As we age, it can be more and more difficult to get around, necessitating the use of walking aids like a cane or walker, or perhaps even a wheelchair.
According to the findings of one study, 60% of seniors reported requiring the use of at least one assistive device.
For many seniors who have to make that transition, the challenges aren’t just physical, but mental as well. It may feel like they’re losing some portion of their freedom, or that activities they’ve long enjoyed may no longer be available to them.
If you’re in that position, or if you’re caring for a senior who has limited mobility, easing into that transition can be difficult, However, there are lots of ways to ensure that you or a loved one is active and engaged. In fact, the changes may even open doors to new interests and passions. We’ve got a few examples of activities or hobbies perfect for seniors with limited mobility.
Bond Over Books
If you and a loved one are avid readers, this is the perfect opportunity to share mutual interests. Work together to choose books by authors or in genres you both enjoy, and then get together after finishing to compare notes and break down the book. And with library memberships, either in person or virtual, it’s an affordable pastime.
The best part is, you can never run out of ideas. Maybe one month you read a literary classic, then the next you find one from an up-and-coming author. Maybe one month is a Western, the next it’s a fable. There’s also no shortage of online books clubs you can join as well – there are suggestions both here and here on that front.
After you’ve read the book, you can also see if it’s been adapted into a movie or television series, and then watch that with your loved one as well, dissecting the differences between the two versions and comparing thoughts.
Train The Brain
In the television show The Office, the character of Stanley Hudson was always more interested in doing crossword puzzles than he was in doing his job.
But there’s a reason for that – crossword puzzles can be an engrossing hobby. Not only are they fun (except when you just can’t find that last word), but there are tangible benefits too, from strengthening memory to helping fight cognitive decline.
In addition to crossword puzzles, other games like word searches, sudoku and jigsaw puzzles are also excellent resources. Or, play a friendly game of checkers or chess.
Furthermore, if you or your loved one are comfortable with technology, there are plenty of apps with great games designed with both fun and cognitive health in mind, many of which are free.
Bird Watching
When you hear a chirping coming from outside your window, do you know what kind of bird it is? Can you tell the difference between a magpie and a warbler? Or a chickadee and a nuthatch?
Bird watching is a great way to get to know the outdoor environment around you a little bit better. You can go online and find a checklist of birds native to your area, and then see how many you can spot either from your home, or an easily-accessible nearby outdoor area.
If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, take a picture of it with your phone and download the Merlin Bird ID app to submit a photo and find out!
Go Around the World – With Food
You can get a taste of Spain, Thailand, Greece or any country for that matter by trying different cuisines. Whether it’s creating culinary delights in your own kitchen, or visiting nearby, easily-accessible restaurants, it’s a delicious way of globetrotting without the hassles of an airport.
It’s also a great way to break out of any food-related ruts you might be finding yourself in. It’s easy to fall into patterns in the kitchen, but trying a new recipe from a different country every week could be the passport to a new adventure you might need right now.
In fact, if you or a loved one have a favorite country you once visited, trying cuisine from that location or recreating a favorite meal is a great way to bring back memories of that time.
Life at Prestige Senior Living
If mobility is becoming more difficult for yourself or a loved one, it may be time to consider Prestige Senior Living. Our team works with our residents and medical providers to determine if it might be time for a walking aid or wheelchair, and our communities are laid out and arranged with mobility in mind.
To learn more, find the location nearest you to contact the staff and request a tour.