Why Is It Important To Maintain Daily Recreational Activities For Elder Family Members?

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Every weekend, I went to see my parents, and I used to think that our weekly visits were just a small part of their social life. However, when I called them during the week, I discovered that they had been at home all day and had nothing to do. They wouldn’t admit to being bored since they didn’t want to concern me.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?

After much study, I came up with a number of enjoyable recreational activities that I could do with my parents. Even when I wasn’t around, I encouraged them to do these activities with their friends and other seniors.

 

How Do Daily Recreational Activities Benefit Seniors?

Recreational Activities Enhance Physical Health

As our parents age, they are more likely to experience common health conditions, including muscle pain, brittle bones, balance problems, and the like. This is when exercise comes in to help maintain their physical health.

Some physical activities like stretching enable muscle tissues to lengthen and work effectively, reducing muscular tension and enhancing muscular relaxation. Suppose water aerobics is the perfect exercise for people experiencing joint pain. Similarly, chair yoga is highly recommended for seniors needing to improve muscle strength, mobility, balance, and flexibility.

In addition, recreations are beneficial for heart conditions in our elderly family members. Daily cardiovascular exercises help prevent colds and flu and improve respiratory health. Moreover, exercising helps lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and decrease the risks of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.

 

Recreational Activities Improve Mental Health

Maintaining a stable and healthy mind is essential at any stage of our lives, especially as we age. There are many reasons our parents face mental health issues, including physical pain, emotional pain, or even unmet needs. As a result, our seniors may feel embarrassed or threatened since they feel like they are living in loneliness, depression, or dependent on others.

A research study indicated that physical activities promise better mental health outcomes for our elderly family members. Recreational activities benefit mental health by lowering anxiety and depression, as well as enhancing self-esteem and cognitive performance. Besides, endorphins, chemicals released during exercise, work as a stress reliever, leaving your parents feeling pleased and satisfied.

 

Recreational Activities Enlarge the Friendship Network

It’s crucial for people in their golden years to maintain strong social ties, avoiding feelings of loneliness or sadness. Research has shown that seniors who actively join certain activities create social and emotional connections with other people who have similar interests.

Remarkably, staying social has various benefits on both mental and physical health. The National Institute on Aging has shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with physical and mental problems. A study has also indicated that seniors who participate in meaningful activities live longer and gain a feeling of purpose, resulting in better cognitive performance.

 

Must-Try Recreational Activities For Seniors

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These days, there is a wide range of different activities available. Before your parents start an exercise program, it would help to talk with a health practitioner to check their health condition and determine which activities are best for their current fitness level. Here are some common forms of exercise your elderly family members may be interested in:

Outdoor activities:

  • Water aerobics
  • Walking
  • Gardening
  • Fishing

 

Indoor activities:

  • Pilates
  • Chair yoga
  • Dancing

 

What Can 12 Oaks Senior Living Offer?

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Aging has a strong link with many mental and physical health risks. However, engagement in recreational activities is a beneficial pursuit that results in happiness and life satisfaction among seniors.

Our 12 Oaks managed senior living communities offer a variety of activities that stimulate your elderly family members’ physical and mental health. Our senior living professionals can check your elder relatives’ health conditions to deliver the best care and design the appropriate daily exercise routine for them. Our team members work diligently to create a family-like atmosphere where your parents can feel comfortable and happy.

 

If you have questions about recreational activities or any conditions discussed here, connect with us and learn more.

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while still leading fulfilling lives. There’s no better place to enjoy the encore season of life than at a 12 Oaks community.

For questions or to schedule a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

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Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives.

Contact us today to schedule a virtual tour.

 

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