Stimulating Activities for the Elderly: Four Tips

As we get older, our body changes including our brains. As the brain ages, it slows down, which can mean adjustments have to be made to accommodate this process.

However, an aging brain does absolutely not have to spell doom and gloom at all. It is important to treat the brain like a muscle and keep it stimulated and exercised to keep it functioning at its best.

There are plenty of activities and exercises to keep the brain active (and to enjoy), and this guide will offer ideas that can benefit the elderly.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are so many benefits to partaking in arts and crafts, such as stress relief, enhancing brain processes, and also improving the quality of life for those with illnesses, to name just a few. Art lessons and workshops help them rediscover their inner artist.

Art is even used as therapy, and not only that, there have been studies that show engaging with new activities can have a positive impact on cognition, and art and crafts are a great, low-cost way to start. 

Try simple crafts with the elderly such as making cards, suncatchers, or pressing flowers. There are plenty of ideas online that everyone can enjoy making!

Group Exercise Classes

It is vital that those who can move their bodies, move them as much as possible to keep the joints supple and gain the benefits of exercising such as increased mobility, balance, and flexibility. Exercising can also help the elderly improve their sleep, self-confidence, and can even prevent degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s.

Seated exercises are suitable for group classes and also help members of a community form friendships and maintain a social life. 

Don’t forget activities that get the body moving, such as indoor bowls or skittles – these still count!

Games and Puzzles 

Games and puzzles are a great way to interact with the elderly and also stimulate their minds. For those who struggle with mild cognitive impairment, choose simpler puzzles that are less likely to cause frustration, or for jigsaws, a simple picture with a modest number of pieces such as 50 to 100 would be a good choice.

For those with visual impairment, choose larger pieces, so it is more about how fitting in the pieces feels rather than the image of the jigsaw itself. There is also the option to create custom puzzles of different sizes, with personal images, which can be a great touch. 

These brilliant ideas can also be adapted for those who also have help at home. For those who are looking into this option, there are some great home care agencies in Maryland that can help assist you with enrichment activities. 

Gardening

Gardening is extremely therapeutic and can suit a whole range of mobilities. From taking care of a plant to taking care of a garden lot, elderly people can reap the benefits of exercise, fresh air, and nurturing something all at the same time. Gardening can be an excellent source of therapy, and it is a brilliant way of helping the elderly get their daily dose of vitamin D.

There are plenty of ideas online that can help the elderly get creative while gardening, and also aid any limited with mobility.