Mobility limitations are prevalent in the senescent population due to arthritis, reduced eyesight, heart condition, and obesity. However, these limitations should not hamper the elderly’s quality of life. All the more, when aging creates corporal challenges for our loved ones, fun and enjoyable activities can keep them joyfully engaged. We’ve listed some safe activities for seniors with limited mobility to help keep them active and stimulated.
Cultivate a Garden
Gardening offers a diversity of health benefits for our loved ones by stimulating their brain, boosting their mood, and relaxing their mind. With some creativity, such as raised garden beds or vertical gardens, the elderly with mobility limitations can reap the perks of gardening too! Furthermore, engaging in community gardening enkindles the opportunity to meet others with a common interest and maybe the start of a new friendship.
Immerse in Literature
There are no age limits when it comes to indulging in a good book. Reading is one of the simplest enjoyable hobbies for the elderly. Regardless of whether it is some good old classic, hobby magazines, or self-help books, reading offers hours of satisfaction. Besides improving memory, reading also helps to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Serenade to Music
Music is known to evoke strong emotions, arouse heart-warming memories, and promote self-expression. Our human body is driven by rhythms in many aspects. No matter we are awake or up and around, they influence our mood, the cadence of our speech, and our heartbeat. Perhaps that’s why music is so mesmerizing. Listening to music or even picking up a new musical instrument can be a platform for mental stimulation and creativity. With its positive impacts, it’s no surprise that music therapy is used as a treatment plan for the elderly with Alzheimer’s.
Enjoy Some Exercise
Even with mobility constraints, there are still exercises that can keep our loved ones moving. Moreover, a suitable fitness routine will improve blood circulation, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Seated chair exercise is a great way to get physically active safely. Working out on a stable chair minimizes the risk of falls and reduces pressure on lower body joints.
Chess
Chess is the ideal game for mental agility, involving the brain to engage in logical thinking and problem-solving. For your loved ones who have mobility hitches, playing a game or more of chess couldn’t be a better pastime.
Contribute to Charities
Contributing to charities is not bound by being physically present to offer help; the elderly can do it actively at the comfort of their residence. By giving back to the community, your loved ones will feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Start by contacting local organizations to check out their ongoing projects. Charity works such as assembling care packages or crafting sale items for charity drives are things the elderly with limited mobility can participate in.
Get Creative
Crafting is a satisfying and calming activity appreciated by all ages, but perhaps particularly more cherished by the elderly when years of nostalgia accumulates. Beyond the sentiments that it kindles, crafting can help to improve your loved one’s cognitive abilities and motor skills. Let the creative juices flow with activities such as coloring, painting, crocheting, or fabricating some festive ornaments.
Fun activities for the elderly can keep boredom at bay, create social connections and improve their cognitive health. Regardless of mobility limitations or age, there are plenty of enjoyable activities your loved ones can do.
