Providing care for a loved one is a rewarding experience for many people. However, part of the job is to keep the senior active, encouraged, and motivated. Here are ten healthy hobbies to keep you and your senior active and upbeat.
Social Walking
Walking is so much more fun when done with friends. Get with other people in the community or at a track and walk together. Although you are walking to stay active, it is a great way to socialize with others and check-in to see how everyone is doing.
Crafting
Have fun with crafts. If you have certain crafts you enjoy doing, share them with your seniors. Also, be open to trying some of their favorite pastime crafts. You might find a new creative passion such as painting, drawing, scrapbooking, or gardening.
Swimming is Fun
Swimming is one of those sports that is great for all ages and sizes. It helps strengthen weak muscles and can help lighten a mood within minutes of being in the water. Most elderly individuals suffering from arthritis find that being in the water helps relieve some of the symptoms.
Painting
Painting is a great way to get in touch with a creative side. All you need is a canvas, paint, and your paint brushes. In the world of art, anything goes. It's all about expressing yourself through your paintings now. So, just paint how you feel inside.
Golfing
Golfing is a sport that is fun and allows you to spend time with others while getting some exercise. The sport is great for seniors, it gets the heart rate up and keeps the brain stimulated. After all, the game requires a bit of strategizing to get the ball in the holes.
Traveling/Sightseeing
Are there places you would like to visit, but just haven't had the chance, or maybe someone to venture out with you? Consider that now is the time to add new sightseeing adventures to your list of accomplishments.
Needlework
A quiet and less physical hobby could be something such as needleworking is great for rainy days or times when you just want to spend a quiet time at home. It can also be done with a few friends or just spending time with the senior. Some people enjoy making quilts or creating stuffed animals.
Cooking and Baking
Who doesn't like trying out new recipes? There might not be much fun in creating a kitchen mess, but there are tons of fun and happy memories when it comes to baking and tasting new dishes. It does not have to be an every-week thing but just when you feel like doing something special or just treating yourself to something new and delicious. Most seniors love helping in the kitchen, it is a great morale boost.
Community Work
There is nothing like giving back to others throughout a community. Find a group or organization where you and the senior could donate your time or help with special projects. It is a great way to interact and get involved with what is going on in the area.
Exercise Groups
Stay in shape and in a good mood by joining an exercise group. Exercising is a wonderful way to release stress and unwind. There are just too many benefits to exercising not to do it. Exercising will help you sleep better, lose weight, lower blood pressure, and most of all - live happier and healthier.