Six Indoor Activities Seniors with Limited Mobility can Engage In
As old age approaches, people tend to experience symptoms of reduced mobility. Even if it is not a direct result of an injury or other health condition, age alone means that individuals will not be able to do the things that were trivial to them previously. Bending from the waist, walking, manual dexterity, and balance are all things that will wane with age.
If you are caring for such a person, you will wonder what activities are suitable for seniors in this position. As it turns out, you don’t need to worry too much because there are plenty of activities you can help them engage in:
- Arts and crafts – creative thinking is required to keep one’s mind sharp, even for seniors. Many experiences mental fatigue symptoms, especially if they develop certain conditions, like dementia. Arts and crafts can be a perfect activity for them, as it provides a mental stimulus. On top of that, it also keeps the hands busy and exercises their hand muscles. You can help the senior engage in various activities – knitting, drawing, making quilts, origami, etc. Such activities are enjoyable and refreshing for seniors, and you will love them too.
- Chair yoga – among the many benefits of yoga is improving overall health and mental wellbeing. It improves flexibility and strength, allowing people to concentrate better. In seniors, it can also benefit from reduced joint pain, which is a struggle many of them have. A senior can do some very simple positions while sitting in a chair – raised hands, candle pose, seated spinal twist, etc. It is essential to show them and engage with them during the activity.
- Exercise – Physical exercise is not necessarily related to going to the gym or any other place outdoors. Even seniors with limited mobility can and should engage in physical activity indoors, as long as it is well-suited to their ability. Even slight leg and arm movements can be very beneficial for maintaining mobility in those areas. Some chair exercises can further boost agility and strength.
- Indoor games – just because the senior cannot go outdoors doesn’t mean there is nothing fun to do indoors. Charades, Bingo, card games and board games are great examples of fun games to incorporate into their daily routine. Such games are not only a fun way to pass the time, but they can be very mentally stimulating without being too demanding. Besides, it is a great way to spend time with your loved ones.
- Reading – one of the best activities for seniors with limited mobility but unhindered eyesight is reading. Not only does it reduce stress and keep the brain engaged, but it can also help with concentration and memory. There are also ways to engage a senior without them reading directly, such as audiobooks.
- In-house gardening – this sort of activity can have a natural positive effect on seniors, even if it means you must do some of the work yourself. You can still engage them by asking them what indoor plants they would love, allowing them to choose the pots. If the plants are close, they can be responsible for watering them and ensuring they are well-tended.
There are plenty of activities that you can engage with a senior indoors, even if they have difficulties moving about. It is all about being creative and choosing something that they will love.
