Participating in activities can have a positive effect on elderly people’s memory, physical health and social relationships. But as we get older, it can become more difficult to stay active.
To prevent inactivity and boredom, here are 7 activities for older people to take part in.
1. Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates classes designed for the elderly are a great way to stay physically active and to feel in harmony with your own body. These popular exercises are said to have many effective qualities, such as better fitness, balance and the improvement of existing complaints.
2. Dancing
Being active can help prevent diseases such as dementia, obesity, diabetes and metabolic diseases. Dancing is a great activity for the body and mind as it releases many endorphins. With numerous dance events for seniors, it is a great way to get out, stay active and meet other people. One hour per week is already enough to strengthen thinking and memory skills and improve social satisfaction and the cardiovascular system.
3. Gardening
The garden can be a peaceful retreat for those who like to be in the fresh air. However, gardening is challenging for the body and stooped postures and kneeling can negatively impact joints and muscles. Therefore, it is important for older people to use tools and equipment to make their work easier. Here are a few tips to reduce any negative impacts of gardening:
- Keep your back straight:
When sweeping, digging or raking, people should bend with their knees to keep their backs balanced. This is important when weeding or planting flowerbeds as bent postures put a lot of stress on the back and, in worst cases, can pinch the nerves. There are numerous extensions for gardening tools so that people do not have to bend down to tend to the ground.
- Lifting and carrying
Watering cans or buckets should be lifted from the squat position and never from the back. The weight should be evenly distributed on both arms.
- Take breaks
As the body ages it needs more time to recover. It is important to take breaks during physical activities.
4. Walking
Taking a stroll through parks and gardens is a beneficial way of staying active. Find nearby nature walks to keep physically fit and experience the beauty of nature.
5. Make decorations
Painting and drawing seasonal animals, and making spooky decorations in preparation for Halloween are enjoyable ways to stay busy and keep the mind active.
6. Cooking class
Cooking can become more difficult as we get older. As a result, unhealthy eating choices may creep in over the years. Local and community cooking courses will broaden your culinary horizons and provide interesting and healthy alternatives. Cooking classes are a good confidence booster as they promote fun, social interactions.
7. Origami
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorations. Origami can be beneficial to older people as it encourages concentration and flexibility in the fingers. It requires spatial thinking and stimulates imagination and creativity. For elderly people, Origami can be a refreshing alternative from traditional puzzles or card games.
Finding a new hobby can seem like a daunting prospect. Thankfully, many courses offer a trial run so you can decide if an activity is to your taste before committing. Taking the first step can often be difficult but it will be well worth it when you do.
If you need any help with these new activities or there is transportation involved, you can always hire a carer to help out.
