With age, seniors are faced with new challenges in terms of well-being and health. This is why both physical and mental health should the number one priority for seniors and their families.
According to World Health Organization:
“Self-Care is what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, self-care has become even more important especially for elderly people, who were not only at higher risk but had to spend a long time in isolation. There are many ways and methods for providing self-care for seniors during COVID-19 and not only, which can include hobbies designed especially for seniors at home or physical activities that will keep them healthy and in shape: everything to keep them in the mood.
We have piled up a list of activities for seniors that will contribute to their self-care.
1. Journal of Gratitude
Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the unique and fun activities for the elderly which keeps them busy and positively affects their mood. Writing down about events or things that makes them feel grateful for, will directly affect their happiness and positive emotions. As we age, we can sometimes feel depressed or pessimistic. Plus, the lockdown can also have a negative influence on it, which is why it is important to have self-care activities on the everyday to-do list.
2. Spend Time in Nature
An important University of Minnesota study showed that spending time in green spaces — and in “blue spaces,” such as rivers and oceans— is very important for the health and well-being of older adults.
Spending time in nature is one of the activities for the elderly which will help them lower stress hormones, spend time outside, be active, and be healthy at the same time. Some excellent outdoor activity ideas for seniors are birdwatching, gardening, fruit picking, picnics, and photography.
3. Do Something Fun and Creative
There are many fun activities for seniors that do not require wasting too much energy and ensure sufficient physical activity throughout the day. Cooking something new, taking pictures, writing a poem, and other activities are some of the great self-care ideas for seniors that help them keep themselves motivated.
4. Exercise
Many seniors that are at risk of having chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, are often recommended to engage with moderate daily exercise. This is also a great activity for those seniors who are currently in lockdown, isolated, and cannot leave the house. Many easy exercises can be performed at home. Do not fall behind from your healthy schedule, be healthy while staying safe.
5. Read a Book
Seniors who do not prefer active outdoor activities will enjoy reading their favorite books in their homes or outside. Those seniors who read daily have more chances of reducing stress, improving sleep schedules, and eliminating chances of getting dementia.
Those who are currently in a lockdown can benefit from this activity. Find some great book recommendations for seniors here.
6. Hire a Caregiver
It is highly recommended to hire a caregiver for your loved seniors. Sometimes seniors need communication, need a friend to spend their time with, do fun activities, engage with their favorite hobbies, etc. Because of our busy schedule, we spend most of our time outside, away from them that is why hiring mindful and attentive caregivers are the best solution.
We, at Anytime Home Care, specialize in providing high-quality assisted living services for elder adults that include Companionship Care, Personal Assistance, Hospital Accompaniment, Personal Care, and more. To learn more about our services, make sure to contact one of our specialists and we will help you create a personal care plan for your elderly ones.
How to Motivate Seniors to Engage with Their Favorite Activities
It is important to
stay active as we grow older as it ensures our physical and mental well-being,
and eliminates chances of getting ill.
Moreover, among seniors, regular exercise has been proven to increase independence and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, eliminate the risk of chronic diseases, stress, and depression.
On the other hand, studies show that elderlies are least likely to engage in physical activities that is why it is highly required to encourage and motivate elderlies to participate in such activities to stay healthy and happy.
Here are a few things you can do to help your senior loved ones.
Be Supportive
Seniors are sometimes unable to participate in physical, mental, or social activities due to many reasons such as health problems, injuries, or lockdown depression. It is highly recommended to encourage them to take part in those activities to help them to raise their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Encourage Seniors to Participate in Volunteer Work
Volunteering in the community can alleviate or avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness in seniors by giving them a sense of purpose. At the same time, volunteering allows your elderly to socialize while maintaining their freedom.
Encourage Seniors to Invite Their Friends/Peers
Inviting peers or friends is one of the best ways to encourage and motivate seniors to participate in various activities which are good for their overall well-being. In this way, seniors will not find themselves isolated and are going to be more confident. There are various fun activities for seniors, both indoor and outdoor, such as gardening, book discussions, walking, picnic, and swimming.
Summary
Self-care activities
for seniors are great ways for enhancing their physical, social, and emotional
well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, and lockdown, it is
extremely important to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being and to
try to help them avoid depression and stress as much as we can.
However, we sometimes are not able to give enough attention and care to our seniors. They find themselves isolated and not involved, which negatively affects their mental state and physical well-being.
Anytime Home Care gives all the support, care, and love to your seniors to help them feel loved, appreciated, and involved. Get familiar with our services on our website and contact us whenever you need us.