Living with Parkinson’s disease doesn’t prevent seniors from having fun and staying active. They can engage in a variety of activities, based on their preferences and physical abilities. Below are some fun activities seniors with Parkinson’s should try out.
1. Cycling
If your loved one enjoyed cycling before developing Parkinson’s, encourage him or her to go cycling with you, his or her friends, the grandchildren, or other family members. Pedaling a bicycle is a repetitive motion that can slow tremors and increase mobility by boosting arm and leg control. Cycling can also boost mental and emotional health, decreasing the odds of depression and preventing boredom.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as grocery shopping and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Oakville, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Playing Word Games
Cognitive stimulation is essential for seniors with Parkinson’s, so you need to find fun activities that enhance reasoning and memory skills, such as a word or picture game. Matching the letters, phrases, and images can be fun and engaging. You can find these games online or create your own using challenging words that boost your parent’s cognitive abilities even as Parkinson’s progresses. Word association games can boost your loved one’s thinking abilities and communication skills.
3. Doing Tai Chi
Exercising can enhance the gait, coordination, and grip strength of older adults with Parkinson’s. Find fun ways for your loved one to exercise, such as tai chi. The movements and techniques performed in this exercise are slow and controlled, lowering the odds of accidents or injuries. Your loved one can strengthen his or her body positioning and awareness while reducing the risk of tremors. Enroll your loved one in a local Parkinson’s-friendly tai chi class, providing the ability to interact with others and receive the social and physical stimulation he or she needs.
4. Singing
Parkinson’s disease causes damage to the nerves in the brain and body, disrupting speech and other motor abilities. However, singing can slow down many of the symptoms associated with this neurodegenerative disease. Singing demands more control of the throat and mouth muscles, providing a significant boost to speaking and swallowing abilities.
Difficulty swallowing and other eating issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Oakville, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Dancing
When your loved one dances, the rhythm of the music can boost his or her mood and motor skills. Merely hearing the sounds from favorite artists and bands may help your loved one move better and stimulate the brain cells responsible for sending signals 5pertaining to muscle movement. The physical activity involved in dancing can enhance body positioning and endurance. Dancing is a fun activity that increases the feel-good chemicals released throughout the body, benefiting mental and emotional health.
Some of the best dancing styles for seniors with Parkinson’s to learn include:
• Ballroom
• Waltz
• Line dancing
• Traditional two-stepping
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate, professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Oakville at-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Call us today at (905) 337-1200 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.