or engage in any craft they enjoy. These activities improve dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and mental well-being.
#12. Reading and storytelling
Reading and storytelling can never go out of style regardless of who is involved. One of the ways to keep your elderly ones active while at home is to have them read books or listen to audiobooks.
This is a great way to keep the mind engaged and active. You can gather their favorite books, explore new genres, or audiobooks. Reading stimulates imagination, vocabulary, and cognitive function.
You can also engage in storytelling sessions where you or your loved ones share stories and memories.
#13. Social interaction
Loneliness and social isolation can negatively impact mental health.
Arrange virtual calls or visits with friends and family members to provide social interaction for your loved ones. They can engage in conversations, share experiences, and stay connected with their loved ones.
You can also have family and their friends come over at intervals as well. This will mean a lot to them as well as keep them active while at home. This is a good activity Someone Living With Parkinson’s.
#14. Meditation and relaxation
Meditation and relaxation techniques promote a sense of calmness, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being just like yoga.
Guide your loved ones through simple meditation exercises or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, or guided meditation. These practices help them relax, focus, and find inner peace.
#15. Virtual tours and museums
Explore virtual tours of museums, landmarks, or historical sites together with your loved ones.
Many museums and tourist attractions offer virtual tours that allow you to explore and learn from the comfort of your home. This activity stimulates curiosity, encourages learning, and provides a virtual travel experience.
Either of these and more are some of the ways to keep your elderly ones active while they are at home. However, ensure you tailor these activities to your loved ones’ abilities, preferences, and health conditions.
It’s important to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new exercise program or making significant changes to their routine.
We hope this guide was helpful.
If you are in Indiana and looking for a home care agency with a personalized client care plan or you are looking for how to access quality care services, visit Good Hands home care agency, where care is offered with professionalism and efficiency.
You can reach out to us via our website or call +1-317-742-4135, +1-317-981-5990 or leave us a mail via [email protected]
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