Help Seniors Enjoy Life and Stay Happy at Home

The older we get, the less fun we can have is not true. In fact, older adults often tell us that after they retire, they have more free time to enjoy hobbies—and more freedom to become the person they have always wanted to be.

When societal expectations or workplace routines no longer bind seniors, they have more opportunities to embrace life’s simple joys—whether that means baking delicious treats with the grandkids, exploring new hobbies, traveling to different destinations, or savoring a quiet morning with a good book and a warm cup of coffee.

The key is to adopt a lighthearted approach to life and create a safe environment with a reliable support system, like Visiting Angels. Our professional caregivers can help fill your loved one’s days with fun and companionship, adding to their joy while giving you much-needed support.

Ideas to Help Seniors Choose Joy Every Day

Here are a few ways to add a little more lightheartedness to your senior’s days:

• Focus on gratitude
  Take a few moments to find joy in the little things in life. Start a list of two or three things to be grateful for every day and watch the reasons for happiness grow.
  
  
• Laugh whenever you can
  A good chuckle can do wonders for anyone’s mood. Find a “laugh-a-day” calendar or joke book to enjoy together. Listen to a funny podcast or watch a sitcom or movie to let the giggles roll.
  
  
• Stay active
  The National Institute on Aging says physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. It releases endorphins and can create a sense of calm. A professional caregiver can help encourage gentle movements, such as stretching or walking.
  
  
• Try something new
  Focus on what your senior can still do rather than what they can’t. Expand on activities your loved one enjoys, or try a new hobby such as pickleball, a swimming class, or yoga.

Suggested reading: Inspiring Quotes and Tips For Seniors Aging Gracefully at Home

Build a Community of Fun

Seniors thrive on human interaction, and staying socially active can reduce the risk of isolation, loneliness, and depression. Here are a few fun activities you or your Visiting Angels home caregiver can do to help your loved one build a community of fun.

• Send a card to an old friend
• Video call family members to share a joke, funny story, or treasured memory
• Meet friends at a coffee shop or café
• Volunteer—for example, using their past career skills to help young professionals
• Play board games at the local community center
• Join a book club through the library or neighborhood bookstore
• Take life enrichment classes through a local community college

Consider Visiting Angels Your Partner in Senior Fun!

Growing older doesn’t mean the end of fun. For many seniors, the fun is just beginning! Along with providing exceptional personal care services, our professional caregivers take pride in bringing joy to your loved one’s day.

Contact a Visiting Angels home care office near you to discuss how we can help your loved one have fun while aging gracefully at home.