After retiring, many senior citizens find themselves with much more time on their hands than they’re used to. Luckily, there are many therapeutic activities for senior citizens to keep them happy and healthy. To learn more about the right recreational program for your loved one, contact us today at Westminster Place by calling 903.329.6520.
Why Mental Stimulation for Elders Matters
It’s important for seniors to keep their minds active for many reasons. Extended periods of inactivity aren’t good for mental or physical health.
Sensory enhancement activities can help to prevent or slow the development of cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, it can support good mental health on a day-to-day basis, improving seniors’ quality of life.
5 Therapeutic Activities for Seniors
Below are the five best therapeutic activities for senior citizens for mental and cognitive support. Many of these activities are also opportunities to improve physical health or socialize.
1. Drawing or Painting
Experimenting with art is a simple way for seniors to express themselves and their emotions while stimulating their brains. Exploring a variety of shapes and colors while utilizing memory and cognition to create a recognizable image is excellent for brain health.
Attending art classes can also be a great way for seniors to get to know like-minded people and create new friendships.
2. Exercise
Most people consider exercise to be a purely physical activity. However, exercise can have incredibly positive effects on your mental health, too.
Some of the best low-impact exercise options include:
- Walking in nature
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Swimming
Many seniors cannot perform certain types of exercise due to physical limitations, but there are many low-impact exercise styles that can support physical health while also improving mood.
3. Cooking or Baking
Great therapeutic activities for senior citizens often involve creativity, and the act of cooking or baking a recipe is an often overlooked form of creativity that many seniors enjoy.
Whether you’re preparing an old family recipe or trying something new, the act of combining ingredients to create a finished product can help to keep the mind sharp. Many seniors also enjoy sharing this activity with friends and family members as a way to bond.
4. Listening to Music
Listening to a song or artist that you love is a great way to relieve stress and activate different parts of the brain, no matter your age. However, these benefits can be even more important for senior adults that are prioritizing brain health.
In fact, listening to music could be considered one of the best therapeutic brain games for senior citizens. It can bring up positive memories and create happy, warm feelings while also challenging the mind to follow and understand different melodies and rhythms.
5. Playing Word Games
When it comes to therapeutic brain games for senior citizens, some obvious choices are board games like Scrabble or word games like crossword puzzles. Keeping these games in your rotation can help keep your loved one’s mind active and encourage the retention of words they might not use every day.
Find What Works for You
At the end of the day, every senior will have a different experience acclimating to retired life. It’s important to choose the sensory enhancement activities that work best for your loved one, especially when you’re considering their current mental and emotional state. One type of activity might support your loved one better on one day than another.
Include Fun in Every Day with Sensory Enhancement Activities at Westminster Place
There are so many ways for seniors to have fun, socialize, and stay healthy at Westminster Place. To learn more about our community and amenities, contact us at 903.329.6520.