‘Engaging’ and ‘Fun’ – are probably not the first words that come to mind when considering aged care, but maybe you should because lifestyle and leisure activities for elderly residents actually play an important role. Just because you’ve reached your golden years and may not be as carefree, fit, or energetic as you used to be, it doesn’t mean that you should give up on the hobbies or activities that used to bring you so much joy. In fact, now that you’re retired and have more time on your hands, you should be having more fun – you’ve earned it!
When over 65s take part in activities that are enjoyable, engaging, or enriching:
- it helps to improve their physical fitness, strength, mobility, and flexibility
- provides regular social interaction
- and has a notably positive effect on their mental health by taking away some of the negative feelings seniors may have when they enter aged care, such as boredom and loneliness.
Now we’ve briefly looked at a couple of reasons why taking part in an activity is so important; here are 8 engaging and fun activities for seniors, including a few simple tips for getting the most out of each.
1) Gardening
Gardening sounds like a lot of hard work, however, many seniors find this sensory activity to be relaxing and quite therapeutic. If you think you will struggle with being on your knees in the garden for a significant amount of time, you can always pick up a gardening kneeler and ergonomic gardening tools from your local hardware store or nursery, to help make gardening more comfortable.
Gardening isn’t just one of those activities for elders who have green thumbs or a sprawling backyard, gardening can be as simple as a few raised garden beds along a patio or decorative pots in the courtyard, and in those you could plant some of your favourite flowers, fruit trees, or vegetables. This way you can still spend your days watering and pruning outside, without as much bending or putting pressure on your knees, and in no time at all you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour – fresh produce to eat or beautiful flowers to admire.
2) Brain games
Flexing your brain muscle can be just as important as exercising your body, and it’s never too late to start brain training with popular games or activities for older adults.
Brain training is not just about testing your knowledge, it can help to reduce cognitive decline by keeping your mind sharp. These days there are plenty of brain training activities for seniors that can be played on smartphones, tablets, or PC.
If you’re a senior who appreciates a cuppa and some alone time you might enjoy a crossword or sudoku puzzle. 2 player strategy games like chess, checkers, or mahjong are ideal when you have a friend to play against. Classic games such as Scrabble or Monopoly have always been family favourites, and they’re perfect for starting a ‘Family Game Night’ tradition.
And, if you happen to fancy yourself as a bit of a brainiac, trivia nights can make really fun activities for seniors. Local clubs and RSLs often host these kinds of competitive events, it’s perfect for taking on those cheeky know-it-all generations, and you could walk away victorious with some exciting prizes to show for it.
3) Sightseeing
Flexing your brain muscle can be just as important as exercising your body, and it’s never too late to start brain training with popular games or activities for older adults.
Brain training is not just about testing your knowledge, it can help to reduce cognitive decline by keeping your mind sharp. These days there are plenty of brain training activities for seniors that can be played on smartphones, tablets, or PC.
If you’re a senior who appreciates a cuppa and some alone time you might enjoy a crossword or sudoku puzzle. 2 player strategy games like chess, checkers, or mahjong are ideal when you have a friend to play against. Classic games such as Scrabble or Monopoly have always been family favourites, and they’re perfect for starting a ‘Family Game Night’ tradition.
And, if you happen to fancy yourself as a bit of a brainiac, trivia nights can make really fun activities for seniors. Local clubs and RSLs often host these kinds of competitive events, it’s perfect for taking on those cheeky know-it-all generations, and you could walk away victorious with some exciting prizes to show for it.
4) Book club
If you consider yourself an avid reader, why not share your love of books by joining a community book club. Book clubs can be a wonderful way to socialise with friends or meet new people through an existing book club.
Depending on the type of book club it may be held regularly at a particular location like a coffee shop or community hall. Your local library should have information about book clubs and activities for the elderly in the area, or you can search online. If there isn’t a book club for your favourite genre or author, why not start your own!
5) Creative arts and crafts
Maybe art or handicrafts is something you enjoyed when you were young and you’d love to get back into it, or perhaps there’s another form or style you’ve always wanted to learn. One of the great things about art and craft activities for elders is that you don’t have to be a super creative person or already have the technical skills.
