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Last updated on January 18th, 2023 at 02:12 am
Don’t get stuck in a rut! Keep your mind sharp, and get your body moving with these fun activities for older adults. They’re healthy for mind AND body.
While we know that there are numerous physical and mental health benefits that come from staying active, motivating ourselves can be challenging. As creatures of habit, sometimes we just want to relax on our couches in front of the TV. And, as we age, we might also be afraid of overdoing it when it comes to physical activity.
But, don’t fall into a routine of inactivity. There are loads of fun pastimes older adults can enjoy that are age-appropriate, enjoyable, and good for us. Let’s look at a few fun activities for older adults that are healthy for both mind and body.
4 Fun Activities for Older Adults
1. Group Sports and Activities
Older adults can sign up for competitive games in their area and participate with others in their age group. Senior citizen organizations and community centers are often a great resource when it comes to finding these kinds of events. For example, the fun All Senior Care Senior Games feature competitions, awards ceremonies, food, and special guests.
These activities can be a terrific way for older adults to experience friendly competition and socialize while staying active and healthy.
Of course, group games don’t have to be competitive. You can also enjoy the gym, swimming or water aerobics, Tai Chi, yoga, or walking–anything you like to do that keeps you active is a win-win!
2. Chess
Chess is one of the oldest board games and also one of the most popular. And, it’s never too late to learn how to play chess. You can try games online, play with friends or family members, at a social club, or the park. There are numerous benefits to playing chess for people of any age. For example:
- Can significantly improve IQ scores
- Enhances auditory memory skills
- Shields against the development of dementia
- Reduces the symptoms of ADHD
- May mitigate the risk of a panic attack
- Therapy during chess can be more effective
- Leads to greater planning skills
- Boosts creativity
- Increases perceptiveness
In addition to all of these benefits, chess helps you socialize, improving your sense of happiness and well-being. Just remember that chess is only a game, so avoid taking losses too seriously, or you may feel stressed out. For a simpler alternative to chess, try checkers to gain similar health benefits.
3. Wii Sports
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The great thing about video game technology is that it lets you play sports from a comfortable location without too much stress on your body. Wii Sports is an award-winning video game for the Nintendo Wii video game console.
It allows players to use a motion controller called a Wii Remote to mimic actions from real sports, like swinging a bat. Here are some of the Wii Sports games you can play alone, with friends, children, or grandchildren:
- Tennis
- Baseball
- Bowling
- Golf
- Boxing
4. Gardening Clubs
As many of us mature, we gain an appreciation for gardening. Growing, managing, and maintaining our own vegetation can be rewarding, whether in our backyard garden or apartment.
Joining a gardening club can help take the hobby to the next level. You can get outside, adopt an active lifestyle, socialize with others, share the fruits of your labor, and destress while enjoying gardening.
There are so many activities for older adults to love besides playing Bingo, watching TV, or listening to the radio. Life can really surprise you when you try something new!
What are your suggestions when it comes to fun activities for older adults? What have you or your family members enjoyed? Leave us a comment below.
Also read:
5 Simple Meditation and Prayer Practices for Senior Citizens (or Anyone) and Their Benefits
30 Stress-Relief Adult Coloring Books — The Perfect Way to Unwind and Lower Anxiety
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