Seniors in Assisted Living homes may not be able to do everything a younger and more agile person can do, but they certainly can still be active and not everything has to be done while sitting or lying down.
Activities can be creatively modified to incorporate canes, walkers, slower movement, sitting, etc, but still offer the elderly opportunities for fitness, health, brain activity, laughter, participation and good quality daily living.
Where images of bingo and bridge easily come to mind as activities for assisted living seniors, you should also consider Nintendo Wii, wheelchair races, dress up parties, sing alongs, dances, crafts, cooking, baking and so very much more.
Nintendo Wii can offer bowling, golf and other balance and agility movements that don't have to jeopardize an elderly persons balance and risk of falling. Musical instruments can aid in relaxation, creative expression and group participation as well. Crafts can give the elderly a project that requires some focus, creativity and sense of accomplishment when completed. These can be shown off or given as gifts to their friends or family.
No matter how old one gets the joy of singing and laughing will always leave one feeling happier and joyful. All the more it should be a regular part of the lives of the elderly since they can begin to feel down about their health, distance from family or their simple lack of enthusiasm.
With the availability of CD's and DVD's a senior in assisted living can have a library of old-time TV or radio shows at their disposal such as "The Lucy Show", "Laugh In", "Abbot and Costello", "Perry Mason", "Gunsmoke", "Bob Hope" and many more. Sing along DVD's can be used by one senior, but create a fun atmosphere for many senior citizens to join in together for some much-loved and remembered favourites. Use these during a party and when not dancing to the music, they can all be singing along.
More activities for seniors in assisted living are:
• Gardening
• Computer class
• Pet visits
• Bible studies
• Trivia games
• Vaudeville night
• Movie night
• Pizza parties
• Dance-a-thons
• Wheelchair/walker races
• Costume parties
• Photo sessions
• Barbecues
• Story telling
• Crafts
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