Just because your senior parent or relative is not able to get around as much as they used to, doesn’t mean they have to forgo doing some of things they love to do.
As we age, physical and mental activity becomes paramount to a long, healthy life.
Today, homebound seniors are not limited to playing bridge and doing crossword puzzles all day.
There are numerous ideas and activities that your loved can take advantage of and Freedom Home Care has come up with some unique ideas to keep your senior in balance – mind, body and spirit.
Health & Wellness
According to experts, balance issues are the leading cause of hospitalization and loss of independence for people age 65 and older.
Many of our older loved ones just aren’t as nimble as they used to be.
And if you notice that your parent has trouble turning and changing direction smoothly, holds on to things to catch their balance, walks with their legs apart, knees flexed and arms out or uses their arms to lower themselves down into a sitting position, your loved one could have a balance disorder.
If this is the case, verywell.com recommends consulting a physical therapist, checking your senior’s hearing and sight, opting for personalized elder care and having them engage in a few low-impact activities like standing, walking and Tai Chi.
Other things your loved can do to enhance their vitality, flexibility and strength are low-impact aerobics, walking, dancing, golfing, bowling and light-weight strength training.
Cultural Enrichment & Creativity  
There are things your parent or relative might enjoy doing because it’s either a skill or hobby.
Maybe it’s something they never had the chance to do in the past, and just need some encouragement to get going.
Hobbies or past times are unique to each individual person – and the possibilities to engage in these activities are endless.
Even if your senior is receiving in-home care, they can still be involved in various groups that meet at home or in their living facility like book clubs, gardening clubs, bible study, culinary arts, poetry club meditation and more.
Memory & Brain Fitness
Your loved one’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
The beauty of participating in activities that support cognitive function, is that there is no limit to your senior’s learning potential.
Some of the more popular activities include drawing, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting and scrapbooking.
So don’t let being confined to your home or care facility be the reason your senior has a lack of physical and mental activity.