Maintaining an active lifestyle in your senior years is essential for fostering a positive mood and improving your overall quality of life. Participating in a variety of activities whether outdoors, indoors, or during family gatherings can greatly enhance your well-being. But why are these activities so vital? They can help ease challenges and diminish feelings of restlessness and anxiety. Here are some activities that can make a meaningful impact:
- Take a leisurely walk
- Plant flowers
- Water your plants
- Feed the birds
- Rake leaves
- Visit a local park
- Relax on a bench or swing
- Observe dogs at a dog park
- Play catch or toss a ball
- Enjoy a game of cornhole
- Explore a beach or forest preserve
- Sweep the porch or patio
- Set up a picnic in your yard
- Sip coffee, hot chocolate, or lemonade on the porch
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2020)
If outdoor activities aren't your preference, there are numerous enjoyable indoor alternatives, especially for those who like to stay cozy and avoid bad weather. Consider these options:
- Listen to your favorite music
- Sing karaoke
- Browse through family photo albums
- Create a family tree poster
- Take photos and make a collage
- Encourage conversations about topics of interest
- Share childhood memories, stories about siblings, school days, pets, or first cars
- Watch a favorite sport on TV
- Get creative with play dough
- Craft paper cranes
- Play checkers or dominoes
- Engage in card games
- Try your hand at Mahjong
- Name U.S. presidents
- Look through photography books or magazines
- Identify states on a U.S. map
- Complete puzzles together
- Read from cherished books
- Enjoy a favorite movie, sitcom, or telenovela
- Read the newspaper together or take turns reading aloud
- Prepare afternoon tea
- Bake cookies or bread
- Set the table for a meal
- Make a favorite lunch or snack
- Wash and dry dishes
- Organize silverware
- Fold clothes or towels
- Give a hand massage with lotion
- Brush hair
- Provide a manicure
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2020)
During the holiday season, family gatherings can be filled with joy and special activities. Here are some ideas to celebrate together:
- Listen to beloved holiday music
- Prepare a traditional family recipe
- Bake festive desserts
- Create holiday greeting cards
- Watch a favorite holiday movie
- Play an instrument and sing holiday songs
- Decorate for the holiday your family celebrates
- Craft handmade gifts
- Watch home videos from past family celebrations
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2020)
Don't limit yourself embrace creativity while prioritizing safety. Certified caregivers with PCA or HHA training are equipped to assist with all the activities mentioned above. You can coordinate these enjoyable experiences with your caregiver, ensuring that your favorite activities are included in your personalized care plan. For more information, consult your local caregiving agency.
Works Cited:
Alzheimer's Association. “50 Activities.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Alzheimer’s Association, 2020, www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.