There are a few stigmas out there about the aging process. Some may say, the older you get, the less there is to do. Or that life feels complacent and that you become sedentary as the years go on. But those stigmas couldn’t be further from the truth.
Society has become more focused on mental health, physical health and entertainment, providing a wealth of opportunities, resources and activities for our seniors’ benefit.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the more activities seniors get involved in, the better. The organization says participating in both outdoor and indoor activities increases happiness, reduces depression and agitation and establishes a sense of ownership and independence.
“Activities provide feelings of accomplishment and promote emotional connection and self-expression,” the CDC adds.
With warmer temperatures already taking effect ahead of summertime, now is a great time for seniors to start enjoying the great outdoors again.
Gardening is by and large one of the most popular activities for seniors to enjoy. Experts say this activity arouses the senses and gives seniors a chance to absorb some much-needed Vitamin D from tending shrubs to growing flowers and vegetables.
“For more physically-able seniors, there’s the added benefit of exercise inherent in tasks such as digging, weeding and potting,” the CDC says.
Other outdoor activities seniors can enjoy include fishing, taking a trip to the farmers’ market, bird watching, dining outside, fruit picking, photography, volunteering at community events, sightseeing and flying a kite.
For those who are 65 or older and generally fit without limiting health conditions, a wide variety of outdoor exercises can provide a healthy outlet for seniors. These include:
•Taking a walk
•Hiking
•Golfing/miniature golf
•Swimming
•Jogging
When summer gets into full swing, seniors can also enjoy outdoor activities with their families and friends, including catching fireflies, going to the zoo and selling lemonade with their grandchildren.
While we all like to get some fresh air every once in a while, seniors can enjoy numerous indoor activities that can benefit their physical and mental health in so many ways.
Recent studies have shown that solving jigsaw puzzles can keep seniors’ minds sharp. While a 300-piece puzzle might feel like an enormous task for those of any age, putting a puzzle together can also target the parts of the brain that deteriorate through neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s. Plus, it’s an affordable indoor activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family members.
Watching old home movies can be fun in itself, but seeing those memorable moments helps to remind seniors they are loved and can lift their spirits. Those in the market for unique gift ideas can have old VHS tapes digitized to provide easier access for their loved ones.
It’s never too late to pick up a new craft. Experts even say that learning new things keeps one’s cognitive abilities up. Seniors can do this through tutorials on YouTube and even take free online classes to learn a new skill.
Swapping stories, cooking, board and card games, journaling and taking virtual tours online are other indoor activities enjoyed by many seniors. Interestingly, you can take free virtual tours of museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) and the Smithsonian through the venues’ website.
Seniors can play music, write letters, organize photographs and do indoor exercises from the comfort of their own home. Engaging with others through social media can give seniors some much-needed catchup time with family members and old friends.
Regardless of age, self-care is essential for everyone. Seniors can benefit from having a spa/pampering day where they can get their hair cut, colored or styled, enjoy a manicure, get a massage or have their hair and beard trimmed up by a barber.
Whether indoors or outdoors, there’s always something you can do to stay active. If nothing sounds appealing, try something new! It’s never too late to learn something to enhance your life.
-by Katie Pickens, Guest Writer
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Mandi Barnum, Contributor
