Seniors should have at least one hobby because they can benefit from participating in activities that stimulate brain health or encourage physical activity. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Oakville families trust, suggests a few hobbies that may help 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 him or her with quite a few benefits, including increased heart health and better 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 place to start this hobby, as they require relatively little care.
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 teacher 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 help 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 is 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 on 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.
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.
Though many hobbies can be enjoyed and completed alone, some seniors may need assistance to accomplish them and reap the full benefits. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are available 24/7 to provide companionship for your loved one while he or she participates in health-boosting hobbies, and they can also assist with a wide variety of other daily tasks, including cooking, bathing, and cleaning. We also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke care in Oakville. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.