Seniors, especially those who have already retired, may find it difficult to find something else to do with their lives. After having years of feeling like they have a purpose, seniors may later have a difficult time finding ways to keep occupied. Also, the brain needs to be stimulated in order to remain healthy. Fortunately, there are many activities that can not only help keep seniors entertained, but can also help keep their brains engaged and maintain health.
Volunteering
Since seniors are often looking for a purpose, one of the best ways to fill this emotional need is through volunteering. For example, if your loved one enjoys socializing and visiting with other seniors, one great activity would be to simply visit a nursing home. If your senior has always loved animals, there may be a rescue group that he or she might be able to volunteer for. These activities also give seniors an opportunity to socialize, which is also great for brain health.
Conversation
The best way to keep a senior occupied is by talking. Seniors have many things that they can reminisce about. Conversations can help improve memory and can also help trigger nostalgia. Many seniors enjoy when they are asked about what things were like when they were growing up.
Puzzles
The key to maintaining brain health is to keep the brain stimulated. Puzzles are well-suited for this task. This can include more traditional puzzles that can be found in many stores and also electronic puzzles that are available for consoles and mobile devices.
Arts And Crafts
Another way to keep seniors busy is through creative activities. Anything that requires that your senior to be creative will help alleviate boredom and will also keep the brain stimulated. One of the best approaches is to encourage your senior to become involved in arts and crafts. Not only will this be great for the brain, but will also give your senior a sense of accomplishment when he or she makes something that can be displayed in the home or given as a gift to a family member.
Given that interaction is an important part of keeping a senior entertained, it may be a good idea to have a home care professional regularly visit or live with your senior. Not only will a home care specialist meet the medical needs of your loved one, but he or she will also be there to provide the much-needed interaction and help keep your loved one from becoming lonely.
Share10 November 2016
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
