{"id":2868,"date":"2023-05-10T00:47:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T00:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=2868"},"modified":"2023-05-11T15:14:12","modified_gmt":"2023-05-11T15:14:12","slug":"staying-engaged-activities-for-aging-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/staying-engaged-activities-for-aging-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying Engaged: Activities for Aging Adults\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
Summary<\/strong>\u00a0
\u00a0
-Organizing suitable activities for aging adults is very important to help them maintain their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.\u00a0
\u00a0-Consider the limitations and interests of your parents before suggesting activity ideas.\u00a0
\u00a0-Field trips, social clubs, and volunteer work are all great options.\u00a0
\u00a0-Medical alert devices can help keep your loved ones safe while they\u2019re out in the world, doing what they love best.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Why Should We Keep Aging Adults Active and Engaged? <\/h2>

If the idea of spending your retirement on the couch in front of the television unsettles you, your parents probably feel the same. No one wants to spend their golden years feeling bored or uninspired. <\/p>

The positive effects that physical and mental stimulation have on aging adults are well-documented, giving you more reasons to keep your loved ones active and engaged \u2014 whether they\u2019re spending time indoors or outside.\u00a0<\/p>

\"A<\/figure>

Research shows that older adults who participate in regular physical activity<\/a> have improved cognitive health and a lower risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.\u00a0Keeping physically active can also improve older folks’ mental health<\/a> and emotional well-being<\/a>.\u00a0In this article, we provide tips and suggestions for keeping your loved ones stimulated as they age.\u00a0<\/p>

What to Keep in Mind Before Suggesting Activities for Aging Adults\u00a0<\/h2>

There are several fun activities for older adults to enjoy when they reach retirement, but your loved one may not be interested in all of them. Some activity ideas may appeal to certain people, while others may not be practical or even possible for others.\u00a0Here are some things to keep in mind before suggesting activities for your aging loved one or planning future field trips with them:\u00a0<\/p>

Physical abilities and limitations <\/h3>

You\u2019ll have to choose activities that cater to your loved one\u2019s age, as well as their physical health and cognitive abilities.\u00a0\u00a0If, for example, your parent gets tired quickly or they\u2019re wheelchair-bound, this may be a limitation that makes activities like hiking impractical.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Similarly, if your parent has a condition like dementia and they\u2019re easily confused \u2014 or they find it difficult to focus \u2014 cross anything off the list that might frustrate or overwhelm them. <\/p>

Remember what your parent can and can\u2019t do, and structure activities around their abilities. <\/p>

Hobbies or interests  <\/h3>

Knowing what your parents\u2019 interests and hobbies are, will help you make appropriate suggestions for activities and effortlessly plan fun-filled afternoons. <\/p>

Keep in mind that your parents\u2019 interests might have changed over the years, and they may no longer be interested in things\u00a0they loved when they were younger. Some of your parents\u2019 hobbies may not even be physically possible for them anymore.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\"A<\/figure>

So keep the conversation open, and make a note of places they\u00a0would like to visit or things they\u2019d like to do.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t simply assume that they\u2019d enjoy going for walks or visiting local museums \u2014 some older folks are more adventurous than others. The important thing is that they remain safe, no matter what they do in their recreational time.\u00a0<\/p>

Daily routines <\/h3>

The importance of a daily routine for aging adults cannot be emphasized enough. Daily routines make the lives of caregivers and older adults less stressful and more productive.\u00a0Everyday routines are especially important for those with dementia<\/a>, as it helps decrease behaviors such as aggression and restlessness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

People who reside in assisted living communities may have further limitations depending on their rules and regulations.\u00a0For example, certain assisted living<\/a> facilities may have visiting hours or specific times when you\u2019re allowed to take your parent off the premises. You\u2019ll need to work around their daily routines to make it easier for everyone.\u00a0<\/p>

Safety <\/h3>

Whether your parent loves creative activities, traditional games like cards and bingo, or they enjoy the fresh air and prefer doing things that provide a change of scenery \u2014 you\u2019ll need to ensure their safety at all times.  <\/p>

This is vital for aging loved ones who are prone to falling<\/a>, or who have limited motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Safety should also be a priority for people with heart conditions, blood pressure problems, and other chronic ailments.  <\/p>

You need your loved ones to be safe at all times, but it\u2019s not possible to keep an eye on them 24\/7. Even when aging adults have full-time caregivers, accidents still happen.  <\/p>

LogicMark<\/a>\u2019s medical alert devices can help keep your parents protected, whether they\u2019re playing board games indoors or visiting the local zoo.  <\/p>

Our devices are designed to simplify your life, keep your aging folks safe, and give everyone peace of mind \u2014 more on this in a bit. <\/p>

Activities Suitable for Adults with Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/strong>\u00a0
\u00a0
Dementia and Alzheimer<\/a>\u2019s are conditions that get progressively worse, but there are activities older adults can do to maintain their health and their ability to perform basic daily tasks.\u00a0
\u00a0
If you have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s, activities that encourage social interaction or provide mental stimulation can decrease the risk of cognitive decline.\u00a0 Some of these activities include:\u00a0\u00a0
-Music therapy\u00a0
-Playing games, such as card games and bingo,\u00a0to keep the mind sharp \u00a0
-Animal interactions\u00a0
-Creative activities that promote self-expression, such as creating memory boxes or scrapbooks\u00a0
-Spending time interacting with loved ones\u00a0
-Doing basic tasks, such as folding towels\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Great Activities for Aging Adults <\/h2>

To ensure the well-being of your parents as they grow older, fill their retirement years with rich life experiences and activities that make them excited to get out of bed in the morning.\u00a0Remember to take into account their likes and abilities when you offer suggestions for activities.\u00a0Here are some things your aging parents may be interested in:\u00a0<\/p>

Walking and exercise <\/h4>

A walk outside in nature is a fantastic way to improve health, enhance mood, interact with animals, stay active, and meet new friends. <\/p>

\"A<\/figure>

It\u2019s the perfect way for older folks who were once avid hikers to reconnect with nature.\u00a0<\/p>

Volunteering in the community <\/h4>

For some people, the point of retirement may be to rest. But many aging adults end up missing certain aspects of their workday \u2014 such as sharing knowledge with colleagues and making meaningful contributions to society. <\/p>

Volunteer work gives them a chance to change lives and make new friends. <\/p>

Bonding with animals  <\/h4>

Caring for or interacting with cats, dogs, birds, and other animals can greatly improve an aging adult\u2019s self-worth and self-esteem.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Three<\/figure>

Not only can stroking or hugging an animal reduce stress levels and blood pressure, but it can also help adults stay connected to the world around them. <\/p>

Joining social clubs <\/h4>

A book club, swim club, or bingo club is a wonderful way for older folks to\u00a0socialize. It\u00a0helps keep their mind active and provides an opportunity to strengthen social skills.\u00a0<\/p>

Safety Concerns around Activities for Aging Adults <\/h2>

Accidents happen all the time and falls are ranked as the number one cause of injury-related deaths<\/a> among older people in the U.S. So whatever activities your aging folks participate in, you should ensure that they\u2019re protected from injury. <\/p>

Here\u2019s how you can make sure your parents enjoy their recreational time without compromising their safety. <\/p>

Provide adequate supervision  <\/h3>

When you make your list of activity ideas, keep supervision at top of mind. Consider the following points: <\/p>