Keeping physically and socially active is important to your general health, no matter your age. But as we grow older, there may be certain limitations to what we are able to do. Below, we’ve listed some activities that seniors can safely enjoy.
Swimming
This is the perfect activity for anyone seeking light physical activity whilst also having fun. Whether you’re swimming laps or just wading, being in water creates a full-body engagement. This is great because it lets us use stabilizer muscles that we use less when leading a more sedentary lifestyle. And this is perfect for seniors who need these muscles to be strong in order to help prevent falls or accidents caused by imbalance. Swimming is also one of the safer physical activities that people of all ages can enjoy.
Hiking
We don’t mean the 8-hour-climbing-a-mountain kind of hiking. There are plenty of short, low-elevation hiking trails that are suitable for seniors as well. This option is for physical activity and movement, but for fresh air and enjoying the scenery as well. This makes hiking a great choice to keep the psyche healthy as well. If you choose a park, make sure there are frequent benches available should the elder need time to rest. If you’re opting for a more wild terrain, perhaps it’s a good idea to take a wheelchair with for the same purpose.
Gardening
Nothing soothes the soul more than being outside and engaging with nature. Gardening is another fun, safe activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s great because not only does it give seniors a chance to engage with others, but digging, weeding and planting is a great way to relax and unwind. Best aspect? You also get to reap the benefits in the form of fresh veggies and herbs!
Dancing
This one will depend on what your mobility level is, but dancing is another enjoyable activity you can do. Research has shown that musical stimulation has a profoundly positive impact on an individual’s mental state of mind. So, even seniors with dementia or cognitive impairments will benefit from dancing. It’s also a great group activity that will provide them with plenty of opportunity to socialize.
Yoga
Our favourite activity on the list, yoga calms the body and mind and keeps your limbs loose and strong. There are different types of yoga, depending on what you’re aiming to gain. Some types focus more on the physical aspects and others more on the meditative aspects. For seniors, we recommend joining classes that offer any of the following types: Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga (aka hot yoga), Yin yoga and Restorative yoga. These are some less physically demanding types. Yoga is also perfect for an at-home activity.
Keep in mind that although these activities can be enjoyed by seniors and are safe, accidents can always happen and should be done together with someone else to help avoid injuries and possible emergencies.
If you are looking to hire an in-home caregiver, check out our services page for more information on the different types of care we offer.
