Last updated: September 26, 2022Staying physically, mentally, and socially active is easy for children, though we often lose the drive to incorporate such things into our senior lives. This lack of activity has consequences, including contributing to medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Even depression, anxiety, and dementia are linked to inactivity, which is why exercise and other activities are so important.
As well as reducing the risk of such conditions, there are several benefits of activities for elderly individuals that you may not be aware of. Regardless of the leisure interests you like to participate in, some aspects can improve your life in a variety of ways.
It’s easier to add a social aspect to your life than you may believe. Joining fitness, crafting, art, baking, or creative writing classes can help you get out and socialize with others in your age group or with the same interests. There are several other benefits of leisure activities for the elderly to consider as well, which we’ll discuss below.
As we age, loved ones move on or pass away, reducing our emotional support system. This lack of support can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social activities can combat these issues since you can connect with people you otherwise may not have met. You may even end up with a few new friends that can offer the support you need.
Learning, problem-solving, and memory are all part of cognitive functions. Though they may not seem related, socializing affects all of these functions. Studies Trusted Source Social Engagement and Amyloid-β-Related Cognitive Decline in Cognitively Normal Older Adults - PMC Public health recommendations promote social engagement to reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal associations of social engagement and cognition in cognitively normal older adults with varying levels of neocortical amyloid-β, the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathologic marker. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov have shown that a lack of socializing can contribute to cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The more social you are, the lower the risk of developing such cognitive issues. You can add games and puzzles to help increase socialization and cognition, like the Dementia Puzzles 64 Large Piece Jigsaw.
Those that participate in social activities usually tend to have a more active lifestyle. As well as any social activities you’ve joined to make new friends, there are dinners, shopping trips, museum visits, or a variety of other hobbies that you can enjoy together. You can even incorporate physical activities into your routine, like walks, hikes, or bike rides, so your body becomes as healthy as your mind.
Another benefit of adding social activities to your routine is that you can learn new skills. There are a variety of classes you can take, including art, music, creative writing, cooking, or knitting. You can learn a new skill while visiting with those around you. Even those with physical restrictions can find an activity to participate in, especially if they have the best electric wheelchair to get around in.
Social activities allow you to connect with those you may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Some of these people may become your closest friends, due to shared interests, desires, losses, or even medical conditions. You can get together for any occasion or just to play a game you all enjoy, like cards, board games, or the Regal Games Deluxe Bingo Set, which includes everything you need for hours of fun.
Like younger people, there are benefits of exercise for older adults, including keeping their muscles and joints strong and preventing those chronic health issues that arise as we age.
The more physical activities you participate in, the stronger your immune functions will become. This will help you fight off seasonal illnesses, like a cold or flu, so you are healthier all year long.
When you exercise, you burn fat and tone those muscles, so your entire body becomes stronger. There are also a variety of exercises that improve balance, such as yoga. Those poses help you regain your stability. You may even become more mobile, though keeping the best walker for seniors nearby may still be required for those long-distance walks.
A recent study Trusted Source More evidence that exercise can boost mood - Harvard Health Regular exercise may be an effective way to fend off depression. www.health.harvard.edu has concluded that physical activity can actually boost your mood, reducing depression for better mental health. Only 15 minutes of vigorous activity or an hour of moderate activity is all you need each day to maintain a positive attitude.
Getting out of the house now and then is beneficial for seniors since it reduces feelings of isolation, plus there are a few other benefits. For those with mobility issues, having the best wheelchair ensures you can join in on the outdoor fun.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles since it helps our bodies absorb calcium. As we age, we require higher levels to prevent a deficiency that could lead to joint pain, weak bones, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. The sun is the best source of vitamin D, so spending 30 minutes outside at least twice a week will ensure you’re getting the levels you need.
When we’re spending our time rushing to and from work, on errands, or taking children to their activities, we don’t spend a lot of time enjoying the world around us. When you have more time as a senior, you may realize that you’re part of something greater and see new meaning in your existence.
Though you may not have had time to really explore the places that interest you as an adult with responsibilities, you may find the time to do so as a senior. You can check out the town or city you live in, take hikes or bike rides in the surrounding area, or even go on road trips to some interesting new places.
With so many activities available for seniors, it’s almost impossible to stay inactive for too long. You can participate in events that you enjoy, attend a class to learn a new skill, or even just get out for a walk for some outdoor exercise. No matter what option you choose, you’ll gain all the benefits of activities for elderly individuals. You can make new friends, boost your mood, strengthen your body, or meet some new people for some much-needed emotional support. You don’t need to stick to one activity, either. A full social calendar will ensure your remaining years are as enjoyable as the ones before.
