In our later years, it becomes more crucial than ever to maintain a physically and socially active lifestyle. However, we understand that this stage of life is also accompanied by many age-related issues like a lack of mobility and energy, and having medical conditions. Engaging in these fun activities for your loved ones with Parkinson’s disease can add greatly to their overall wellness.
Benefits of an Active Lifestyle for Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease
Deconditioning is a very common problem that refers to a general decrease in an individual’s level of fitness due to a sedentary lifestyle. A person may start to feel pain, shortness of breath, or stiffness when walking or engaging in other activities they don’t normally do. Making time to engage in more social and physical activities throughout the week can build up a tolerance and make your body fitter, as well as give you more opportunities to stay socially engaged. Parkinson’s disease is associated with a long list of motor and non-motor symptoms, most of which can be improved by getting out and moving more. Those who experience this condition can expect to see decreased fatigue, improved cognitive function, and improved motor performance when they choose to live a more active lifestyle.
Fun Activities for Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease to Engage In
If you need inspiration for fun activities, these are perfect for helping your loved ones with Parkinson’s disease overcome their challenges:
- Create a sculpture – Getting your hands dirty with clay has a grounding feeling that can soothe frustration. Your loved ones can also develop hand strength when working with clay. Most importantly, the sense of accomplishment from creating artworks could keep them going.
- Fly a kite – When your loved ones need to get their daily dose of vitamin D, which can prevent fatigue and foggy thinking, flying a kite is a fun activity they can do without exerting too much energy. They can even fly a kite sitting down for more comfort.
- Learn a new language – It is never too late to pick up a new hobby, start a new business, or learn a new language. Keeping the mind stimulated and challenging it with new information is a fun activity that can be done in group settings and can keep your loved one’s mind sharp.
Tips for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Safety should always be the priority. We recommend your loved ones visit a physical therapist before engaging in any physical activities so doctors can ensure that they won’t hurt themselves. From there, your loved ones can track the amount of activity they’re engaging in each week, reflect on how their body feels, and decide from there if they’re comfortable making more plans with friends for more fun activities or to tone it down. Most importantly, your loved ones should always pick activities that they will enjoy for the best benefits.
Why Choose Discovery Village At Westchase?
Our retirement community has a wide array of fun activities, high-quality programs, and state-of-the-art amenities. We offer a range of senior living options designed to suit the older population with different needs and preferences.
To learn more about living in Discovery Village At Westchase, feel free to contact us today!