13 Seniors Activities Around Your Hometown (Fun While Keeping The Mind Active)
Author: Lifeline Canada
Date: 7 October 2020
Getting seniors out of the house and keeping them active is essential to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You don’t need to plan a big trip or other elaborate ideas to have fun. Seniors can enjoy many fun activities around their hometowns and withing senior living communities. We’ve put together a senior living guide that contains a list of fun activities that anyone can get started today.
5 Free and Fun Outdoor Activities for Seniors
Since many older people are on a fixed budget, they have limited income for fun. To compensate, they can usually find free activities that communities offer to help them stay active socially and physically.
Check out these 5 free and fun outdoor senior activities that you or your loved ones can do today:
Visit local museums
Many local museums offer visitors a free night once a week or once a month. This is a fun activity to stay active while learning about the past.
Join open mic nights
Open mic nights at the nearby coffee shops provide local entertainment at no cost. In addition, the seniors get a chance to perform by reading a poem or singing for a small audience.
Participate in a book or gardening club
A book or gardening club provides fun and interaction with others on a regular basis. In addition, it is usually free, unless people choose to meet at a restaurant.
Do volunteer work
Another option for older people to enjoy free admission to events is to volunteer their services. They can serve as ushers for plays or concerts in exchange for free tickets to the event. Many small programs have limited budgets and are always willing to exchange volunteer help for a few seats to the show.
Become a local tourist
Become a local tourist. Encourage your seniors to get out and see new attractions or spend time in an area of town where they never go. It’s common for people to get into such a routine and go to the same places and miss out on many restaurants, stores, attractions and activities right in their own town.
Related: Complete Guide To Caring For An Elderly Parent
8 Indoor Activities for Seniors That Keep The Mind Active
Adult classes are available in many senior living communities. These programs and creative activities for seniors are often enrichment courses that teach new skills or enhance current ones. A senior can choose a class to refresh their knowledge or try something new. Here are some ideas for enjoyable activities for seniors that keep your mind active:
Drawing/Painting
Drawing and painting are effective ways of improving creativity in seniors. These activities for seniors are also mental health exercises and help develop artistic skills.
Computer lessons
It’s never too late to learn basic computer lessons skills. What’s a better way to spend time than learning a skill that helps with daily needs. Moreover, it’s a great way to bond with family members, who use the computer frequently.
Dance classes
Joining a dance studio should be an activity that every senior should consider. It’s a great way to make friends. Plus, dancing helps improve strength and muscle functions in older adults.
Singing/Chorus lessons:
Singing is a great ability to have and seniors can make friends in the lessons as well. Additionally, music therapy has many benefits on emotional well-being.
Theatre and Drama
Taking theatre and drama classes is a great way to make friends while staying creative. Through this class, seniors can build confidence and concentration.
Ceramic classes
Embarking on new creations, learning new techniques and finishing your creations can contribute to a lifetime commitment of learning and maintaining a productive hobby. This is something that every senior should consider.
Scrapbooking
Another great activity for seniors is scrapbooking. Preserving a slice of history and reflecting on your life story is a meaningful activity. Trying to remember details such as how old you were during a certain trip or the name of the person you are seeing in a particular picture can be hard for your brain. Taking part in a life story exercise that makes the brain work out will help keep the mind sharp, while self-reflection can be highly rewarding.
Piano lessons
Learning piano is a wonderful way to prevent memory loss in elders. Moreover, you can also learn your favourite songs and play for your family and your grandchildren.
Related: Free Brain Exercises for Seniors
Safety and Entertainment: Why You Should Consider Lifeline
A big factor to consider when choosing an outdoor or indoor activity for seniors is safety.
In case anything unfortunate, such as falls, or unnoticed seizures, happens, the ability to summon help any time of the day or night is important.
Lifeline allows seniors to have the peace of mind they deserve: Staying independent safely and being able to participate in entertainment activities without worrying about health issues.
Related useful resource: Tools & Tips for Senior Safety
What You Should Do Now:
Here are 5 ways we can help you or your loved one live safer and more independently at home as long as possible:
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- Not sure if the time is right for a medical alert service? Take this quick assessment to find out.
- If you would like to learn how to live a healthier and safer lifestyle, go to our blog or visit our resources section, where you can read and download guides.
- Wondering which medical alert system company is the best for your needs? We’ve put together a guide comparing the best medical alert systems for you.