Engaging Activities for Seniors That Support Their Independence

No matter your age, laughing and having fun is good for you. For seniors in particular, staying active and engaged – and enjoying a hearty laugh – helps their bodies stay strong and their minds stay sharp.

The benefits of staying physically and mentally active include:

• Enhancing overall health
• Improving brain function
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Heightening sense of confidence and wellbeing
• A feeling of accomplishment
• Improving relationships with relatives and friends

Fun Activities for Seniors

Note: Consult with a physician before beginning any new physical activity.

An activity that one senior finds enjoyable, however, may not be fun for another. So, try new things until you find the one for you! There is a wide variety of creative, cognitively enhancing, educational, relationship-building, and physical activities from which a senior can choose:

Exercise. Walking is great exercise. A walk in a park with a friend or family member can lift the spirit, as well as improve the body’s functioning. Find an easy walking trail for a low-impact adventure.

Gardening. Gardening counts as both a workout and a way to add beauty and a sense of accomplishment to one’s life. Digging, raking, planting and moving about the garden can burn just as many calories as a gym workout. Plus, at the end of the day, you can sit in the shade and enjoy looking at the results of your hard work.

Dancing. Music and dancing bring us together, promote smiling and laughter, and make us feel happy. Even the most basic dance moves are a form of exercise. If you think you can’t dance, don’t worry — there are online dance tutorials for every ability level.

Birdwatching. Birdwatching allows seniors to enjoy nature, socialize with others, and enhance their mental sharpness. Even seniors with mobility limitations can participate. Just put out a couple of bird feeders and wait a few days. Have a manual and, if you want, binoculars on hand to learn about and enjoy your new visitors.

Pets. It has been shown that taking care of a pet encourages their owners to take better care of themselves. For example, the American Heart Association states that studies have found that dog owners recover better after a major health event. Pet owners also are active more frequently and have less stress. Try to select a pet with an even temperament that’s not physically overwhelming to handle and enjoy the companionship!

Cooking. Cooking can be therapeutic, as well as a delicious way to spend time. Food stimulates all the senses — sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Cooking improves appetite, encourages socialization, and helps trigger fond memories.

Outings. Getting out of the house is good for people of any age. A game night, shopping trip, picnic, or walk in a park can provide exercise and a way to relax. Invite friends or family for an added socialization opportunity.

Arts and crafts. These activities keep the mind stimulated and the arms, hands and fingers nimble and active. In the process of creation, there is a sense of accomplishment. Painting or drawing, quilting, knitting, collage-making, scrapbooking, or completing a photo album are fun activities for seniors that can be shared with family members and friends.

Music. Playing – or learning to play – an instrument and singing involve physical activity, cognitive stimulation, a sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to socialize with others. It is an activity that can be pursued and enjoyed year-round.

Games and puzzles. Games and puzzles are great for keeping your problem-solving skills sharp. Whether it’s sinking a putt or looking for a piece of a puzzle that fits, your mind is always working. Not only do games and puzzles encourage attention to detail, they offer fun and social collaboration.

Some examples:

• Miniature golf
• Billiards
• Croquet
• Frisbee toss
• Horseshoes
• Ball tossing
• Scrabble
• Pictionary
• Bingo
• Yahtzee
• Crossword puzzles
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Card games

Continuing Education. Learning, at any age, helps to keep the mind sharp. Choose a subject you’ve always wanted to learn more about and find online classes or seminars on that topic.

Many online courses are available to help you learn about a new subject or brush up on things you learned when you were in school. Reading also boosts brain function, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves sleep.

Stay Motivated

Motivation is defined as “the reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.” It is something inside us that keeps us going. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the engaging activities for seniors listed above are well-documented. The key to accessing all those benefits is to keep oneself mentally and physically active each day to extend not only the length of life, but improve its quality as well.

Looking for more fun activities for seniors? Check out our blog!