Activities for Elderly Parents
Ideas to Keep the Senior Mind and Body Active
Providing mentally and physically stimulating activities for elderly parents will contribute to their health, happiness, and better quality of life.
No doubt about it – all of us are going to age. We and our elderly parents age in different ways. Sometimes, our body starts to complain. Other times, we just can't remember all the things we used to.
Alarming, yes. Surprising, no. At the first sign of forgetfulness, we tend to immediately think "Alzheimer's".
However, mild degrees of forgetfulness are common in all of us. We just focus more attention on such forgetfulness when it comes to the elderly.
Elderly Parents activity is essential in order to help slow the development or progression of such related conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and overall physical strength.
Sometimes, forgetfulness is caused by depression, anxiety or confusion, and not chemical changes in the brain. In order to keep the brain healthy and strong, it must be exercised.
Your Body
Keeping muscles and joints healthy and strong helps maintain range of motion, movement and balance. While we all may eventually suffer some decrease in mobility and stamina, there is no reason why those in their 60s, 70s and 80s can't exercise and perform weight bearing exercises that help to prevent lean muscle mass loss or loss of range of motion or strength. Elderly parents exercising just might be the ticket!
Your Brain
It is true that we lose some brain cell activity and speed as we age, but that doesn't mean that those in their 70s, 80s or 90s don't score just as high on memory tests as people that are 30 and 40 year old. The key is to keep the brain active and stimulated. Give those nerve cells and brain cells a chance to grow. Keep those electrical connections strong.
The National Institute of Aging and the Journal of the American Medical Association engaged in recent studies that have shown the main difference between a relatively healthy 90 year old and person who is bed-ridden at 70 (not taking into consideration health and medical issues) is lifestyle.
Elderly parents who are active in both mental and physical activities live longer, and with a quality of life that may surprise many who believed that once you attain a certain age, the fun's over. Not so. Those who age well (which means eating right and exercising both body, mind and spirit daily) tend to have fewer illnesses and infirmities than those who lead sedentary lives.
The secret of aging well boils down to these simple activities for seniors: stay active and involved, eat well and exercise or play often.
Things to Do at Home and Away - Recreational Activities for Elderly Parents
Playing games is a great way to keep the brain and body stimulated. This doesn't mean that games or activities for the elderly have to be expensive or difficult. Look at some of the suggestions below for just a few ideas to keep the brain and body stimulated.
For more information on crafts and games and other activities for seniors please see our web page Games for Seniors
Indoors
- Do a crossword puzzle every night.
- Learn a new language or subject.
- Learn a new hobby: painting, whittling, needlecraft, or other craft ideas, etc.
- Exercise!
- Engage in Bingo, Bridge or Card games at your local Senior Center
For Music Ideas for Elderly Parents to Listen to while getting them engaged in Easy Crafts and Games please see Songs from the Past that Make Them Smile
Outdoors - Elderly Exercise
Volunteer in your community – at a hospital or school
- Get involved with social groups
- Join in community recreation outings
- Join a walking group at your local mall or park
- Grow a flower or herb garden
- Exercise!
It doesn't matter so much as what activity an elderly parent does as long as they are doing something! Whether you keep busy with housework or you like to go window-shopping, activity is activity.
Try to keep doing your indoor chores as long as you can. Get out and walk every day. Take a jaunt around your block, if you live on one. It doesn't matter if you can do it in seven minutes or thirty minutes. Engage in weight bearing exercises with 2-3 pound dumbbells to fight against bone loss and muscle deterioration. Keep those joints strong!
It's All About Attitude!
Remember, you either use it or you may lose it. This goes for brain cells as much as it does for muscle and tissue cells. Getting older does not mean you have to deal with infirmity.
Elderly activities offer a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency for many seniors. Sure, we all have to slow down a little as we age and take extra care with our bodies, but that doesn't mean to stop using your body.
Seniors who find pleasure in life, who laugh often, retain a sense of humor, or look at the aging process as a natural process and not as the approach of doomsday also seem to enjoy less stress-induced illnesses and complications than those who do.
Stress can take years from your life and cause physical symptoms that may lead to high blood pressure, heart problems and depression. Seniors who age gracefully and rely on the benefits of a healthy well balanced diet, regular exercise and a good belly laugh every day feel better, play longer and enjoy life more than those who shut themselves into their homes and sit.
So get up and do something! Your body and your brain will thank you.
Exercise for Elderly
Active Seniors
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Games for the Elderly Brain and Mind |
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