Staying healthy becomes more and more important the older your body grows. The less proactive you are about keeping your body in good shape, the less time you will have to enjoy your years here.
Staying active as you age is about more than staying physically fit. It’s also about keeping your mind sharp and engaged with the world around you. Take some time to check out a few excellent suggestions on activities that will keep your aging mind and body sharp.
Getting out in the garden
Gardening is a great way for seniors to get outside and move their bodies. If you love the beauty of nature, planting something will help nurture that connection.
Seniors that have mobility issues can help by seeding and harvesting easily obtained fruits and veggies. There’s something for everyone to do in the garden, and the methodical nature of nurturing a garden is a therapy all in its own.
Playing some active video games
Though there’s still plenty of fun to be had at the Bingo tables, today’s best assisted living facilities are taking recreation to the next level. Active Wii games are a great way to get seniors interested and up off the couch.
You can play tennis, golf, and even go bowling with the addition of a Wii gaming system. It’s great for those seniors who aren’t really as mobile and active as they once were.
Attending regular art classes
You have to keep the inspiration in your mind vivid and active to remain truly healthy, and art is a useful conduit for expression.
Making art a regular part of your life will grant a healthy outlet for all the troublesome thoughts and emotions that stroll through your consciousness on occasion.
Keep your mind actively focused on creating, instead of allowing negative thoughts to invade and control your perspective on life.
Music therapy can be very helpful
The connection people have with music is undeniable and powerful, especially for seniors who are living with dementia. There are some assisted living facilities that use music therapy to provide much-needed cognitive stimulation for patients with memory challenges.
Seniors who are trained to play an instrument or write music will find that music therapy is one of the best ways to stay connected to the present while actively appreciating the road taken.
Pet therapy is good for the soul
Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. Humans have a strong connection with dogs, and petting and cuddling with your favorite furry friend can have an immense impact on your quality of life.
A structured pet therapy session will help to maintain that sweet connection to animals but spare the responsibility of looking after them all the time.
