It’s very important to improve our wellbeing and health not only for when we reach an age where it is difficult for us to carry out some daily or recreational activities, or due to a condition that limits us, it is crucial for everyone’s advantage. During the second week of July, the National therapeutic recreation week has been celebrated since 1984 to encourage and inform people about the benefits of therapy, whether as physical, cognitive, emotional and recreational exercise.
Recreational therapy is an effective and fun way to promote well-being in older people, it is not only beneficial to improve the quality of life but also stimulates the mind, improves social interaction, reduces stress and anxiety, improves strength and muscular endurance among others. Below you will find examples of how we can carry out activities with our older adults from the comfort of their home.
1. Practice Yoga or Tai-Chi
Yoga is known for its focus on breathing and incorporating meditation with relaxation training. Tai-chi is generally a more vigorous type of exercise that works on balance and flexibility.
2. Coordination activities
Include activities with rhythmic clapping sounds, play active games, such as throwing and receiving a ball or other object, always with caution, practice different movements with the body and memorize them, or receiving verbal instructions, such as walking to a specific side.
3. Enjoy reading
A very beneficial activity to stimulate the brain. It provides us with different types of knowledge, helps us remain attentive and focused on activities, and is an exercise in memory and imagination that helps understanding and socialization.
4. Art therapy
Older adults can express themselves creatively, there are many options to explore in art like painting, sculpting, drawing, knitting, singing. Anything that can help you express yourself.
5. Cooking and baking
Such an important activity can be unnoticed as a form of therapy, this engages all five senses while in the kitchen. What a better activity to prepare something delicious in family and create memories and connecting with your loved ones.
6. Puzzles
Brain games and puzzles help improve the brain, use more critical thinking, and work on motor skills. Choose puzzles that are challenging but not frustrating, adapted to the interests and abilities of the participating adults.
7. Sensory bin
Creating a sensory bin can be a wonderful way to engage the senses and promote relaxation and stimulation, you can have them describe their experience using materials from the kitchen like rice, lentils, different textured of papers or fabric, objects they can manipulate, etc. Always ensure that the materials are not a hazard if inadvertently ingested and rotate the materials periodically so they can maintain interest.
8. Light aerobics
Frequent physical activity helps improve strength and mobility. There is a wide range of exercises on YouTube that you can accommodate to their needs like low impact, chair exercise or standing aerobics.
The most important thing is that you do not stop doing recreational activities that motivate you, choose the one that best suits your needs. Some activities require a lot of energy while others are more relaxed. So, there is the ideal activity for everyone and in this way improve your quality of life.
Sources:
https://careforth.com/blog/7-engaging-recreational-therapy-activities-for-older-adults-to-do-at-home/
https://www.accessiblehomehealthcare.com/blog/list-therapeutic-activities-seniors-alzheimers-dementia
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