Sometimes it can be hard to find fun activities for seniors which bring the whole family together, especially when multiple generations are involved. But getting together with older relatives or friends can be incredibly rewarding and fun for everyone. The benefits of social activity for the elderly go well beyond the simple pleasure of enjoying time with family; it can have an incredible effect on health and longevity. It can also be rewarding for younger generations, and a great way for young and old to bond over shared experiences. Here is our top things to do during your visits in the Holiday Season.
Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts are something that can be enjoyed by anyone at any age, but they’re also an excellent activity to do together in pairs or groups. Things like painting, drawing, or creating craft projects for special seasons are all easy-to-do activities that can be enjoyed by young and old and all ability levels. Why not do a painting together on canvas that can be hung on the wall as a reminder of the activity you did together? Or buy a colouring in book that you can whip out each time you visit? Ask your Nan to teach you crochet or to knit perhaps? Kmart has lots of Art and Craft kits that are great also!
Play games
Games and puzzles, including jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and board games, can also be enjoyed by the whole family and are a wonderful way to connect with the older adults in your life. For seniors experiencing limited dexterity, these kinds of activities are especially easy to enjoy, as they don’t require quite the same level of dextrousness as arts and crafts often do. What’s more, younger family members can assist their older relatives with things like placing jigsaw pieces or moving board game tokens when necessary, so that no matter your loved one’s level of ability, they can still join in the fun.
Sight Seeing
Why not bring your camera and go on a small road trip! Getting older can make it a little difficult to get out and about, which is why sightseeing trips are one of the most fun things to do with older people! Taking your older loved one out to see a new attraction or visit a beautiful spot can be fun for family members of all ages and can help the senior in your life to get a bit of fresh air and give their bodies a workout too. Depending on their level of ability, you can take a walking trip, or simply jump in the car and head for your chosen spot, before picking a nice spot for lunch or a coffee. Taking photos and sharing them later can be a wonderful way to relive these shared experiences for months and years to come.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is an excellent memory-making activity to do with older adults. For those suffering from dementia and memory loss, scrapbooking of fond family trips and other memorable events can also be very helpful in relieving distress and reconnecting. Best of all, young kids can get involved with scrapbooking too – giving them a valuable way to spend time with their older relatives and make more memories together. The Daisie Chain recognise the importance of this and have created Memories - a 66 page Spiral Bound Communication Book, written by you for your loved one. You can purchase here online and continue to add to it on each of your visits.
Relaxing Activities
Getting together with your older relatives doesn’t always need to be go-go-go. For those moments when it’s nice just to sit and relax together, watching TV or listening to music can be fun activities to do with older adults. Pop on a favourite TV show or music album and enjoy some time together watching, listening, or laughing along to something that everyone can enjoy. Sometimes, just spending time together doing not much of anything can be just as fun as other, more active activities.
We hope you love our top suggestions, don't forget to comment below with your suggestions of what you like to do on your visits to in Aged Care.