Making memories with your aging parents strengthens family ties and bonds. However, making those lasting memories becomes increasingly difficult as parents age. Despite the fact that you may not be able to do all the things you used to do together, there are still many great activities for seniors.
Who said older people couldn’t have as much fun as everyone else? You may have to make a few accommodations here and there, but you will still be able to create beautiful and fun memories. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
1. Home Baked Goodies
There’s always the option of hitting up the local candy store or sweet shop to grab some favorite goodies. While an afternoon at an ice cream parlor can make for some wonderful memories, making sweet treats at home can be even more rewarding. Making cookies and pies with your parents or making ice cream together is a surefire bonding experience.
Furthermore, your parents are more likely to be stimulated by hands-on cooking. Baking sweets together with your parents might trigger memories of when they baked treats for you and the rest of the family.
2. Have a Picnic in a Park
Being outdoors is one of the best ways to improve mental health. Picnics in the park are a simple way to spend time outdoors.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive outing. All you need is a picnic table and a table cloth. Make sure you pack snacks, drinks, and the meal you plan to eat. Sandwiches are always a good option and they are easy for everyone to enjoy without a lot of mess.
The park is also a great place to see wildlife. Don’t forget to bring some birdseed for the birds or bread crumbs to feed the squirrels, fish, or ducks.
3. Take a Walk on a Nature Trail
A nature trail is another way to spend time outdoors with your aging parents. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you. Walking sticks and walking canes can be very helpful when hiking. Some hiking trails will also have benches throughout the trail so you can take a break if you need it.
You may even find that some nature parks offer different kinds of trails, some being more difficult or longer than others. Binoculars are another great tool to have on your walk/hike. A nature trail is a wonderful place to watch birds, which is a favorite pastime amongst the elderly.
4. Making and Painting Pottery
Would your parents enjoy exploring their creative side? They can express their creativity by making and painting pottery. Consider taking a pottery class together.
If a local pottery class is not available, you can buy pottery from a nearby store and paint it together at home. It would be fun to spend one day making and creating pottery, followed by a second day painting the pottery. This would allow your parents to express themselves creatively.
5. Planting a Garden
Do your parents have a garden at home yet? Growing a garden provides a number of benefits to your aging parents. The first reason is that it’s a wonderful way for your parents to exercise.
Additionally, it improves endurance and strength, as well as encouraging the use of all motor skills. Also, gardening can help your parents relax and reduce their stress levels. You can help your parents plant a garden by purchasing some senior-friendly gardening tools.
Plant low-maintenance native plants and flowers. Once the garden is created, your parents can take care of it regularly. They will have something to do and it will keep their minds occupied.
6. Visit a Local Museum
Researching different museums and attractions in your area is always a good idea. What museums and attractions can you take your parents to? The advantages of museums include the fact that they’re interesting, climate-controlled, and offer a lot of seating for rest.
Think about what your parents are into and choose a museum you think they will enjoy.
Seniors have a lot of great activities to choose from
Were you concerned that there were no activities left for you and your aging parents? If so, hopefully this guide will offer some suggestions that you can put into practice. If you are looking for new activities to do with your parents, be sure to keep all of these wonderful ideas in mind.
Do you want to find an ideal senior living community with activities for your parents? Finding a place you can trust and feel comfortable with can be difficult.
At Spring Creek, we’re dedicated to helping all residents engage, connect, and grow through the very best memory care and assisted living. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our beautiful community!
