A Guide to Trying a New Activity for Seniors

Home senior care is often associated with elderly people who can no longer do anything for themselves. But the truth is that many seniors who get help caring for themselves are still mentally active, physically fit and up for a new challenge to bring some excitement into their lives. This is why many Timber lake senior care providers offer classes or social groups that introduce seniors to new activities and give them a chance to enjoy something new. Some of the best activities for a senior to try might include:

• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Painting
• Meditation
• Power walking
• Keeping an online journal or website
• Sudoku
• Scrap booking
• Swimming
• Jewelry making
• Indoor cycling/spinning

There are a few steps you can take to encourage the senior citizens in your life to try something new. Don’t forget, you may have many questions during this process, and a qualified Timberlake senior care provider can help you find the right resource to make your senior feel comfortable while doing these leisure activities.

Find a specialized class. Classes for seniors are designed to introduce them gradually to a new activity without pushing them too far. Chances are that your senior will feel more comfortable surrounded by other people the same age and at the skill level.

Work around your senior’s schedule. If your senior has a set schedule try to find a way to incorporate the new activity without disrupting their routine too much. Ask what day they prefer to schedule doctor’s appointments, go grocery shopping and receive visitors, and work around those times. If your senior receives home senior care visits from a nurse or occupational therapist, you may want to speak with that person to ensure you do not schedule a conflict and cause them to miss services.

Share your interests. If you like one of these activities and have personal experience trying them, share this experience with your senior. They may be more inclined to try painting if they know it will give them something in common to talk about with family members at holidays or when you come to visit.

Set expectations using online resources. IF your senior is computer or tablet literate, they can do this step on their own, or if they aren’t so handy with technology you can help them. Look up videos and articles about the new activity so your senior knows what to expect. For an elderly person who has never been exposed to an eastern hobby like tai chi or yoga, some of the breathing and postures might seem silly. Helping them to understand the meaning behind the movements will make them feel more comfortable.

Take advantage of what is available to you. If your senior lives in a senior living facility, there may already be classes or excursions organized by the facility which take care of all the details for you.

The author, Dean Jones is a well-known writer on elder living, affordable assisted living homes related topics. He shares his valuable views about Assisted living Timber lake through bentleyatlynchburg.com.