Spring may be just around the corner, but it’s not here yet! With chilly weather in the forecast, snow and rain expected in small doses, and icy sidewalks in many regions, seniors will be spending a few more weeks indoors. While we recommend some gentle movement each day, it may be best for older individuals to walk on an indoor track, swim in a heated indoor pool or exercise at home for the time being. This daily movement is important to our health, but so is falls prevention. Stay safe, stay healthy and know that warmer days aren’t far off. In the meantime, here are some fun, engaging indoor activities for seniors to enjoy.
Books in every format
Reading is an excellent pastime throughout the year, but especially pleasant in the winter months when you can curl up with a warm blanket, a cup of coffee or tea and a good book. While traditional paper books are a great option, there are many ways seniors can read. Large print books are easily available online and through your local library or bookstore, and e-readers make it easy to change the brightness and size of the font as needed. Many seniors enjoy audiobooks—this option is increasingly popular and can be accessed in a number of ways. Look for audiobook options through a tablet, smartphone, e-reader such as a Kindle. You can even look for books in compact disc format, if your loved one uses a CD player at home. And remember, our caregivers would be pleased to read aloud to your aging loved ones upon request.
Brain games
Cognitive activities can be interesting and engaging for seniors, but they also have fantastic benefits. As this article from the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada notes, challenging your brain is a great way to keep it healthy, strong and functioning optimally. This is an important practice for those with dementia, and can also be used as a preventative tool against cognitive decline.
Many seniors enjoy a crossword puzzle or word search, but don’t stop there! Consider introducing your aging relatives to a variety of online and printed brain games. There’s Sodoku, brain teaser apps like Lumosity or BrainHQ, language apps like Duolingo, and plenty of awesome options on the New York Times website (consider Connections, Spelling Bee and The Mini Crossword, among others).
Arts and crafts
Colder weather is a great opportunity to get back into knitting, crocheting, painting, sculpting and other hands-on artistic pursuits. Seniors may be interested in picking up an old hobby or learning a new skill—it depends on their interests, abilities and physical limitations. Someone with arthritis may struggle to crochet but have success with watercolour paints (using a larger, easy to grip paint brush). Or, someone with mobility issues but strong fine motor skills may enjoy picking up needlepoint or crochet. Work together with your aging relatives to find out what interests them and suits their abilities—our caregivers can also help as needed. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider a simple craft kit that provides the necessary materials along with instructions! Indigo and Amazon have some good options. If your loved one has dementia, these products may be ideal.
Thanks as always for reading, and please share this post with anyone who may find it helpful. If you’re interested in learning more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’d be glad to answer your questions, offer recommendations based on your family’s needs, and provide a quote.