One of the best ways to maintain your physical and mental health is by staying active, and that is especially true for seniors.
Although energy levels and overall strength diminish as we get older, it doesn’t mean you or your loved one must while away the hours watching television when there are so many things to do that are both fun and invigorating for body and mind.
12 Senior-Friendly Activities
These include:
1. Join an exercise class.
Whether it’s yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, or more, group exercises are a fun way to socialize while improving your strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help prevent falls. Weight-bearing exercises are also good for healthy bones, especially for those at risk of osteoporosis. Regular exercise can also help you manage arthritis.
2. Play interactive Wii sports.
If you or a loved one is no longer comfortable bowling, golfing, or playing tennis, you can enjoy sports virtually with interactive console games that allow you to move your body instead of merely pressing buttons or using only a joystick.
3. Participate in a walking club, like Silver Sneakers.
Not only can walking in a nearby park or path keep you in shape, but it is also a wonderful way to make new friends.
4. Tend to a garden.
Gardening provides an opportunity to get outdoors, stay active, and connect with other people when it is a group project. It also helps seniors relax and reap a sense of accomplishment when their planting and weeding yields beautiful flowers and/or fruits or vegetables.
5. Join a book club.
Reading is a terrific way to stay mentally sharp, entertained, and informed. Sharing your opinions about what you read with others provides another social opportunity and exposes you to new insights and ideas.
6. Attend lectures and continuing education classes.
You’re never too old to expand your knowledge and rejuvenate your mental capacity. Many community wellness centers provide on-site lectures and learning opportunities for seniors.
7. Take an art class.
Tap into your creativity with a class in watercolor or acrylic painting, drawing, or sketching. Not only is it fun, but it provides a means of artistic expression and allows you to enjoy the company of others.
8. Field trips and excursions.
Chances are your community offers day trips for seniors to local attractions, including museums, concerts, and nature preserves that are well worth the trip.
9. Listen to live music.
Many of today’s baby boomer seniors belong to a generation that had a special interest in music. If that’s the case, why not take advantage of live music events in your community? Music particularly has therapeutic value for those dealing with cognitive issues.
10. Make jewelry.
Crafting necklaces and bracelets is another outlet for creativity that can help seniors improve their fine motor skills while producing beautiful keepsakes or gifts.
11. Spend time with animals.
Pet therapy has been found to improve mental and physical health among seniors. It can be especially comforting and pleasant to be around well-behaved animals.
12. Indulge in a special spa day.
Self-care in the form of haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and/or skin treatments is important. But when it is treated as a special event, it can foster a sense of well-being and is something many people, including seniors, look forward to.
Senior Activities Near You in Tampa, Florida
At Palm Medical Centers, we understand the importance of regular physical and mental activity when it comes to maintaining the well-being of seniors. That’s why we have Senior Appreciation Wednesday at all of our locations in Central and wellness centers at each one of our South Florida that provide a wide range of physically and mentally stimulating activities, festive events, and educational classes for seniors. It’s just another benefit of being a patient at Palm Medical Centers.
To learn more about our wellness centers – and how they can help enhance the lives of seniors who may be dealing with acute or chronic health issues –call us today at (833)500-PALM (7256) or send us a message right now. You can even request a complimentary private tour of your nearest Palm Medical Center facility.
