It can be easy for a senior citizen to fall into a rut or a boring routine. Whether friends have moved away, a spouse has died, or their mobility has decreased – there are many emotional and physical reasons that a senior may retreat from living an active life. But the more an older person isolates and becomes sedentary as they age, the more opportunity for mental and physical health to decline. That is why it is essential to stay active. Doing so can minimize depression, maintain motor skills, and promote a sense of accomplishment and well-being.

There are many ways for every senior, regardless of age or physical ability, to continue to enjoy their life. Here are some ideas to inspire every senior citizen and their loved ones.

Exercise: The flow of endorphins that result from exercise will boost feelings of happiness and peace. While strenuous activity is rarely recommended for seniors, walking is an activity many can enjoy. You can adjust the length and speed of the walk based upon their ability. Swimming, water aerobics, chair aerobics, and yoga are all popular activities for seniors. If your loved one lives in a senior residence, classes or groups are likely available. If they live at home, family or friends can join them a few times a week, or they can watch video classes.
Gardening: In Florida, we can garden year-round. For those who love the outdoors, gardening can be a great option to stay busy and feel accomplishment. Even if they do not have the flexibility to have a large garden, there are many ways to enjoy the pastime. Container gardening, herb gardening, and raised beds are all great modifications for seniors with a green thumb. Not only is it a satisfying hobby, but it also offers the opportunity to be outside and get needed Vitamin D. Even if your loved one lives in assisted living, most residences encourage this type of activity.
Reading: Although you may need to assist with some modifications, reading remains a great activity throughout old age. Providing your loved ones with books and magazines that interest them can reignite their love of reading – and provides a terrific boost to brain health. You can find large-print options, provide a magnifying glass, or even get them an Audible account to listen to books that are professionally narrated. If they are in an assisted living facility, ask about a book club. Those with the ability to do so can read to others who may have vision issues, creating a sense of community and an intriguing way to stay active.
Cooking: Many seniors spent their lives cooking for friends and family – but stopped when they no longer lived with a family. If your loved one is a chef at heart, they may still be able to cook simple recipes. Encourage them to cook or bake to give to friends or have neighbors over for a meal. While they may need assistance for safety reasons, cooking and baking give family members a wonderful opportunity to interact with grandma or grandpa. Cooing is a fun and stimulating activity. If the senior lives in assisted living, they are typically not allowed to cook in their room. Speak with the administration to see if they can set up a supervised activity to allow all the cooks in residence to show off their skills.
Arts and Crafts: The beauty of artistic endeavors is that there is no right or wrong way. Your senior may love to draw, paint, knit, or build. You can help them get the materials they need and encourage them to get back to doing what they love. Expressing themselves through art is a fantastic way to stimulate the brain and stay active. Art is free-flowing, stress-free, and doesn’t have any rules, making it the perfect outlet for seniors.
Music: Studies have shown that music can provide magical effects on Alzheimer’s patients. Music therapy and stimulation can increase happiness, trigger memory, and inspire dancing. (Read more about the benefits of music here.)