Remove the prejudice that only gym rats and skinny women care about their health; the world of wellness is an inclusive space that has more than enough room for the elderly.
In fact, seniors are likely the biggest beneficiaries of wellness activities as they’re the demographic that’s most prone to developing health conditions, both in the physical and mental spheres.
There are various wellness programs and resources available for the elderly that can significantly enhance their quality of life. Activities such as yoga or tai chi classes promote physical fitness while improving mental sharpness, while group outings provide socialization opportunities as well as intellectual stimulation through exploration of new environments.
From gentle strength-training exercises to low-intensity practices that connect the mind and body, wellness exercises can come in many shapes and forms.
And if you are unable to participate in physically strenuous activities, don’t worry! It’s more than possible to embark on a wellness journey through other activities.
Let’s identify five key wellness activities that you or your loved one can consider taking on.
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1) Yoga
Yoga is a fantastic elderly-friendly activity that can improve both the mind and body.
For starters, it offers a low-impact way to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, which helps maintain the overall well-being of the family’s oldest members.
Furthermore, there are nearly a hundred types of yogic poses—many of which can be modified to accommodate different body types. The variety of poses makes the practice a more appealing option for people with limited mobility.
Of course, you’re not only benefitting from the physical exertion of performing yoga. The mindfulness and breathing techniques incorporated in yoga can be an excellent remedy to stress, anxiety, and poor mental health.
This activity also promotes relaxation and a sense of inner peace, which is especially ideal if the elderly patient stays mostly at home or in a shared space like this aged care facility in Melbourne.
Beyond the physical and mental perks, yoga allows seniors to connect with their bodies.
This can make them feel all the more in touch with themselves, which can help them feel lighter and happier in the long run.
2) Tai Chi
It’s pretty uncommon for elderly people to participate in physically-taxing martial arts like karate or taekwondo.
However, don’t hastily dismiss martial arts altogether. There’s a Chinese martial art that’s quite popular among elderly individuals, particularly within Asian communities, and that’s Tai Chi.
Tai Chi is a gentle martial art that focuses on slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. Sometimes referred to as “meditation in motion”, this practice is something that anyone can perform, as long as they have a healthy set of hands and legs.
The benefits of Tai Chi are profound, impacting both the mind and body. Mentally, Tai Chi promotes a sense of peacefulness and relaxation, similar to the benefits of meditation.
Physically speaking, Tai Chi gives its practitioners a chance to improve their dexterity and balance. It also improves strength and muscle coordination.
That said, it’s often claimed that the benefits of Tai Chi are more than the sum of its parts. It boosts mental and physical well-being without being too demanding, making it a great practice to get into in your elderly years.
3) Art Therapy
You don’t have to solely rely on movement-based activities to get the high of participating in wellness activities.
Engaging in artistic practices—particularly painting, modeling, or coloring—can be a therapeutic wellness activity for seniors.
If you’re taking part in these activities to improve your mental space, you’re undergoing a practice known as art therapy.
More specifically, art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves visual media to creatively express oneself. It’s a way for patients to get in touch with their emotions and thoughts through art.
Just like the aforementioned physical activities, art therapy can come in various forms. For example, painting a coloring book can be considered art therapy. Pottery making and watercolor painting are also forms of this therapy.
The benefits one can derive from these activities are plentiful. For instance, this practice improves hand-eye coordination, encourages creative expression, and also nurtures mental wellness.
All these positive facets can lead to the patient gaining a more positive quality of life, which can further lead to a feeling of fulfillment and inner satisfaction. For more information about aged care facilities head over to Let’s Get Care
4) Gardening
Being out in nature is one of the most accessible and effective mood boosters. But if your mobility is limited and there aren’t any natural places near your area, it can be tough satiating your cravings for the outdoors.
However, there’s one way you can obtain a high feeling from nature without stepping too far away from your backyard—and that’s by gardening. Tending to plants is one of the best ways to destress and improve overall happiness.
This is because gardening is a very fulfilling activity, as you’re solely in charge of nurturing plants and flowers. And if these plants turn into something beautiful as they mature, there’s often no better sense of accomplishment. If you’re interested to find out more about garden supplies visit All Green Nursery.
Gardening is also a fairly physical activity, as you’re required to trim plants, dig up dirt, and carry a watering can from place to place. With all these physical and mental benefits, there’s no reason not to try out gardening if the temperature is nice and sunny out!
5) Playing Instruments
Not everyone in their senior years possesses a creative mind and an able body, and that’s perfectly okay.
There are other ways you can derive a sense of purpose in your everyday life, and one such way is playing musical instruments.
Playing musical instruments is a great way for elderly folks to stimulate their mind, foster inner creativity, and feel a sense of pride in their production.
You don’t have to have prior experience to reap the benefits from this activity either. In fact, there are many easy instruments you can learn.
Some clinicians may even recommend elderly people learn new instruments to improve one’s mood. This is classified as a therapeutic intervention known as music therapy.
If a patient is unable to play instruments, or if they want to supplement their musical journey with another activity, elderly patients can also join community choirs or participate in music clubs to use their voice as a musical tool.
Not only will they improve and hone their musical skills, but they can also feel a sense of community with people who are as passionate about music as they are.
And for many musically-inclined people, this can be a great way to spend their senior years.