4 New Activities to Try This August
The summer may be ending, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop for you or your senior loved ones. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, staying active lowers the risk of heart disease, improves mood, makes us feel better about ourselves, and improves our strength and balance. That's why it's essential to find activities you love and do them often.
Staying active doesn't have to be challenging and can look different for everyone. Some people practice yoga regularly because it calms them and gives them confidence, while others enjoy reading to achieve the same feelings. If you're unsure of which activities appeal to you or your loved one, consider joining a workout class or gardening club, cooking, or solving a puzzle.
Join a Group Workout Class
Getting your body moving and blood flowing is a great feeling. Group workout classes can provide socializing opportunities and allow you to bond with others who have similar interests. A group class will also give you the freedom to be active at your own pace, without feeling uncomfortable. Many group classes allow participants to modify workouts to accommodate their needs. As you get into a routine of exercising, safety comes first, so be sure to contact your doctor before starting a new workout routine.
Cook a New Healthy Recipe
A healthy meal not only tastes good but makes you feel good too! And the health benefits that come with eating a healthy meal aren't just found in the food. Cooking works our cognitive functions and promotes healthy emotions as we age.
The next time you're in the kitchen, find a recipe you've always wanted to try and start cooking! This can be fun for the whole family! Get your senior loved one involved by asking them to read recipe steps out loud, measure ingredients, or taste-test along the way!
Solve a Puzzle
Solving puzzles, word searches, and crossword puzzles is enjoyable, especially with family or friends. Not only that, but puzzles are also beneficial for the brain. Puzzles improve a person's ability to pay attention to detail, problem-solving, and memory retention. As your senior loved one begins to solve more puzzles, they will often feel motivated to do them.
If your loved one is visually impaired or lives with another health condition that may make puzzles challenging, there are large print crossword puzzles and word searches, as well as puzzles with large pieces. You can also find puzzles geared towards seniors that cover topics that may be of more interest to them.
Join a Gardening Club
If you or your loved one enjoys gardening, consider joining a gardening club. You can look forward to planting vegetables, plants, flowers, and more. Joining a gardening club also allows you to meet like-minded individuals, socialize, and learn new techniques to implement in your own gardens.
Depending on your location, an outdoor gardening club may not be available year-round. If that's the case, consider cultivating an indoor garden with fresh herbs and spices that you can tend to all year.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you don't live near your aging loved one or can't participate in activities with them, the team at Visiting Angels Farmington/Cape Girardeau can help. Our caregivers are happy to help your loved one sign-up for workout classes, join a gardening group or cook with them at home. Our Farmington/Cape Girardeau office serves those in Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and the Cape Girardeau counties. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 573.664.1722.