Caring for an elderly parent is challenging. You still look up to them like they are superheroes, even if they are slowing down and losing some of those special abilities. Nevertheless, there are still various fun activities to do with your elderly parents that you’ll enjoy immensely.
Get Some Physical Exercise
It’s challenging for those topping 75 years of age to engage in physical activity. Getting your parents more active improves their cardiovascular health and may even alleviate some lingering joint pains.
Exercise doesn’t need to be high intensity. There’s no need to see what your parent can max on the bench press. Simply going for a leisurely walk is all that’s necessary to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Solve Jigsaw Puzzles
Speaking of mental well-being, doing a puzzle together never goes out of style. Organizing the pieces and completing a puzzle ignites both sides of their brain, improving their short-term memory. Additionally, if they are limited in mobility, it’s an excellent solution to boost their motor skills.
Play Games
You can grab a deck of cards or board games and have entertainment for hours. Plus, if your parent is an astute card player, it may get their competitive juices flowing. Even something as elementary as the game of War will bring some enjoyment for both parties. After all, whether you’re a child or a great-grandparent, you can appreciate getting an ace in a showdown. Other amusing options include Yahtzee, Go Fish, or Rummy.
Enroll in a Class Together
Thanks to the beautiful world of technology, it’s easier than ever to learn something new. If you aren’t technologically savvy, you can enroll in a wide range of courses in the community. Maybe you can learn how to get a sourdough starter that you can pass down through generations. An online class is a wonderful option for you to do together if you don’t want to venture outside.
Gardening
Making something out of nothing is satisfying, especially when it comes to growing plants and food. Creating and maintaining a garden helps the bonding process without being too strenuous on their bodies. The backyard doesn’t need to be a majestic landscape; creating a small garden suffices. Your best strategy is to the garden early in the morning or later in the evening, so it’s not too warm. Lastly, if there is a job that requires some heavy lifting or digging, get someone more capable of doing the dirty work.
As you see, there are several fun activities to do with your elderly parents. Anything that gets them moving around and triggers their minds is beneficial for them. The more you do together, the more you learn about each other. You will soon realize all the fun you can still have together.