Senior citizens often have many physical limitations that make everyday things such as walking around the neighborhood challenging and even painful. Fortunately, there are many ways to help seniors stay active by providing them with activities that won’t tire them out but will offer health benefits.
One way you can help seniors stay active is by giving them a new activity they can do in their homes. So whether the senior enjoys reading or taking walks up and down hills, try to find something new for them to do with their time.
Working with Seniors
Even if a senior can no longer go on hikes or walks, you can encourage them to do so by arranging for a program at their local community center. Many seniors are happy to participate in programs that encourage them to get outdoors and enjoy socializing.
Another way to help seniors stay active is by working with local gyms and senior centres. If you enjoy this, you may find a career working with seniors rewarding. You can start your job search online by looking for assisted living jobs in NJ.
Activities for Seniors
While playing cards or watching television can help seniors relax, the following activities offer benefits such as flexibility, agility, and strength.
Various yoga poses and stretching exercises can help seniors maintain their flexibility. Stretching also helps senior citizens improve their range of motion, which is useful for daily activities like reaching for things, climbing stairs, and more.
Maintaining good posture is essential for keeping a healthy weight throughout life. Activities that strengthen your arms, back, and core can help you maintain good posture as you age. Seniors can improve their overall health by doing arm-strengthening activities such as push-ups, chin-ups, or dips. Activities that seniors can participate in include:
Gardening
If your senior enjoys gardening, you may want to consider taking them to a community garden or an adult community garden. Adults benefit from gardening by getting plenty of fresh air and exercise in the process.
Hiking
There are many trails for seniors to enjoy hiking. Some are easy, some are challenging, and some have grades that challenge older people’s stamina ability. You should also make sure that the senior you go on a hike with is in good physical condition before taking them on a hike. The last thing you need is for your caregiver to end up pulling them out of the hiking trail because they couldn’t follow along while walking uphill.
If your senior desires a more challenging hiking experience, consider taking them on an adventure that is made for seniors. You should always ensure that the activity you choose is age-appropriate and safe for your senior.
Pets
Pet ownership can be essential for keeping seniors healthier because pet ownership promotes general good health, including higher mood levels, decreased risk of developing dementia, and lower blood pressure. Furthermore, just as regular exercise benefits all ages, pets are also fantastic companions and have been linked to improved mental health. They seem to reduce stress in seniors living with their pets and help bring stability to their everyday lives.
So if you or someone you know is an aging senior citizen, you must realize that there are things you can do to help them stay healthy. You can always find a way for your senior to stay active, even if it’s something simple. There are many great ways to help seniors stay active and feel good about themselves.