If you’re over the age of 60, you know how it feels to have your body start to deteriorate slowly. While this may be an inevitable process, we have compiled a list of activities for seniors with limited mobility to keep their minds and bodies healthy and maintain social relationships. Try these activities designed specifically for seniors with limited mobility, and see how much they can improve your quality of life!
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. Just make sure you’re doing it right by consulting your doctor or a certified fitness trainer to help you design an exercise program that’s appropriate for your age and ability level. A good place to start is with something easy like walking, cycling, or water aerobics.
Outdoors Tour
Going on an outdoor tour is one of the best ways to remain active, healthy, and happy. An outdoor tour is a great way to mix up your exercise routine and help you connect with nature. An outdoors tour is good for aging family members because several cities have public transportation that goes to a variety of parks where they can go exploring. Golden-age adults can take a scenic walk through any of these parks, bike around them, or even try out paddleboarding in rivers. The possibilities are endless.
Reading
If a senior has a hard time walking to a bookstore, one way to get them reading is by providing a Kindle. The Kindle allows people with vision problems to have an electronic reader which works exactly like their paper book. There are other electronic readers out there, but they do not have as much function as a kindle, so getting one older person would be ideal.
Reminisce Over Old Photos
It is a common activity for Golden-age adults to reminisce over old photos. Looking at pictures of your loved ones when they were young, during proms, weddings, birthdays, parties, and other events that will help you better understand how they have grown as individuals. You learn about their history, and it keeps them mentally active as well. They will have something new to talk about with you or their fellow peers at home or elsewhere too! Aside from that, it also helps reduce boredom which is a big cause of depression among aging family members.
Indulge in Preparing a Delicious Meal
Cooking meals for yourself is a great way to stay active and enjoy excellent health benefits. Cooking can be very enjoyable and meditative, but it is best to start with simple recipes. Choose easy-to-read cookbooks or get one that includes photos for all of the recipes. Making your meals is also more economical than eating out or buying prepared foods. Start by planning dinner on weekends, and then move on to lunchtime preparations during weekdays. You are only cooking once every few days, making it more likely that you will do it! If you have trouble standing for long periods or feel tired while cooking, consider finding a lightweight wheelchair cushion for added support while working in the kitchen.
Engage in Mind Games
To keep your brain sharp, try word games and memory tests. You can play alone or with friends to make things more fun. Puzzles are also good for stretching your mind but don’t forget there are plenty of online puzzles if you want something to do when you’re not feeling up to playing real games. You can even try crossword puzzles or buy a themed puzzle book. No matter what kind of puzzle you decide on, solving them is sure to stimulate your mind in new ways!
