One of the most challenging adjustments seniors face is the increasing amount of time they spend alone as each year passes. The amount of contact they have with the outside world decreases as spouses pass away, friends die or move away, and reduced mobility keeps them closer to home. Over time, decreased engagement for seniors can lead to a decline in their cognitive abilities and an increase in mental disorders, such as depression. So, as a family caregiver or friend of senior aging in place, how can you help seniors stay engaged and healthy?
Here are five tips for you to help your aging loved one stay engaged.
Help them find and join a club
f your senior has a hobby then chances of engagement are great. You can easily look for an online or in-person club for them. An internet search will turn up book clubs, bridge clubs, cooking clubs, gardening clubs…there are opportunities galore for seniors to interact with other adults who share the same interests they do.
Get them physically active
Any amount of physical activity, no matter how little or how much, is beneficial. If your loved one can only get up and walk ten minutes at a time, that’s plenty. Walk with them and slowly increase the duration over time. If they’re able, get them signed up for something a bit more strenuous like yoga, swimming, or low-impact aerobics.
Have them, volunteer
There are many opportunities available for seniors to volunteer and get involved in causes near and dear to their hearts. For example, many seniors don’t have pets but would love the opportunity to care for animals in shelters.
Some seniors yearn for the days they spent reading to their children and would be a perfect match for tutoring or reading to younger children, either virtual or face to face.
Giving back and staying involved is an essential part of the engagement.
Help them learn new technology
Studies show that over two-thirds of adults 65 and over have a social media account. If your senior doesn’t get engaged through technology, then help them get comfortable. Most seniors welcome the chance of being taught how to operate phones, pads, and laptops by their grandkids.
And, technology for seniors isn’t just about being on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. It’s engaging with others by belonging to groups, for example, gaming, collectibles, etc. Fantasy sports groups for senior men are becoming increasingly popular and show no signs of slowing down.
Include them in family activities whenever possible
Mom or Dad may not be able to play softball any longer, but they can probably enjoy sitting with you in the shallow end of the pool and cooling off on a hot summer day or gathering around the table feasting on a sumptuous meal.
Assisting Hands Home Care serving Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, as well as many other communities throughout Northwest Boston provides families with caregivers that love to engage with seniors. Whether it be enjoying music together, watching a favorite movie, looking at family picture albums, sharing stories, or going for a walk in the neighborhood, our caregivers are there to care for, and share life with, our clients.
Give us a call today and let us know how we can help, or schedule your FREE consultation here.
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