Activities for Senior Citizens

When planning activities for senior citizens, you should take into account their physical and mental capabilities as well as their attention span and what they are interested in.

Many seniors continue to be able to enjoy almost everything they once did. But as they age, they may tire easily or be limited physically. Their minds may not be as sharp as they once were.

Not to worry, there is still something for everyone!

If your elderly parent or other relative lives in a retirement complex or assisted living facility, they will have other seniors to socialize with. The facility may have planned activities that they can participate in such as games, group exercise times, pot luck dinners or even musical entertainment. Residents can choose what they want to attend and there is enough variety to provide something enjoyable for almost everyone.

When the elderly are alone, there are a lot of interesting activities that can keep their minds alert and help pass the time.

Computers can provide interestinig activities for senior citizens and many enjoy spending time using one. They may only be able to play the card game that most computers have, or they might hop right online and wow you with their expertise! There is something online for any skill level, so if they are interested, it is a wonderful way for them to be entertained.

The local library is a great resource for the elderly. Some public libraries travel to senior citizen apartments and assisted living centers with a selection of books, music and movies for the residents to check out. They are an especially good resource for old movies that some might enjoy.

What kinds of things is your elderly person interested in? There are many hobbies that range from very simple to the most complex of projects. Handiwork, scrapbooking, drawing or painting, puzzles, sewing or any type of crafting are examples of things that will give seniors a sense of accomplishment and pride.

If they are in over-all good health, they may be able to travel. Many communities offer trips for senior citizens that are designed with their slower pace and need for assistance in mind. There are usually a variety of trips available such as sight-seeing tours, casinos, or even trips to a theater or other performance. Checking with your local senior center or department of aging should get you a list of planned outings.

Some seniors are not long up to taking a trip, but they still need to get out of the house from time to time. A ride in the car past fondly remembered places, a trip to the park or the store, or even just sitting on the porch if that is what they are capable of. Everyone needs fresh air and a change or scenery!

If you can, bring your aging family member to your home to spend the day or even a couple of days if they can do so comfortably. You could have activities there for them such as movies, jigsaw puzzles or books. They might enjoy helping you with simple chores or a craft project.

Card games and board games are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, but many of us still love them. It gives other family members a way to interact, and children and grandparents a connection. A few popular games are Scrabble, Checkers, Skip-Bo and Yahtzee and there are many more.

As time goes by, they might loose some of their skill at games. If they are still enjoying playing, I encourage you to overlook their inconsistencies, and play anyway, making sure they win enough times to not be discouraged. After all, the important thing here is their entertainment.

If it would be too exhausting or overwhelming for your senior,or if it's just not possible to have them spend a day in your home, go and spend some time with them. They will enjoy the chance to just visit.

Asking the elderly questions about their lives gives them the opportunity to reflect and share good memories. You might have to ask specific questions to prompt their memory, it's likely you'll hear learn something interesting or wind up sharing a good laugh over a story they have to tell.

Or you can ask them to teach you a skill they have such as crocheting or knitting. Even if you already know how you can ask for pointers. You might learn something, it will help keep their mind sharp, and they will realize their input is still valuable.

Sadly, as we age, most of us begin to deteriorate physically and/or mentally. There are fewer things we are capable of doing and some of those things we don't do well. It's important to keep an elderly person content and secure by giving them activities that match their skill level and that they enjoy.

For example,if they like puzzles, you will need to change to ones with larger and fewer pieces. Instead of bringing them books to read, you might read aloud to them. They might like to listen to music or watch television, or they might spend time sitting and doing nothing at all. This is alright for them to do, but don't stop interacting with them. They are still in there.

Physical touch is important to the human spirit. Many seniors who aren't close to anyone go years without meaningful physical touch. If you have an elderly person in your life, holding their hand, giving them a backrub, or sharing a hug is a very loving thing to do. Speaking to them kindly and treating them with dignity will make make them feel safe and cared for. They have lived a long life and been through much. It's what they deserve.