There’s so many different art and craft hobbies to choose from, you could take up:
- Painting (watercolour, acrylic, oils)
- Pottery or resin crafting
- Jewellery making
- Drawing or sketching
- Colouring (adult colouring books)
- Photography
- Scrapbooking
- Knitting, crochet or embroidery
- Sewing or quilt making
Decorating (homewares and furniture) - Upcycling.
Art and craft also doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, can find a lot of materials at:
- discount stores
- op-shops, second hand stores, or antique shops
- trash-and-treasure events, flea markets, garage sales, newspaper or online classifieds,
- or items other people have put out as hard rubbish.
Community organisations or groups often offer arts and crafts beginner classes (and more experienced skill levels), or you can find information and tutorials online. If you already have the skills or knowledge, why not offer to pass it on to your younger family members, or instead teach to a group of people in a classroom setting.
Your creations could make thoughtful gifts for your loved ones, or if you’ve unlocked a hidden talent and people love what you do, there’s nothing stopping you from selling your work.
6) Walking, jogging, or hiking
No matter how you prefer to do it, briskly moving your feet is a fantastic way to keep active, boost your health and wellbeing, and get a breath of fresh air while you’re at it!
Walking, jogging, or hiking can help to reduce blood pressure, improve muscle and bone strength, and reduce the risk of heart disease. You may want t
o start around your neighbourhood, go to a nearby park or a popular walking route, or why not make a day of it and head out to the mountains or a national park.With walking, jogging, and hiking activities you can do these on your own, grab a friend, or get your family involved. You could also join a group or a club to make some new friends, or if there aren’t walking, jogging, or hiking activities for older adults already in your area, it could be a great idea to start one!
7) Group exercise classes
In Australia, adults aged 65 and older should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a day, and for many seniors, group exercise classes are the perfect combination of fitness, fun, and making new friends.
Group exercise classes or activities for seniors specifically, can make them feel more comfortable when they are joining in with people their own age. Some of the most popular group exercise classes for seniors, include:
- Water aerobics
- Chair yoga
- Pilates
- Tai chi
Exercise classes can be a way to relieve stress, which is why they also make fun activities for seniors who don’t take their exercise too seriously. It’s important to remember that if you do have any health or mobility concerns then you should speak with your GP or an Accredited Exercise Physiologist first, and they will be able to confirm which classes you’ll be better suited to.
The option and availability of particular group exercise classes may also depend on where you live, so you should check your local Council website for information on community activities for seniors and the elderly, and government websites like Exercise Right also offer a range of helpful resources for exercising when you’re over 65.
8) Pet therapy
There’s no doubt that animals can bring people of all ages lots of joy and companionship, and if you’re lucky to have a pet living with you, then playing and taking care of them is probably already one of your favourite activities!
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to live with a pet, however, there are some other options:
- Pet therapy is available at some senior living homes and gives residents the opportunity to spend some time with loving animals. Pet therapy has been especially beneficial for people living with a disability or experiencing health conditions such as dementia, anxiety, and depression.
- Why not offer to walk a dog that belongs to a family member, friend or neighbour. It doesn’t have to be everyday – every now and then, you might be doing them a favour. You and your new furry friend will both be able to have a ball while getting fresh air and exercise.
- Volunteer your time at a local animal rescue shelter or a wildlife park. In doing so you’ll be able to give some love to some animals in need, without the full time commitment.
Live the life you want, everyday!
These are just a handful of fun activities for seniors that can also be enjoyed while living at Aurrum Aged Care.
When it comes time to choose an aged care provider for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, make sure you enquire about the range of activities and lifestyle programs available. Because when elders know what the next stage of their life could look like and what they have to look forward to, it can help make the transition into aged care a smoother and more exciting one.
Aurrum’s reablement, lifestyle and leisure programs have all been designed to provide seniors with fantastic opportunities to socialise and make new friends with other residents.
There really is something for everyone at Aurrum Aged Care. To learn more about our range of programs and activities for seniors, get in touch with our friendly and helpful team today.