Studies have shown that leisure activities can help to preserve cognitive and physical function in older adults. Plus, participating in therapeutic activities also benefits an individual’s mental health and mood.
Many adults caring for aging parents want to learn more about therapeutic activities for the elderly. For instance, what are examples of safe senior activities, and what benefits do they offer?
If you’re looking for Katy memory care centers and want to know more, find the answers to those questions in this guide.
Therapeutic Activities for the Elderly
Finding safe and engaging activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia can feel like an uphill battle. You want your loved ones to enjoy themselves and find tasks that are also good for the mind.
So, what are some examples of therapeutic activities for older adults?
Brain Teasers
Puzzles and brain teasers are especially helpful for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These activities are often used in senior care centers to help stimulate the mind.
Common examples of brain teasers or helpful puzzles include the following:
- Crosswords
- Word searches
- Scrabble
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Activity books
Many people also find these activities relaxing, as they’re low-stress and fun.
Playing Games
According to a 2020 review, some activities, such as board games or video games, can improve cognitive abilities.
Board games can help older adults improve essential functions such as memory and communication with others. There are also many mobile games these days designed to stimulate the mind and hone skills such as reasoning or reaction time.
Games are entertaining and make great activities for groups as well.
Spending Time in Nature
Nature has a powerful effect on the mind and body. Breathing in the fresh air and relaxing outside is an excellent way for anyone to unwind. Specific sounds even have an impact on our physical and mental health.
Water sounds, such as a babbling brook, help to create a more positive outlook, and birdsong can reduce stress.
Older adults can greatly benefit from spending time outside. Therefore, senior care facilities often have outdoor areas to relax in or host activities such as gardening.
Exercising
While some people dread the idea of exercise, it’s one of the best things you can do for your body. It also has a therapeutic effect as it raises serotonin and dopamine. However, many older adults don’t get the exercise they need due to pain or mobility issues.
It doesn’t take much to receive the benefits of exercising. Even a brief walk outside can help.
Other excellent activities include strength training, water aerobics, yoga, and swimming. The key to safety here is having a trained caregiver on staff to gauge the intensity level of the exercise and to ensure no one hurts themselves.
Activities to Help the Mind and Body
These are some of the many therapeutic activities for the elderly offered by care facilities. They help seniors to engage the mind and promote better well-being.
Finding the right senior care facility can feel overwhelming. After all, you want your loved ones to receive the attention that they deserve.
If you’re looking for Katy memory care facilities, please reach out to us! We’d be glad to tell you more about what we can offer.
