People of all ages can benefit from maintaining an active lifestyle. For seniors, keeping active can help in a large variety of ways. Some of the benefits include an improvement in feelings and mood; a lowered risk of a variety of illnesses (stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease); an increased ability to learn, make decisions, and think; and an enhanced level of appreciation for yourself.
Unfortunately, it is common for older adults to become bored as a result of health conditions or isolation. This can lead to inactivity, which impacts both mental and physical well-being and can eventually lead to depression.
Fortunately, there are many ways for seniors to remain active as the years continue – here are a few ideas to explore:
- Attend or Volunteer at Local Events
This is a fantastic way to become more involved and integrated into the community. You can discover new things, find a new passion, and meet new people. This will help you maintain a positive outlook as well as your health by doing activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable.
Some examples of places to volunteer at are Senior Corps, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross. Schools, libraries, community centers, childcare facilities, and non-profits are also great to consider if you have some in your neighborhood.
- Put Safety First
Attending local events is a great way to stay active in older years. However, it is always smart to make sure that you are putting safety first. A large number of older adults struggle with strength and balance, which can make a significant amount of everyday activities more difficult. Walking or climbing up and down stairs, for example, can become a safety issue. At this point, it is beneficial to look into wheelchair lifts and ramps.
Freedom and mobility are still very strong factors in maintaining a happy lifestyle, which is why lifts and ramps are so helpful. Mobility safety can extend into all areas of a home, including bathrooms, where walk-in tubs, safety rails, and lifted toilet seats are utilized. Sites like JamesonMedical.com provide many online options for improving mobility around the home, from ramps, to wheelchair lifts, and more.
- Keep Your Mind Active
In order to stay witty and sharp, you need to keep your mind active as well. Mind-stimulating activities can be anything from playing a musical instrument to solving a crossword puzzle. While it is a little more difficult for an old dog to learn a new trick, anything is possible if you practice. So read an informative magazine or a book, learn a new language, or play a computer game.
- Pursue or Begin a New Hobby
Much like it is never too late to learn something new, it is also never too late to garner new interests and hobbies. Many hobbies don’t require a special skill set or previous knowledge, and finding something that really interests you will make sure you stay inspired and motivated.
With more free time on your hands, it is your chance to find a new passion. Some fun options worth checking out include scrapbook making, cooking, painting, crocheting, coloring, and fishing.
- Grow a Garden
Growing a garden or a variety of herbs requires little actual garden experience and is a very relaxing pastime. If you grow herbs, you can season your dishes in the kitchen and encourage a healthy diet.
Even those with limited mobility can enjoy being outside for a little while. If wheelchairs are your main mode of mobility, there are plenty of outdoor ramps and lifts available to give you the freedom to still enjoy the outdoors.
