Senior activities are a healthy and fun way to keep the brain and body sharp. But what are some great seniors activity ideas? Let’s explore. You’ll find that most of these activities are actually enjoyable at any age.
Body And Brain Benefits: Why Is It Important For Senior Citizens To Stay Active And Social
Taking good care of your body and mind is essential for anyone, of any age, to maintain optimal health. But as you age, it becomes even more important. Let’s take a look at why.
An Active Fitness Life …
Maintaining fitness through some kind of regular exercise can not only keep you looking younger and trimmer, but it’s also been shown to:
- Improve mood and feelings of health and well-being
- Boost energy levels
- Improve mobility and decrease the risk of falls
- Strengthen bones, muscles, and joints
- Help control joint swelling and discomfort1
Of course, speak to your doctor before engaging in any new physical activity.
An Active Mental Life…
While physical activity is exceptionally important, mental stimulation is just as essential to the aging population. Engaging in fun, brain-stimulating activities or learning a new skill may help seniors stay mentally sharp.2
One study found that older adults who learned such skills as quilting or digital photography enhanced their memory more than those who only socialized or did less cognitive-based activities.3
An Active Social Life…
Having an active social life might help seniors, or those of any age, with feelings of loneliness or isolation. However, studies have shown that it may have other surprising benefits.
One study found that those living in areas with greater access to a social life had significantly higher physical mobility. Another study found that the rate of cognitive decline was 70 percent less in elderly people who had frequent social contact.4
Finally, yet another study found that those with frequent social activity had lower levels of disability across several areas.5
Getting Started: Physical Activity Ideas For The Body
So, what kind of physical activity is ideal (and safe) for seniors? Your doctor will be able to give you recommendations based on your specific medical situation or fitness level. Generally speaking, low-impact activities are what you’ll want to seek out.
Even the simplest exercises can help improve flexibility, posture, mood, and energy. The idea is to just get moving.
Outdoor activities are always great, but taking an indoor class is also good for socializing. Here are some fun ideas:
Walking- Water Aerobics
- Swimming
- Pilates
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Elliptical Machines
- Dancing
- Gardening
Stretching and balance exercises can also be beneficial, especially those that use a chair for support. These chair exercises can easily be done around the home. They include back leg raises and clock reaches.
However, always talk to your doctor first before starting any new physical activities.
Activity Ideas For The Mind
Ever heard of neurobics? They’re aerobics for your brain – fun activities that challenge your brain on many levels. Need some ideas?
- Reading
- Board games
- Crossword puzzles
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Brain training apps (that you can download onto your phone)
- Playing bingo
- Learning to play an instrument
- Chess
- Bridge
Even mixing up your basic everyday activities to improve your hand-eye coordination can be effective. For example, try brushing your teeth or dialing your phone with your non-dominant hand.6
Try some “neurobics” with friends – bingo, chess, bridge, or board games are all fun ways to combine brain activities with socialization.
Fun Activities For Socializing Seniors
Whether at home, in assisted living facilities, or in nursing homes, everyone can develop a supportive, fun, and active social life.
Look into enjoyable community classes in your area. These can be a fantastic way to make new friends while learning a new skill. These community classes are often offered through local colleges, libraries, city programs, businesses, and senior centers.
Fun, Social Activities and Ideas For Seniors:
- Art Classes
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Scrapbooking
- Knitting
- Crafts
- Woodworking
- Volunteering
Fun Senior Activities: The World Is Your Oyster
Whether you’re moving into your more senior years, retiring to an assisted living facility, or hoping to help out an aging family member, there are plenty of fun activities to get involved in. These activities that are essential for your body, mind, and soul.
So, why not take up an aqua aerobics class, join a bingo club, or start your own weekly bridge tournament? You may actually end up inspiring and helping others along the way.
Learn More:
How Cardio Can Change Your Brain (and why that’s great news!)
How to Manage Arthritis in Hands and Feet
Possible Causes Of Uric Acid Build Up And Joint Discomfort
Sources
1.https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm
2.https://www.livescience.com/57688-brain-stimulating-activities-seniors-memory.html
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154531/
4.https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
5.https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_connections_keep_seniors_healthy
6.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121242675771838337