Limited mobility can have more of an impact on a senior’s life than most people think. At Parsons House, we believe that our seniors deserve unconditional love and support, but limited mobility can often get in the way of things they once enjoyed. We want our seniors to live life to the fullest! That’s why our team at Parsons House Preston Hollow has a list of 10 activities for seniors with limited mobility.
- Reading & listening to audiobooks
- Enjoying music
- Seated exercises
- Creating something
- Mentoring the next generation
- Planning a social visit
- Playing games
- Volunteering for a worthy cause
- Spending time in nature
- Prioritizing self-care
1. Reading & Listening to Audiobooks
Books are magical portals to different worlds and times. They’re a fantastic way to keep the mind sharp and engaged. And if holding a book or reading small text has become difficult, there’s a wonderful alternative: audiobooks!
It’s easier than ever to enjoy stories, learn something about history, or study a new subject all from the comfort of your own home. There are delivery services online for books and audiobooks, so it’s easy to have these stories brought straight to your front door.
2. Enjoying Music
Music is a universal language of emotion. Whether it’s listening to old favorites or discovering new tunes, music can uplift spirits and provide comfort. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even enjoy a seated dance! Our team believes in the importance of nurturing personal growth, and we celebrate the passions our seniors have.
And if you’re in the mood to try something new, you can always try learning an instrument yourself. Whether violin, piano, guitar, or even the tuba, learning a new instrument can help promote your mental health—and it does wonders for the brain, too!
3. Seated Exercises
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. And even though mobility may be a problem, it’s still essential.
So why not try seated exercises? You can always try:
- Leg lifts. If possible, lift your legs one by one. This can help keep your legs active.
- Seated marching
- Shoulder rolls. Roll your shoulders forward and backward. This can help keep your shoulders flexible and reduce stiffness.
- Neck rolls. Gently tilt your head side to side, then forward and back to stretch your neck muscles and encourage flexibility.
If you’re feeling up for it, you can even get a small set of hand weights or resistance bands to build or retain your muscle. Don’t forget to check in with your healthcare provider or the teams around you, though—they may have some advice for exercising safely without hurting yourself.
4. Creating Something
There’s something truly unique about creating something. It doesn’t matter what it is—simply creating something from nothing is one of the best ways to spend a day.
So why not try:
- Painting
- Sketching
- Writing a story
- Poetry
- Making jewelry
- Knitting
These can even help boost cognitive and mental health, so it’s always worth a try. And you don’t need much to get started!
5. Mentoring the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding things we can do in this life is to share our experiences and wisdom. It gives an opportunity to give back to the world, influence future business owners and leaders, and create lasting bonds with the next generation.
It can help to look around the community and see if there are any partnership programs. And here at Parsons House Preston Hollow, we have student volunteers visit once a week, so you can always share your advice with them!
6. Planning a Social Visit
Social interaction is vital for our well-being. Planning a visit with a friend, family member, or even a friendly phone call can do wonders for your mood. And if mobility is a concern, video calls are a fantastic option!
So try arranging:
- A coffee date with a friend (whether in-person or through a video call)
- Joining a book club
- A friendly board game night
It can be a great way to enjoy the company of a loved one and have some laughs together.
7. Playing Games
Games are not only fun but also great for keeping the mind sharp. Whether it’s a classic board game, a card game, or a video game, they offer a great way to socialize and challenge yourself.
In fact, there are plenty of games for both phones and computers designed for seniors to enjoy their time. These games involve everything from word games to puzzles, so it can’t hurt to give them a try!
8. Volunteering for a Worthy Cause
Even with limited mobility, there are plenty of ways to volunteer and give back. It can help to look at the local community center or town hall to see if there are any causes that might strike a chord with you.
You can even try volunteering online with a group like the Smithsonian Digital Volunteers, a group that helps to transcribe historical documents so future generations can keep learning about history. Try finding a cause that’s close to your heart and help where you can. Volunteering can be a great way to give back to the community!
9. Spending Time in Nature
Being in nature, even if it’s just sitting by a window looking at a garden, can have a calming effect. Bird watching, listening to the sounds of nature, or simply enjoying the sunshine can do wonders for the soul.
Plus, you can always check out the area and see if there’s an accessible nature trail within reach. Here in Dallas, residents can easily get to:
- The Katy Trail, where an old railway line is now an easily-accessible path
- The Santa Fe trail with a path circling a beautiful natural body of water
- The White Rock Lake trail with a gorgeous view of the water
So why wait? Go see the beautiful world around you and celebrate life in nature.
10. Prioritizing Self-Care
At the end of the day, one of the most important activities seniors can enjoy is to prioritize their self-care. And our team at Parsons House Preston Hollow is here to serve our seniors with everything from proper nutrition to supportive programs and activities for our residents. So schedule a tour with us today and take the first step toward enjoying life to the fullest! We’re here to make a difference.