Many older adults lose mobility due to conditions like stroke, severe arthritis, or injuries from falls. When that happens, activities and hobbies they used to enjoy might now be too difficult.
But the loss of mobility doesn’t mean the end of good times. There are many ways to have fun without needing to move around too much.
We rounded up 9 wonderful activities for seniors with limited mobility.
You’re sure to find things that suit your older adult’s interests as well as activities that can be enjoyed with a group.
Activities for seniors with limited mobility
1. Spend time reading
Reading is a fantastic activity for older adults. It’s a fun way to spend time and keep the brain engaged. It can also improve memory, reduce stress, improve sleep, and delay cognitive decline.
Whether your older adult likes reading physical books, magazines, using an e-reader, or listening to audiobooks, they can immerse themselves in a well-told story, look at photographs, or learn about an interesting new topic. Organizing a book club among their friends is another way for seniors to enjoy reading and socializing.
2. Explore a variety of hobbies
Hobbies are great for older adults with limited mobility.
Activities that don’t require a lot of moving around include cooking, baking, birdwatching, knitting, crochet, indoor or container gardening, playing a musical instrument, or learning a language.
3. Exercise regularly
Even if your older adult isn’t very mobile, there may still be exercises they can do to get their bodies moving.
Whether they’re sitting or standing, they can still get the health and mood benefits, especially from chair exercises or chair yoga routines.
There are also exercise routines that can be done using a walker for stability or just focused on the feet and ankles to reduce swelling.
4. Get creative
Getting in touch with their creative side is another fun way for seniors to spend time.
Drawing, colouring, painting, and sculpture are all wonderful ways to be creative. Fun projects might include creating scrapbooks, organizing family photo albums, or making a family recipe book.
5. Spend time outdoors
Getting outside to spend a little time in nature is relaxing and a great mood booster.
6. Have fun with happy visitors
Asking family or friends with babies or friendly pets to stop by for a visit is another fantastic way to engage an older adult.
Almost everyone perks up in the presence of young children. And playing with pets is another surefire way to bring cheer and reduce stress.
7. Play games!
Games and puzzles are a fantastic source of fun times.
8. Enjoy movies, TV shows, or music
Watching TV all day, every day isn’t a healthy pastime, but a movie or a couple of TV shows can be an enjoyable part of the day or week. Watching TV could even intersect with a hobby.
9. Participate in charitable works
Even if your older adult isn’t very mobile or is homebound, they can still give back to the community.
This is a wonderful way to stay engaged and feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
