15 Activities For Seniors Who Like to Be Active
One of the drawbacks of getting older is that you don’t have the get up and go you like you did when you were younger. With that said, there are plenty of activities for seniors that can give you the freedom and excitement you’ve enjoyed in your youth!
Keeping active is just as important when you’re older as when you’re young.
It can be easy to ignore the need for mental and physical health when it takes more effort to do the things you once loved. That is why activities for seniors are a key part of helping you stay fit in all kinds of different ways.
These following activities will keep you moving and thinking without taxing you too much at all.
1. Learn New Dancing Moves
Dancing presents a perfect balance between easy physical activity and having a lot of fun while doing it.
It’s a great way to let loose and enjoy moving about without putting too much exertion on your body.
It’s very freeing as you can choose something fast or something slow. You can dance alone and you can dance with family and friends. You could even learn more about group activities for elderly assisted living residents and see if you can join in with them from time to time.
2. Relax On a Boat
Being out on the water with the sun shining and the wind on your skin makes for a relaxing day.
A mental break that we all need from time to time.
Activities don’t always have to be physically demanding in order to keep you healthy. Finding ways to relax and be out of the house are valid options as well.
With this activity, you’ll be certain to feel the stresses of everyday life wash away as you float around on the water.
3. Try Out Some Video Games
When most people think of unique activities for seniors, flashy video games don’t often make the cut. That time is in the past. Video games are accessible for everyone.
There are so many genres out there that anyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure, puzzles, or delving into a deep story, there’s bound to be something that will get you excited.
The best part is that video games are a great way to bond with your grandchildren, so you can enjoy each other’s company while having fun.
4. Babysit Your Grandchildren
Not only will offering to babysit be a great way to bond with your grandchildren, it will also give a nice reprieve for their parents as well. The nice thing is that you can spoil your grandkids for a few hours.
Plus, keeping up with children is a type of physical and mental exercise that will keep anyone active no matter their age.
5. Go For a Swim
If you’re looking for a kind of exercise that doesn’t put a lot of stress on your joints, swimming is the way to go.
Doing exercises in the buoyancy of water will keep you from any joint pains afterward as the water acts as a kind of cushion. The water protects you from harsh impacts that can do a lot of damage if you’re not careful.
This allows you to do as much as you like without fear, especially in those hot summer months.
6. Visit Friends and Family
Going out for the day to visit your friends and family can be a good way to be social and active at the same time. It doesn’t have to be a long visit. Even an hour or two can make a big difference.
Visits like this are great for active seniors as it not only helps to strengthen relationship bonds, it also gets you out of the house for a while. Your family and friends will enjoy getting to spend time with you, especially if you live far away.
7. Take Up Golf
Golf is the kind of spot that is easy to learn but difficult to master. That makes it a sport that anyone can take up without needing much more than the know-how of hitting the ball.
It’s a tactical game that takes into account a lot of angles and planning that can keep you on your mental toes.
It also requires you to move around as you make your way through the different holes, so it’s good for some physical activity as well.
8. Start a Garden
Gardening is one of the most rewarding recreational activities for the elderly. It’s an easy kind of labor that gives a lot of results that you can use in your everyday life. You’ll need to keep up with the maintenance of the garden to ensure the best growth, so it keeps you active every single day.
You can use the organically-grown foods in your own cooking or share the surplus with your friends and family.
After all, everyone loves something fresh from the garden.
9. Be Creative with Arts and Crafts
Stretching out your mind with creative endeavors can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re wanting to learn a new skill like painting or you want to get back into the groove of knitting, crafts can keep you occupied for hours.
A lot of the time, arts and crafts are a great gift to give to your loved ones as well. It’s also a good way to bond with grandchildren, helping them to learn the love of being creative.
And who wouldn’t want a keepsake of a beloved grandchild’s first painting experience?
10. Bike Around Town
Get yourself a good bike and the town is yours. You can go exploring the small nooks and crannies you’ve never seen before. You can go to visit your favorite bakeries or go to the local park.
It gets you moving while keeping your knees from bearing the entirety of your weight. It’s an activity that won’t lead to any joint pain.
Driving might be more convenient but biking keeps you active and healthy. It also gives you more time to enjoy the view and interact with the world around you. When inspiration strikes, grab your bike and go for an adventure all on your own.
11. Have Some Fun at a Bowling Alley
Bowling is a strategic game that never gets old. Being at the bowling alley is a childhood memory we can all share. So why not bring back some of those memories by visiting the nearest alley?
It will get the blood pumping as you try and figure out the best angle to hit the pins with the bowling ball. It’s also one of the best group activities for elderly people as it is playable with all kinds of different ailments and physical problems.
So call up some friends and make a fun day of it. You could even hold a mini-tournament to amp up the stakes.
12. Photograph Lots of Memories
You don’t need a fancy camera in order to take meaningful photographs. Even a smartphone can take beautiful pictures these days, so why not take advantage of this?
Taking photographs of memories you’ve like to keep can be a fun activity that has a lot of heart behind it. You can put them in a frame to display around your home. You could make a whole scrapbook with your favorites, getting creative with the different decorations on the pages.
Plus, it’s something you can share with your loved ones.
13. Bake for Friends and Family
Baking can be very rewarding, even if it’s something you’ve never done before. The simple act of putting time and effort into something edible can be a loving gift. Your friends and family will enjoy anything you make for them.
Or you can enjoy those treats all on your own. You’ve earned it, after all.
14. Exercise at Home
Being fit isn’t something only meant for the young. Active seniors can be as physically capable as anyone else.
If you’re new to the world of exercise, it’s best to start off small. You don’t have to hold a gym membership in order to get a good workout. There are plenty of exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home which still gives the results you want.
For example, sitting secure in a chair and lifting your legs can help build up the muscles in your thighs.
15. Volunteer at Local Charities
Giving back to the community leaves all of us with a warm feeling in our chest. Volunteering can get you out of the house while you spend your time helping others.
It’s a rewarding and meaningful thing to do. When you go home, you’ll know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
If you bring along your grandchildren, you’ll also be teaching them valuable lessons that they’ll hold with them for years to come.
These Activities For Seniors Keep You Feeling Energetic and Entertained
Even if you might not be able to get up to the same things you did years ago, that doesn’t mean you have to do nothing at all. With these activities for seniors, you’ll never feel bored again.
Keep this list handy for those days where you’re uncertain what you want to do. Pick one at random and have yourself an adventure. Bring along friends and family to make it an even more enjoyable experience.
Looking for something to do this coming weekend? Check out these exercises that are sure to keep you fit and active!