Older adults may live with limited mobility secondary to an injury, arthritis, a stroke, or other issues. However, the disability doesn’t need to hamper their quality of life. Here are a few activities older adults with limited mobility can continue enjoying.
Exercising
Many types of exercises can be easily modified to accommodate the needs of seniors with limited mobility. Exercise enhances range of motion while strengthening bones, muscles, and the cardiovascular system. Options seniors might consider include water aerobics or wheelchair exercises. Many senior centers offer classes taught by instructors who specialize in the needs of older adults.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Crafting
Seniors who retain fine motor skills might consider indulging in some type of creative craft. Coloring, drawing, and painting enable older adults to express themselves freely. Coloring, in particular, has become popular among adults. Special books and coloring pages are available that are filled in using crayons, markers, or paint. Older adults might also consider making family scrapbooks or photo albums, crocheting, or knitting.
Reading
Reading books and magazines engages various areas of the brain, which helps seniors maintain their cognitive health. Regardless of an older adult’s interest, there’s bound to be a book or magazine that delves into the topic. Reading provides the chance to gain knowledge and serves as an indulgent escape. Along with having access to traditional reading material, seniors might opt for e-reading on a laptop, desktop computer, or mobile device.
Gardening
Families can create raised garden beds or provide raised containers that enable seniors to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Typical garden tools can be modified to make them easier to grip and manipulate if seniors have difficulty with fine motor skills. Gardening gives older adults a purpose and the bonus of having mature plants that offer rewards for their efforts.
Many seniors need help gardening or managing other tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Fair Oaks respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Spending Time Outdoors
There are many ways families can make modifications so their older loved ones can enjoy the outdoors. Create handicapped access outside to allow a wheelchair-bound parent to venture into the yard to enjoy the warmth of the sun. Consider going on a nature walk through a park or reserve that has paved pathways. Some seniors like birdwatching, while others might enjoy venturing forth to see the flowers that bloom in spring or summer. Seeing the colors of the changing leaves in fall also appeals to many.
Listening to Music
Seniors with radios or CD players can enjoy listening to their favorite music without much physical effort. Music triggers the memory center and is useful for maintaining cognitive health. Older adults might also enjoy learning to play a musical instrument matched to their level of physical ability. Learning a new skill further engages various areas in the brain.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home care Fair Oaks seniors can trust and rely on. Whether your parent needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 485-4663 today.