Sometimes, old adults and people with disabilities are homebound due to frailty or diagnoses like arthritis, stroke, dementia, or other physically or mentally debilitating disease. It becomes difficult for them to enjoy hobbies and activities that they used to love because of those activities physical and or mental dependence. Plus, they may not have social contact with friends and relatives as they used to have in the past. They experience mood swings feel frustrated because they get tired of lying down or sitting in the same position for hours.
But losing mobility does not have to mean that they can no longer have fun or enjoy some of the activities that they use to enjoy. It is essential to understand that eating, sleeping, and taking medicines are not the only activities for older adults who have limited mobility. In fact, there are plenty of ways to boost their mood, have fun with, and keep seniors engaged without having the need to move around. Here, we have listed some enjoyable activity ideas for seniors who cannot move around.
Explore Different Hobbies
There is no denying that hobbies are great when it comes to keeping seniors engaged, whether they can move around or not. If you are looking for ideas that can keep older people with limited mobility busy, you can try introducing them to a new hobby.
From crocheting, knitting, and baking to playing the piano and container gardening, and learning a new language, there is a lot they can do to use their time productively. Nonetheless, it is always better to explore what they like doing the most.
You can design an activity to cater to their interest and hobby, which can be the perfect time to help them learn something exciting and new. Learning is always an excellent way to not only prevent boredom but also keep their mind active and engaged.
Let them be Creative.
There is no age to get in touch with one’s creative side. Regardless of how your seniors interpret the idea of “being creative,” it is undeniably a great way to spend time in a fun way.
That means involving older adults in activities like sculpture, coloring, drawing, or painting helps them realize how creative they can be. To make these ideas more interesting, try including fun projects such as creating a recipe book, organizing a photo album, or making a scrapbook.
It is worth noting that being creative comes with several health benefits. A recent study shows that creative activities help people with chronic illnesses reduce negative energy, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, it can play a vital role in improving medical outcomes.
Make Reading a Routine
Reading is another fantastic activity older adults can engage in to keep themselves busy. Many studies demonstrate that reading can reduce stress, improve memory, support the sleep cycle, and delay cognitive issues.
Whether a person likes reading magazines, hardcover books, using e-readers, or listening to different audiobooks, it helps them spend time and learn new things. That means older adults can immerse themselves in a novel, enjoy photographs, or learn by reading an autobiography. Your local library is an excellent resource for this. You can organize a book club for all the seniors in homecare to enjoy socializing and reading.
Add Some Brain Games
Brain games have something for everyone. That makes them equally exciting and fun for older adults with limited mobility.
Quizzes, riddles, Sudoku, arithmetic logic, and word searches, for instance, are some excellent brain games and readily available at the book store, newspaper, or internet. These mind games not only improve cognitive skills but also provide hours of fun and entertainment. The best part is that these games are inexpensive.
Use Birds as Companion
Some people enjoy various solitary pursuits, while others love being alone all the time. If you have older adults who do not like crowds and have been introverts all their lives, you may find it hard to keep them engaged.
A feisty budgie, in this regard, can be a solution to this problem. Not only will it become a great companion but also a perfect distraction to help them shift negative thoughts and emotions.
However, this activity may require a volunteer or staff member to assist seniors with cleaning and feeding the bird regularly.
Exercise Regularly
Even if an older adult is not very mobile, they can try several exercises and physical activities to keep their body moving. For example, they can practice Chair yoga and seated exercises to improve their mood and experience health benefits while sitting. Your local YMCA may be an excellent resource for local classes that is available in your area.
Moreover, toe taps, knee lifts, shoulder retractions, and chest squeezes are some focused exercises to improve hand and feet movement and reduce swelling.
Be a Part of Charitable Work
Many seniors enjoy being part of a charitable organization. It gives them a sense of purpose and pride in the work that they are doing. Even if they are not mobile and homebound, they have a lot to give back to society. It is, without a doubt, an excellent way to keep them engaged and to provide them with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Contact local hospitals, charity organizations, NGOs, and religious groups to find out if there are projects seniors can contribute to. Their charitable work can include anything from crocheting hats or blankets and knitting to creating banners and assembling care packages.
Herb Gardening
While it might be difficult for an older adult to practice outdoor gardening with limited mobility, who thinks they cannot do it indoors?
Interestingly, they can grow plenty of herbs indoors. All seniors need is a sunny windowsill in their room. Provide them with herbs, a window box or pot, and soil to plant it. Older adults can plant and replant the herbs they like the most. The herbs need water regularly, which is a great way to give older adults a task to do every day.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, older adults who are homebound deserve to have some fun activities that can make their lives meaningful, productive, and well-spent. Even if they suffer from a medical condition, they still need mental and physical activities in homecare to engage their body and mind.
Thus, the given ideas are enjoyable, fantastic, and engaging to keep older adults busy, active, and contented. A great local resource would be SASH (Support and Services at Home).