Living an inactive lifestyle can be dangerous for a senior’s wellbeing and lead to unhealthy habits. However, adapting activities to current abilities allows seniors to remain socially and physically active, even if they play games from the comfort of a chair or couch. Take a look at some fun games seniors can play while sitting down.
1. Video Games
There are a variety of video games seniors can choose from, based on their preferences and abilities. Most video games can be played while sitting on a couch or in a chair or while lying in bed. Playing video games can boost memory and stave off age-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. If no one is available to play the games with your senior loved one at home, he or she can go online and play with people from all around the world.
2. Card Games
Spades, solitaire, blackjack, and rummy are some of the most popular card games seniors can play sitting down. Playing cards gives seniors the ability to use their thinking and communication skills, stave off various conditions, and enhance their vision. Host card games at your home and invite family and friends over to provide your loved one with the socialization he or she needs to prevent depression, loneliness, and boredom.
Playing games can reduce stress for aging adults, and family caregivers need to do things for themselves to boost their own mental and emotional health. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Lincoln families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
3. Table Tennis
Seniors can work out their arms and minds while playing this game from a seated position. Create a tennis-like atmosphere using a dining table or folding table, or purchase table tennis activities your loved one will enjoy. Hitting the ball back and forth can strengthen muscles, relieve pain, and increase coordination. If your loved one doesn’t want to use a racket, he or she can roll the tennis ball back and forth while playing against you or another player.
For seniors with mobility issues or other health conditions that make it challenging to get up and down from a chair, a professional caregiver can be a great asset. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Lincoln Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
4. Guess That Song
Play some of your loved one’s favorite tunes or famous artists and bands from the past and ask him or her to guess the songs. This activity provides music therapy and strengthens memories. Your loved one will need to concentrate on the music and use his or her short-term and long-term memory to recall the names of the songs. Listening to music can also boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Bingo
Limited mobility is a problem for many seniors, but it doesn’t have to stop them from being competitive. Bingo is a game that can be played either for fun or competitively. Listening for the numbers to be called out can boost hearing, vision, memory, and socialization skills. If your parent can leave home, take him or her to a local hall to play. He or she can still sit at the table and play the game while interacting with other attendees.
All these games offer wonderful opportunities for seniors to get mental stimulation and socialize without having to move around much. If your loved one has health conditions or mobility issues that make it a challenge to move from a seated position, help is available. In Lincoln, home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.