Physical and mental activity is an important part of at-home health care for senior citizens. However, with age, the body gets weaker and is more susceptible to falls, injuries and aches. As such, many elders find it easier to live a less active, sedentary lifestyle, as it is assumed to be safer. However, being inactive can cause problems and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Moreover, without proper stimulation, the mind may also lose its edge and succumb to memory loss.

In fact, research suggests that the brain is like a muscle and with enough exercise, elders can keep it sharp all through life. Similarly, an ageing body can also be helped with the right intensity of exercise and this can do a lot for overall mental fitness too. Best of all, staying in top shape is something most senior citizens can achieve right from the comfort of home.

Here are a few stimulating activities for elders to try at home and remain physically as well as mentally active.

Reading

Reading a novel or a magazine is one of the best ways to stimulate the mind. Doing so keeps the brain active and engaged while providing a great deal of entertainment too! As a result, elders who read often enjoy a range of cognitive benefits. Reading spurs the imagination, which creates images based on the words read. It also restores lost vocabulary and can play a crucial part in social engagement. Reading can also help seniors with decision-making and stress reduction.

Strategy games

Many senior citizens find long periods of concentration to be difficult. This can be a natural part of ageing, but also a sign of loss of brain function. Either way, strategy games like chess and checkers can help as they stimulate multiple areas of the brain. In fact, a study found that chess can help elders raise their IQ, be more creative, prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and improve concentration. If chess or bridge seems too complicated, logic games like Sudoku also help, as they engage the brain by way of problem solving and pattern identification. Even a deck of cards is sure to do the trick!

Word games

In order to maintain memory in a fun, non-taxing, and enjoyable manner, word games or word puzzles are a good bet. These games improve word recall and can help elders socialise when played in a group. However, certain word games or puzzles can be a bit too complicated and this can lead to frustration in seniors. So, it is important to remember that starting simple is key to getting the most out of this activity.

Art and craft

There are many benefits to elders getting into art and craft, which is why it is something many specialists recommend as well. Firstly, it demands focus, and this stimulates the brain very effectively. Secondly, certain types of arts and crafts can improve motor function and coordination. This benefit extends to maintaining dexterity in the senior’s hands and fingers. All in all, art and craft is a good way for senior citizens to work with their imagination and create things in a fun and enjoyable manner.

Music and dancing

Musical stimulation is an activity that seniors should experience at home as it has incredible benefits for the mind. This is true even for those with advanced dementia as music has the power to trigger happy memories and evoke feelings of happiness. Moreover, music can also be paired with dancing, which is a type of aerobic activity that can be good for physical fitness.

When it comes to old age citizen care, it is important to remember that even small activities like stitching or art and craft sessions go a long way towards improving overall health. Performing these activities as part of a daily routine also does wonders for dementia care and can improve the elder’s quality of life. The goal is to keep these activities simple, enjoyable, engaging, and stimulating, all the same time.

Such an approach is adopted at Kshetra, an ISO-certified assisted living facility, where availing quality health care management services for senior citizens has never been easier. Here, residents get access to trained non-medical staff who assist with feeding and provide a range of home care services such as helping with medication administration, bathing, grooming, and toileting.

Additionally, at the Kshetra senior care facility, staying active and healthy is part of the philosophy. As such, residents enjoy a wide range of cognitive activities like puzzles, arts and crafts, and even music. On the other end, physical activities include exercises and ball games which are known to improve fitness and strengthen the body. At Kshetra, residents’ happiness and wellbeing is a priority before all else. To know more, contact us today.