Maintaining an active lifestyle during your senior years is crucial for promoting a positive mood and enhancing your overall quality of life. Engaging in various activities whether outdoors, indoors, or during special family occasions can significantly contribute to your well-being. But why are activities so important? They can help alleviate challenges and reduce feelings of restlessness and distress. Here are some activities that can make a difference:
- Take a leisurely walk
- Plant flowers
- Water your plants
- Feed the birds
- Rake leaves
- Visit a local park
- Relax on a bench or swing
- Observe dogs at a dog park
- Play catch or toss a ball
- Enjoy a game of cornhole
- Explore a beach or forest preserve
- Sweep the porch or patio
- Set up a picnic in your yard
- Sip coffee, hot chocolate, or lemonade on the porch
(Alzheimer's Association, 2020)
If outdoor activities aren't appealing, there are plenty of enjoyable indoor alternatives, especially for those who prefer to stay cozy and avoid inclement weather. Consider these options:
- Listen to favorite music
- Sing karaoke
- Browse through family photo albums
- Create a family tree poster
- Take photos and make a collage
- Encourage conversations about topics of interest
- Discuss childhood memories, siblings, school days, pets, or first cars
- Watch a favorite sport on TV
- Get creative with play dough
- Craft paper cranes
- Play checkers or dominoes
- Engage in card games
- Try your hand at Mahjong
- Name U.S. presidents
- Look through photography books or magazines
- Identify states on a U.S. map
- Complete puzzles together
- Read from cherished books
- Enjoy a favorite movie, sitcom, or telenovela
- Read the newspaper together or read it aloud
- Prepare afternoon tea
- Bake cookies or bread
- Set the table for a meal
- Make a favorite lunch or snack
- Wash and dry dishes
- Organize silverware
- Fold clothes or towels
- Give a hand massage with lotion
- Brush hair
- Provide a manicure
(Alzheimer's Association, 2020)
During the holiday season, family gatherings can be filled with joy and special activities. Here are some ideas to celebrate together:
- Listen to beloved holiday music
- Prepare a traditional family recipe
- Bake festive desserts
- Create holiday greeting cards
- Watch a favorite holiday movie
- Play an instrument and sing holiday songs
- Decorate for the holiday your family celebrates
- Craft handmade gifts
- Watch home videos from past family celebrations
(Alzheimer's Association, 2020)
Don't limit yourself embrace creativity while prioritizing safety. Certified caregivers who hold a PCA or HHA are trained to assist with all the activities mentioned above. You can schedule these enjoyable experiences with your caregiver, ensuring that your favorite activities are incorporated into your personalized care plan. For more information, refer to your local caregiving agency.
Works Cited:
Alzheimer's Association. “50 Activities.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Alzheimer’s Association, 2020, www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.