Clubs and activity groups for the elderly can be extremely enriching. Taking part in activities can assist in keeping the mind sharp, the body strong and spirits high. So why not encourage your loved one or elderly parent to join a local group or club. There’s a plethora of activities which they could enjoy. Whether it’s playing games, spending time outdoors, socialising with family and friends or doing a hobby such as painting. Getting involved in activities and groups with peers can greatly benefit the well-being of your elderly loved one and help to reduce the risk of loneliness.
Loneliness is a medical condition that affects many elderly people within the UK. Some experts say that it can be as harmful as smoking as many as 15 cigarettes a day. Getting involved in clubs and activities whilst interacting with other people can help combat loneliness in a very positive way. Some elderly people can lose touch with friends and family or be stuck indoors due to mobility issues. Joining a club can help your loved one get out there and enjoy themselves whilst connecting with other people at the same time.
If you’re struggling to think of ideas to suggest to your loved one or elderly parent please don’t worry; we’ve got some fantastic ideas which your loved one could enjoy. You might even be able to join in with them.
Lunch Clubs
Lunch clubs are more than just getting together and having a meal; they’re a social occasion as well as a nutritional one! They offer the elderly a safe and friendly meeting place to visit and socialise with other like-minded people. Most lunch clubs offer the opportunity to talk or play games over a hot meal. Some clubs even offer activities to do whilst you’re there along with the occasional guest speaker!
Lunch clubs give those elderly people who may be feeling isolated or lonely the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy a nutritious meal with peers. It also gives them something to look forward to each week. Lunch clubs are usually a regular occurrence, so can be effective in giving your loved one a routine. They will know they’ve got something to look forward to each week. The majority of local councils will have information about lunch clubs in your area. Get in touch with them and see what’s available!
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts describes a wide range of activities involving getting creative and making things with your hands. This activity can promote creativity and happiness in all ages, alleviate boredom, keep the mind busy and help to prevent feelings of depression. Some great arts and crafts activities you could get your loved one involved in are:
- Painting
- Pottery
- Knitting
- Drawing
- Photography
- Quilting
Some elderly people may feel that they are not creative enough to try arts and crafts. However, even something as simple as making a collage out of old treasured photographs could start off a love of art! Creative activities can help with hand-eye coordination, concentration and bolster problem-solving skills. It is also something that can be done as part of a group. So there’s every reason to try out some arts and crafts with your loved one.
Cooking Classes
Diet and eating habits become more important as we get older. This may be for health reasons. Retirement provides more time to spend enjoying the process of preparing and cooking a meal. A cooking class can be a great way to learn new skills and make friends, whether your loved is a seasoned cook or a beginner.
Cooking classes can help many elderly people to gain confidence in and out of the kitchen by inspiring new ideas and drive into everyday life. Most cooking classes are run by a trained chef. Some will be themed from week to week. There are classes suitable for beginners and experts, so your loved ones will be catered for no matter their skill level.
Games & Puzzles
Board games and puzzles can be enjoyed by anyone at any age. Everyone from a five-year-old to a 95-year-old can play and enjoy games together. Playing with friends and family can bring more joy to life. It can even improve brain function by stimulating the parts of the brain that are responsible for complex thought and memory formation. Playing board games can help keep the mind sharp and reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s in elderly people.
Games and puzzles keep your spirits up and make you happy. This is because laughter helps to decrease stress, lower blood pressure and create happiness. Playing games is a fantastic way for your loved one to stay social. It’s rare to play a board game alone and it’s the perfect excuse to bring the whole family together. It is great to be social and get out of the digital world that we all spend so much time in. Most people have a board game or two laying around. But if not, try your local library or board game club. They may have a collection which you could use.
Aqua Aerobics
Exercise can be intimidating in later life. Your loved one may not be as fit as they once were and could feel nervous about joining an exercise class. Aqua aerobics is the perfect exercise of choice for an elderly person. The movements can be done at a comfortable level and are far less painful than exercise on land!
Aquatic exercise is an excellent option for elderly people and anyone wanting to increase strength or heal from an injury. Water offers support. Depending on the depth of water, human body weight can be reduced by up to 90%. This means that exercise can be low-impact with minimal risk of injury or stress on the joints.
It’s common knowledge that water makes us feel calm. It is a mystery as to why this is. However, studies have found that people who live near the sea are less stressed and in better health. Water can be extremely relaxing and provides a tranquil environment for your loved ones to exercise in with less risk of injury, pain, or falling.
The Careline Alarm Service
If your loved one would benefit from extra security at home, a personal alarm is a great idea. If you have any questions about our service, please get in touch. Our Customer Service Team can be reached on 0800 101 3333 or via email at info@careline.co.uk.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 9th June 2021 to reflect current information.
