Having fun for older adults is not limited to watching TV. It might be entertaining, but if we take “fun” to a whole new level, it’s even more beneficial to them.

There are several issues that older adults may face, such as mobility issues and impaired sight. However, there are activities that they can participate in without straining themselves. These activities promote holistic health improvements that can aid in the prevention of future illnesses.

Importance of engaging in activities

Stimulating the brain is proven to improve cognitive health. One of the benefits of keeping an active brain is memory improvement and enhancing “cognitive reserve”.

Think of cognitive reserve like it’s the brain’s agility skill. It can help the brain process information better and navigate through obstacles. Thus, the brain can cope with stress better. Research also shows that better cognitive reserve is associated with the prevention of degenerative brain diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.

Fun activities to try

Whether older adults are in residential home care in Dartford or living at home with their family, there are a lot of activities that they can try with their peers and family members.

1. Performing

Engaging in performance arts can both be fun and intellectually stimulating. Whether it is dancing, acting, or singing, memorisation is an integral part of the performance. Additionally, dancing is another enjoyable way to exercise the body. Performances can also be social activities because one will have to work with people for the program to succeed.

Try:

• ballroom dancing
• improv
• acting in a skit
• singing at an event.

2. Social events and parties

Being surrounded by people essentially increases one’s longevity. For one, isolation can lead to depression and affects one’s overall well-being. It has also been proven that socialising decreases the chances of developing dementia. It’s also healthy for cognitive functions and enhances memory.

Try:

• book clubs
• hanging out in the garden with friends
• going to birthday parties and other celebrations
• spending time with grandchildren

3. Board games, puzzles, and mind games

What else can bring fun, socialisation, and brainstorming other than traditional games. With these, you’ll have to strategise and challenge yourself to beat your peers or grandchildren. It encourages bonding time and healthy competition to foster sportsmanship.

Try:

• Scrabble
• Chess
• Monopoly
• Checkers
• Card games

4. Arts and Crafts

The arts have significantly positive effects on the brain, and it promotes emotional healing for a lot of people. Creating artworks increases the production of happy hormones and promotes blood flow to the brain. It can also help people process emotions by expressing them; however, they deem necessary through art, making their feelings more tangible and easier to confront.

Try:

• painting
• pottery
• woodcraft
• drawing
• photography

Taking care of the body and mind is essential to being healthy and keeping the balance of life. It’s never too late to learn new things like learning photography or painting. Acquiring a new hobby is a gateway to a more elevated source of entertainment. Lastly, surrounding oneself with people is not only about connecting with people and building a support group, but it also improves one’s health and makes them happy.