6 Ways to Engage Seniors in Social Activities

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Seniors who lead active social lives tend to experience less age-related cognitive decline and benefit from better overall physical and mental health. If you have an aging parent who appears to no longer be as socially engaged as he or she once was, it’s understandable to be concerned. Luckily, there are some ways you can help your loved one become more engaged in social activities. Here are six suggestions.

1. Planning Special Family Events

You don’t have to wait for the holidays to bring your parent’s family members together. Plan regular events your loved one can easily enjoy and participate in. These “events” can be as simple as: 

Going out to a local restaurant

Seeing a movie or having a movie night at your loved one’s home

Planning a day trip to a nearby town

Asking everyone to come over to your loved one’s home for a big family meal they’ll all chip in to make

2. Joining Local Groups or Clubs

Does your loved one like to read, swim, or work on art projects? If you do some searching, you should be able to find groups or clubs in the area that allow your parent to engage in activities like this with adults within his or her age group. For instance, your loved one might join a book club at a local library or sign up for senior water therapy or swimming classes at the local community center.

If your loved one needs transportation to participate in social groups such as these, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated Home Care Naples, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

3. Taking Up Outdoor Activities

Spending time outside is a great way for seniors to get fresh air and exercise. It’s also an easy way to stay socially active. Possible options for your parent include:

Taking daily walks with friends or family members

Playing regular golf or tennis games with other seniors

Fishing or other activities where there’s the potential to either interact with existing friends or meet new ones

4. Getting Involved with Volunteer or Charity Work

Many towns and cities offer seniors multiple ways to volunteer or participate in worthwhile charitable events. Encourage your parent to sign up for a volunteer program at a local hospital, library, museum, church, or school. Participating in charity events and volunteering are great ways for your loved one to socialize while also making a difference.

Volunteering can boost emotional wellbeing and lead to a higher quality of life for older adults. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Naples elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

5. Adopting a Pet

In addition to giving your parent a lovable companion that could minimize his or her stress, adopting a pet provides plenty of opportunities to engage in social activities. For instance, the simple act of taking a dog for daily walks provides a chance to interact with neighbors or meet with other dog owners in the area at a local park.

6. Becoming Active on Social Media

Social media isn’t just for younger adults. In fact, more seniors are discovering the many benefits of remaining active on popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Social platforms can make it easy for your parent to: 

Reconnect with friends or family members he or she doesn’t see in person too often

Find new social friends who share his or her interests

Stay in touch with children or grandchildren who prefer to be more active on social media 

For families living in Naples, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Call today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.