Seniors should have at least one hobby because they can benefit from participating in activities that stimulate brain health and encourage physical activity. Here are a few hobbies that may boost your elderly loved one’s health.
Gardening
Your loved one doesn’t need a huge plot of land to enjoy gardening. Even tending to a smaller garden out on a balcony can provide quite a few benefits, including increased heart health and greater physical strength due to the moderate exercise, a boost in cognitive function because of the learning involved, and a little extra vitamin D from the sun. Herb gardens are a great way to start this hobby, as they require relatively little care.
From gardening to managing basic household chores, seniors may need help with an array of tasks. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Creative Writing
Many creative writing classes include storytelling elements perfect for seniors with a lifetime of memories to share. These classes often have simple prompts to begin the creative process, followed by minor critiques from the teachers or other writers. Once these memories are down on paper, your loved one will be able to enjoy them for a lifetime.
The workshop environment offers plenty of opportunities for socialization, and creating stories can keep your loved one mentally stimulated. A creative writing class is also a great way to slowly introduce a senior to modern computers and emailing.
Water Aerobics
This is one of the most popular physical activities for seniors because it’s very gentle on their joints. Even if your loved one has limited mobility or relatively little experience in the water, he or she can still engage in water aerobics with the use of flotation devices or in the shallow end of a pool. Seniors who participate in water aerobics for at least 150 minutes a week often report having more energy and less joint pain.
Professional caregivers can help aging adults exercise at home in safety and comfort. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Dancing
For the more adventurous senior, a dancing class or club might be the perfect hobby. In addition to the obvious physical benefits, a number of studies have shown this hobby can also increase cognitive skills. For instance, memorizing dance steps not only affects muscle memory but also keeps the mind working. Many local dance classes are specifically designed for seniors with limited mobility and can teach them a variety of dances ranging from swing to salsa.
Pursuing healthy hobbies helps seniors retain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elder care Cincinnati families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
