As people grow old, they tend to have a hard time finding healthy and enjoyable ways to fill their time. Changes in eyesight, fine motor control, and mobility can make engaging in former hobbies more difficult. Fortunately, there are still many ways for your senior loved one to get out, get involved, and stay healthy. Here are some healthy hobbies he or she may want to look into, brought to you by the senior care experts at Mississauga Home Care Assistance.
Tai Chi
Tai chi classes are commonly held at local senior centers and community parks. This Eastern practice is a slow-moving form of exercise that engages every muscle in the body and evokes a sense of peace. Practicing Tai chi can help your loved one develop better balance and flexibility, increase his or her strength, and offer the regular opportunity to socialize with others.
Bowling
A senior bowling night at a nearby alley can be incredibly fun for your loved one. In fact, aging adults who are adept at 10-pin games can even take part in local bowling leagues. More importantly, this activity can help tone your loved one’s muscles, relieve stress, and increase hand-eye coordination. If your loved one lacks the physical ability to send heavy bowling balls down the lanes, there is also the option of playing lawn-based bowling or croquette.
Gardening
The act of nurturing live plants can be extremely rewarding. In addition to growing natural foods that can be used in homemade meals, gardening can also burn a considerable amount of calories while increasing fine motor control. Best of all, gardening can be cathartic and, thus, your loved one can use it as a daily form of stress relief.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is not just for people who have extra time on their hands. It is also a mentally stimulating activity capable of forming new neural paths in the brain and staving off Alzheimer’s and dementia. Your loved one can start exploring this hobby by scouting out bird species in the local area. As your loved one’s interests in this hobby progress, he or she can also sign up for bird watching tours with other seniors, which allows for making new friends, seeing new places, and heading out in search of more exotic avian species.
Swimming
Swimming is a highly competitive sport and a form of art, but it also offers health benefits for the elderly. Though it involves whole body conditioning, swimming is also a low-impact exercise, which makes it very easy on senior joints and bones. Your loved one can build strength, burn calories, establish new relationships, and indulge his or her competitive and artistic spirit.
Since many hobbies involve some level of mobility or cognitive function, your loved one may need assistance from an hourly caregiver in Mississauga to enjoy them to their fullest. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are available 24/7 for mental stimulation, assistance with exercise, and to act as emotionally supportive companions while your loved one enjoys his or her interests. We also offer 24-hour care, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and all of our senior care services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For more information, call one of our friendly Care Managers at 905-337-1200 today.