Mobility limitations are common in the senescent population, due to consequences of arthritis, falls, stroke, or other issues. However, these limitations do not need to hamper our elderly’s quality of life. Moreover, staying active is important for our elderly for maintaining cognitive and physical health.
When aging creates physical challenges for our elderly, fun and enjoyable activities can keep them delightfully engaged. Here are some activities for elderly with mobility limitations that will brighten their day.
Gardening
Gardening offers a myriad of health benefits for our elderly by creating friendships, stimulating their brain, and relaxing their mind. With some planning, a pleasant and accessible garden can be developed. Garden equipment and structures need to be thoughtfully designed and chosen to accommodate the elderly with mobility limitations. To make a garden more accessible, vertical gardens and raised plant holders can be appealing for the elderly with back problems.
Exercising
Physical activity holds an indispensable role in healthy aging and longevity. Finding a suitable fitness routine will improve your circulation, strength, flexibility, and range of motion. For the elderly with mobility limitations, seated chair exercises are a great way to get active safely. Performing your exercise on a stable chair reduces the risk of falls, lessens the pressure on lower body joints like ankles and knees, and can be as challenging as a standing workout.
Listening to Music
Music possesses a powerful source that evokes strong emotions, revives heart-warming memories, and provides opportunities for self-expression. With its impact, it’s not surprising that music therapy has grown tremendously popular in the past century. Our elderly can benefit from listening to music and even learning a new musical instrument, as it provides them a platform for creativity, mental stimulation, and connecting with others. Music therapy has even become a widely used treatment plan for aging adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
Crafting and Art
The process of crafting is satisfying and calming and can help to stimulate our elderly’s creative juices, improving their cognitive abilities. The elderly with fine motor skills might indulge in some creative art and craft. Drawing, coloring, and painting provide an opportunity for our elderly to express themselves. Clay, pottery, and ceramics classes are also great options for our elderly to keep their fingers working.
Chess
Playing chess engages the brain and can help to strengthen logical thinking and problem-solving. Although chess can be rather easy to learn, it can be challenging to master. For the elderly with mobility limitations, it couldn’t be a better activity.
Reading
Reading engages various parts of the brain, which helps our elderly maintain their cognitive health. It can help to improve sleep, reduce stress and improve memory. With plentiful reading topic choices, there is bound to be one that can attract your loved one’s interest. Reading provides our elderly a chance to broaden their knowledge and wisdom, and that can be useful when striking a conversation with others. Organizing a book club with friends can make the reading process even more engaging and enjoyable for our elderly.
