Unfortunately, one of the resonating images from movies over the past several decades when it comes to assisted living facilities is one where everybody plays Bingo silently. It’s a depressing image that couldn’t be further from the truth when looking at modern day care facilities. As a caregiver, you might decide it is time to get your loved one up and active outside of the boardgames they might be playing (or not playing anything at all). We wanted to highlight some different ideas that will work for both mobility challenged and active seniors. Take a look at our list!
- Woodworking: A common passion and hobby for a generation that likely grew up with woodwork being a common class through high school. It might not be an option for an on-site activity for your aging loved one but many senior care facilities offer transportation for off-site activities like this.
- Video games: We know, it is crazy to think that a loved one that hasn’t had experience with video games could catch the gaming bug at their age, but its becoming more common! We have some caregivers find emulators that allow their loved ones to play Atari and regular Nintendo games to get them started. It is also a great option for aging loved ones that lack mobility.
- Volunteering: Another common option for those with loved ones passionate about continuing to give back even during their senior years. If your loved one previously served, they might volunteer in making care packages for those currently serving in the military.
- Ballroom dancing: Definitely more of an activity for mobile seniors but we’ve found dance lessons can provide both a new hobby and also create a new social outlet for many aging seniors.
Outdoor shuffleboard: This can be a great option for those that are still mobile but can’t quite participate in very strenuous activities. There are several home shuffleboard packages you can purchase online which can make for a great gift during the holidays. - Scheduled museum tours: The Dallas-Fort Worth area boasts some of the best museums to visit in the state of Texas. There is basically a museum for all interests like the Kimbell Art Museum for art enthusiasts or the Texas Civil War Museum for those interested in Texas state history.
- Rowing: We know that it rare for those in assisted living to have the mobility to go to a body of water, haul a canoe, and then row. However, with the advances of technology that can “take” your aging loved one to breathtaking locations across the globe on a screen, it will give them a taste of the outdoors while providing great exercise.
- Yoga: We have seen several care facilities across Texas that recently began to offer regular weekly yoga classes that cater to seniors of all mobility types. It is a great way for them to stay active and there are even chair yoga exercises that will allow less mobile seniors to participate.
Help your aging loved one open their eyes to all of the possible activities that they can be involved in. It could be a new hobby that they have never tried or renew an old hobby that they haven’t had time to participate in lately.
