Seniors with limited mobility may feel that they can no longer enjoy an active lifestyle but this doesn’t have to be the case. While you may not be able to tackle the most vigorous activities, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep yourself occupied or physically active. Here are some fun activities that seniors with limited mobility can enjoy, regardless of their living situation or health limitations.
Spend Time Reading
Even if you don’t have a large house, you should make room for a good book. Reading is a great way to pass the time, and it’s educational at its core. Reading helps reduce stress levels and keeps our brains healthy as we age.
Pick Up New Hobbies
Time-tested hobbies are great ways to stay engaged. If you’re in your golden years, think about the types of activities you enjoyed when you were younger. What kinds of hobbies would you want today? Focus on something that keeps your mind sharp, helps build memories and inspires lots of fun conversations with friends or family members. You can also keep an open mind to new things, so long as it’s safe and legal. No matter what activity you choose, staying active is essential to your health and wellbeing.
Get Creative
Explore your community by checking out local parks, historical monuments, and art galleries. You can also create an experience at home that’ll be just as enriching—and fun! Take a photography class, enroll in a pottery-making course or get together with friends to play games you used to love when you were younger. The possibilities are endless for inspiring aging adults who have limited mobility; however, remember that they need to feel comfortable and capable of performing senior activities before beginning them. Encourage their independence but always let someone know where they’re going and what time they’ll be back (no matter how close you live) if something goes wrong. Always keep an extra ID on hand in case it gets lost or stolen.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps reduce stiffness and pain in family members who have limited mobility. It also lowers stress levels and can even contribute to a positive mood in older adults. Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of staying healthy, active, and independent as you age. If you have limited mobility, use exercises that require less movement from your joints. For example, if you have joint pain in your knees, stick to exercises that don’t involve bending your knees very much or any at all.
Spend Time Outdoors
Being outdoors is an integral part of staying fit and healthy. One of the easiest things to be active in your older years is to take frequent walks outdoors. If you need to stay near home, consider gardening or planting a vegetable garden that you can work on regularly, or spend time working in your flowerbeds or lawn. Playing golf or tennis are also great ways to get exercise outside while spending time with friends and family members at the same time.
Visit the Museums
Visiting museums is another easy way to stay fit while having fun! Museums offer educational entertainment, so whether your interests lean towards science, nature, history, art, or other subjects, there’s sure to be something that appeals to you nearby.
Play Some Games
No matter what you do, playing a game is a fun way to spend time. If your loved one has limited mobility, it’s a good idea to find activities that promote exercise and coordination while being physically safe. For example, Charades are a great way to get moving – even if it doesn’t exactly feel like exercise! In any case, choosing activities that engage as many senses as possible ensures an exciting and engaging experience.
