It’s important, as loved ones age, to ensure they remain mentally and emotionally engaged so they lead fulfilling lives.
Engaging activities can greatly contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life. Using their interests as a guide, try to provide a variety of fun and stimulating activities for your loved one to keep things interesting and make their days as enjoyable as possible.
Engaging and stimulating activities
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas for fun and engaging activities to do with your loved one:
Art and Crafts
Arts and crafts can be incredibly enriching for an elderly person. They can stimulate brain function as well as fostering creativity and self-expression. There are lots of options when it comes to arts and crafts including painting, drawing, colouring, woodworking, knitting, the list goes on. Set up a crafting area with all that they need and encourage them to try new things.
Cooking & baking
Cooking and baking with an elderly person can be lots of fun and stimulates many of their senses: touch, sight, smell and taste. Some elderly have a wealth of culinary knowledge so let them share it with you or perhaps try some new recipes. Baking cakes or biscuits is a nice easy activity or if you want to get more technical try cooking different cuisines.
Reading
Reading is a fantastic way to keep the mind sharp. Ensure your loved one has access to books that they will find interesting, be that fiction or non-fiction. If reading has become difficult then e-books are a great alternative. Chat to your loved one about the books they are reading to get their thoughts, or perhaps they could join a book club to discuss read books.
Music
Music has the power to evoke emotions and memories. If your loved one plays an instrument encourage them to continue playing or even learn new pieces of music. Playing an instrument is great for focus, concentration and memory. You could also play their favourite music and talk about the memories it evokes. Singing along to their favourite songs or dancing to the music can also be fun as well as mentally stimulating.
Gardening
Gardening has both physical and mental benefit. Being outside in nature is good for a person’s mental health, while tending to plants, can help boost mood, improve dexterity and give a sense of achievement. Whether it's a small herb garden or a collection of potted plants, gardening can be a very rewarding activity. If getting outside is difficult an indoor garden can give many of the same benefits.
Walking
Walking, especially in nature, not only has physical benefits but can also be emotionally uplifting. Spend time outdoors, exploring local parks and gardens. Take in the sights and sounds with some bird watching, cloud gazing, or simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world around.
Puzzles
Puzzles offer an excellent workout for the brain as well as enhancing problem solving skills. From crosswords to jigsaw puzzles to word searches, find puzzles that your loved one enjoys and that also suit their ability - you don’t want them to get frustrated if it’s too hard. Doing puzzles together can also be social and foster a sense of shared achievement.
Games
Classic board games like Scrabble & chess, and card games like Bridge or Rummy stimulate critical thinking and strategic planning. These games are not only mentally stimulating but also offer a chance for social interaction. You can usually pick-up a variety of games cheaply at a charity shop.
Reminiscing
Encourage seniors to share their life stories and experiences. This not only keeps their memories alive but also provides opportunities for bonding. Create a scrapbook using old photos or record their stories on video to share with future generations.
Exercise
Physical activity is essential for maintaining overall health, both physical and mental. Tailor exercise routines to suit your loved ones abilities. For the less mobile exercise could include gentle stretches, seated yoga, or even dancing to music. For those who are more active tennis, bowling and aqua aerobics are options.
Engaging activities are key to maintaining the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the elderly. Whether it's through art, reading, music, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors, there are countless opportunities to keep seniors stimulated and fulfilled. These activities not only provide mental exercise but also foster connections, boost self-esteem, and bring joy to their lives. By incorporating a variety of these activities, we can ensure that our elderly loved ones continue to live vibrant and fulfilling lives.