Indoor Activities to Keep Adults Aging at Home Mentally And Physically Engaged

Many family members and other caregivers are concerned about their elderly loved ones since they are going through the natural process of aging. Participation in pleasurable activities that take place inside can extend a senior’s life expectancy. Lack of physical activity increases the chance of developing physical and mental health problems. Participation in indoor activities that require interaction with others lowers the incidence of dementia in older adults. So we’ve compiled a list of activities that can benefit family members or Home Care Phoenix caregivers.

Crossword Puzzles

Solving a crossword puzzle involves using both sides of the brain. Putting letters in those little squares helps an older person maintain and improve cognition while improving spatial relations skills. Depression touches six million American seniors. Working on a crossword puzzle releases the feel-good hormone dopamine. Crossword books are available in differing levels of difficulty and large print.

Playing Strategy Games

When a person strategizes, they are strengthening their brain. A stronger brain equals improved memory. Scored card games like gin rummy help a senior retain basic math skills. Chess is an example of a strategy game.

Cards
Checkers
Board games
Video games

For someone with diminished cognition playing a favorite card game evokes pleasant memories.

Video Games

Seniors are encouraged to keep learning to prevent cognitive decline. Learning to master a video game involves acquiring new knowledge. Gaming is a source of visual and auditory stimulation. Playing against someone else provides companionship. Reaching the next level involves cognitive skills and problem-solving. Studies have found that gaming reduces stress and anxiety.

Learning

There are multiple apps devoted to gaining new knowledge and skills. Apps like Master Class, Ted Talks, and Wondrium place the sum of human knowledge at a senior’s fingertips. Phoenix Home Care suggests that older people can earn a high school diploma, college degree, or certificate with online learning.

Stacking Cups

Playing the cup stacking game requires plastic or foam cups, a table, and a stopwatch or a watch with a sweep hand. Each player has 10 cups divided into three piles. When the timekeeper says, “Go,” each player unstacks their cups and arranges them in a pyramid. The player who completes their pyramid in the fastest time wins. Seniors can compete against themself as a means of improving eye-hand coordination and spatial reasoning.

Indoor Gardening

House plants are mood elevators, help seniors maintain focus, and inspire creativity. Certain houseplants purify the air and promote more restful sleep. A senior’s indoor garden can consist of a terrarium, a collection of potted plants, or a mini-garden of assorted flora arranged in a single planter.

What’s On The Tray

This activity involves placing random objects on a tray. After the senior has studied the items for a few minutes, the tray is covered. The game’s object is for the player to name as many things as they can recall.

Virtual Travel

Virtual travel is visiting the world’s greatest wonders, cities, and museums without leaving home. Some virtual tour sites require a subscription, while others are free. Any internet-connected device serves as a senior’s conveyance on their simulated travels. Its translation feature makes Google Chrome the best choice for cyber-tourism.