If you’re a senior care companion, you understand the benefit of helping your senior become socially engaged. It adds to happiness and good mental health, which are important components in overall well-being.
As a Pal, you may be tasked with bringing a smile to your senior’s face through interesting, fun and engaging activities.
If you’re looking for ideas, we have six suggestions to consider for your next companion care visit.
Six fun activities for seniors
Your senior may be interested in getting out of the house, or they may prefer to stay indoors. Regardless of individual preferences, you can always find activities for seniors to help them feel at ease, motivated and even “in their element.”
These six activities are fun for both Pals and seniors alike:
Picnicking
You can probably find a variety of picnicking locations that range from a quaint backyard to a national park.
Use your imagination and ask your senior what scenery they prefer.
Then, whether beach, forest, park bench or flower garden, pack up a picnic lunch (complete with picnic basket) and head out to enjoy lunch in a much different setting!
Gardening
Being closer to flowers and trees has a calming effect on people. Working the earth with your hands and helping things grow is therapeutic.
Gardening is an activity that requires creativity, patience and hands-on work. Do some research if you’re not sure what to do.
All these things can help stimulate your senior’s focus and concentration and can be a welcome change of pace from the indoors.
Board and card games
The options are endless with this activity. Talk with your senior—they probably have a favorite game and may delight in teaching you how to play.
It’s also fun to find a game your senior may not know about and ask them if they’d care to learn. Variety is the spice of life.
Cooking or baking
Making a meal or snack together allows you to bond with your senior and even learn a great new recipe! Or, you may be feeling adventurous and can scour the internet or cookbooks to find a recipe together—something neither of you has ever tried.
Park visits
The great outdoors is good for the soul. Taking a trip to a local park or nature preserve allows your senior to get some fresh air and maybe even get a few steps.
You can sit by the water, watch the wildlife or just people watch. All of these are benefits of visiting your community green space.
Arts and crafts
Creativity helps keep senior minds active—and it’s fun, too. You might choose a project that helps your senior create something functional, such as a scrapbook, greeting card, potholder or ceramic dish.
Other ideas include painting, drawing, making greeting cards, flower arranging and knitting or crocheting.
Looking for senior companionship?
Our Papa Pals can show you an amazing social experience, help with meal prep, light housework and more.