With age, your senior loved one may face limited dexterity and difficulty with mobility. However, there are a few hobbies your loved one can pursue to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.
1. Windowsill Gardening
Gardening is an excellent hobby, but seniors with limited mobility might find it difficult to bend over or kneel down. Windowsill gardening allows seniors to grow their favorite vegetables and herbs in the comfort of their living rooms or kitchens. Dill, basil, mint, and thyme are easy to grow indoors with a few basic supplies.
Tending a garden can enhance overall wellbeing, and hiring a home caregiver is another great way to help your loved one boost his or her overall health. Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Writing with Voice Recognition Software
Some aging adults find writing a relaxing hobby. Telling stories, whether they’re family lore or personal memories, engages the brain, and setting writing goals can help your parent stay mentally active on a regular basis. Writing can also help elderly people collect their memories and keep them in one place.
Some seniors find it difficult to use computer keyboards, typewriters, or pen and paper to record their thoughts. According to the CDC, more than 22 percent of adults have some form of arthritis. Issues with joints can make it difficult to type or sit in a single position for a long time. However, there are devices that make it possible for seniors to write without using their hands. Modern voice recognition software automatically transcribes anything said into a microphone, and many programs even work with multiple languages.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Green Valley respite care experts from Embrace In-Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
3. Photography
This hobby may take years to master, but it’s easy to learn the basics. Seniors can practice their photography skills by taking pictures of loved ones or favorite items around the home. There are many free online classes that teach skills such as proper lighting and framing.
4. Birdwatching
Birdwatching can stimulate and challenge your loved one’s cognitive skills. When older adults spot different birds, their minds become focused and alert. Catching glimpses of rare birds can inspire a sense of accomplishment. When they sit in their favorite spots to look for certain birds, aging adults can relax and let go of stress. Finding a variety of birds may be difficult, but seniors can start looking for them in their own backyards. Many bird enthusiasts also keep journals of their findings and share them with each other at local meetings or in online groups.
5. Backyard Astronomy
Introductory telescopes are more affordable than ever, and they allow seniors to enjoy looking at the vast array of stars, planets, and other marvels in the cosmos. Amateur astronomers often track their favorite constellations and keep notes of their movements. Seniors can even invite friends and family members to enjoy celestial shows, such as lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and the passage of nearby comets.
Daily living can be challenging for older adults who have mobility limitations. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Green Valley families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Call Embrace In-Home Care at (520) 625-2050 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.