Lack of confidence, pessimism, gloom, sufferings- old age is often defined with these formidable terms. These terms form an invisible wall around the senior citizens and prevent them from exploring happy territories.
But the variables that define senility are not invincible. Give it a try, and you can shatter these invisible walls to free your elderly loved ones from the shackles of negativity.
It’s not as difficult as it sounds. All you need to do is keep them engaged in the activities they love. Here are some options.
Play Games
Who says only kids enjoy playing games? Even elders can have a fun time playing.
Board games are synonyms with fun. Card games, Boggle, Yahtzee, Bingo, Chess, Scrabble, Dominoes, Chinese checkers are the games for seniors that even elderly people with limited mobility can play.
Gather your family or invite your elderly loved one’s friends for fun game time.
Go clubbing!
Book clubs, gardening clubs, birdwatching clubs, veteran clubs, etc., offer a good opportunity for seniors to mingle with like-minded people.
These clubs carry out interesting programs that keep seniors occupied while also giving them a positive outlook.
Determine the interest of your elderly loved one and find a club or group for them.
Explore new hobbies
Is there something your loved one has always wanted to do but couldn’t do? Or, have they recently developed a love for some activity? Encourage them to indulge in activities they enjoy.
Cooking, knitting, gardening, baking, playing a musical instrument, etc., do not require much mobility. Encourage your elderly loved one to pick up an old hobby or explore some new ones.
They can also use this time to learn something new, like a language, playing a musical instrument, etc.
Exercise with them
Exercising is essential to maintain sound health. Even seniors with limited mobility are advised to get their bodies moving.
Create a workout plan for your loved ones and exercise with them for at least half an hour. If they have limited mobility, find out chair yoga routines or seated exercises. Ensure that they exercise in someone’s presence.
Take them for walks regularly.
Netflix and chill!
More than half of Netflix users account for Millennials and Gen-Xers, but no rule book says that elders can’t Netflix and chill.
Watching movies or series a few times a week is an enjoyable pastime. Determine the genre your elderly loved one loves and watch their favorite movies or shows with them.
Your loved one might like the idea of watching a documentary every week or an episode of their favorite sitcom every night before hitting the snooze button.
Or, as per their interest, introduce them to music channels, food channels, travel channels, or anything they enjoy.
Volunteering or charitable work
After spending many decades in society, your loved one might want to give it back to the community. Treat it as an opportunity to keep them engaged.
Reach out to the local charities or organizations that carry out charitable activities. Many hospitals and religious organizations also plan small projects for older adults.
By volunteering or indulging in any kind of charitable work, your loved one would get a sense of purpose. It will positively impact their mental and emotional health too.
The bottom line
Senility often brings negative emotions. People in the last phase of their life tend to lose their tenacity and a sense of purpose. It often impacts their physical, mental, and emotional health.
These activities draw them out from the dark dungeons of misery and despondency and breathe the fresh air of life in them.
