As time passes, seniors eventually become less active. This can be due to chronic illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis, or because of injuries. And when that happens, a lot of activities they used to do become too much to bear.
However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t have a social life, and there are things that can be done to maintain a social connection. Staying engaged can also work wonders on mental and physical help, and help them regain some of their vitality. Here are a few ways to help seniors with mobility issues stay socially active.
Invest in a Scooter
Investing in a scooter could be the greatest gift you could make to a senior. These can be used to go virtually anywhere, and are much better than a wheelchair. And these machines can be very performant as well.
Companies like EWheels create some of the best and most powerful mobility scooters on the market. Their popular EW-36 mobility scooter can go up to 18 miles per hour and can last for over 40 miles on one charge. Just having a scooter could motivate them to go out more, and meet other people. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air whenever they want.
Spend Time Reading
Reading is one of the best activities for seniors with limited mobility. Not only that, but it is a great way to stay mentally active as well. As a matter of fact, it was shown that reading could help prevent dementia and improve memory. In addition, it has also been shown to reduce stress, and help with sleeping disorders.
Whether it’s audiobooks, e-books, or traditional books, adding reading into your daily routine, even if it’s the newspaper, can be a great pastime. You could also encourage them to join a book club. This will allow them to both read and socialize at the same time.
Look at Different Hobbies
All seniors, no matter their mobility level, should have some sort of hobby to keep them occupied. And there are tons of hobbies that are perfect for people with mobility issues. Maybe you could get into gardening and find a community garden where they can connect with other people, or join a birdwatching club. Maybe you can take them to the park and learn how to play bocce ball? These are all activities that will keep them active and engaged.
Keep Moving
While exercising can be difficult for people with mobility issues, stopping all activity can be even worse. That’s why it’s important that you encourage them to stay active and find exercises that will work for them. One option could be to join chair yoga classes. Tai Chi is another form of activity that is gentle enough for seniors with limited mobility. It has a strong social component as well.
Get Creative
Getting involved in arts and crafts is another great way to get a senior to be more socially active. One thing you could do is encourage them to take painting or sculpting classes. Not only could they discover a new talent, but it will also allow them to connect with people from different age groups and backgrounds. Painting is something they can do while sitting down as well. This could even become a source of additional income, which can be difficult to come by at a later age.
All of these tips could help any senior you know with mobility issues maintain a healthy social life. Make sure that you stay in their corner, however, and don’t be afraid to take the first step if you really want them to get back on track.
Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.
