Everyone wants their ageing relatives to live a happy and fulfilling life. This is important for both their physical and mental wellbeing and can help to stave off harmful medical conditions and enable your loved one to live independently for as long as possible. Dr. Susan Miller, a geriatric care specialist from the National Institute on Aging, emphasizes, “Creating a supportive environment that fosters both physical activity and social engagement is crucial for the overall health and longevity of older adults.”
Yet it’s not always clear what the best ways to enrich an elderly person’s life are. Of course, much of it comes down to personality and individual preferences, but there are a few ideas that will suit just about everyone. Here are a few to get you inspired.
Encourage them to try new hobbies
Keeping your brain active and engaged is one of the most important factors for enriching life, so try recommending that your elderly loved one try some new hobbies (or return to ones they used to enjoy). Whether it’s knitting or having a go at a musical instrument, anything is fine as long as it’s fun and challenging.
For an added benefit, suggest they attend a group class in order to meet new people and expand their social circle – especially if they live alone. If that’s not feasible, even simple activities like reading and doing logic puzzles can have a positive impact. Encouraging them to learn a new language in their free time can be a great way too.
Learning a new language can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and it can also open up new opportunities for communication and connection with people from different cultures. There are many resources available for language learning, including language learning apps, online courses, and language exchange websites where they can practice with native speakers. Not only will they be keeping their brain active and engaged, but they will also be broadening their horizons and experiencing the joy of learning something new.
Take them on day trips
As anyone who loves to travel will know, visiting new places is one of the most enriching activities you can do. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a gerontologist from the University of California, states, “Exposure to new environments can significantly boost cognitive function and emotional well-being in elderly individuals” (Source: University of California Health Journal). Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to make your elderly relative suffer through a 12-hour flight to the other side of the world! Even visiting a different city for the day can be hugely beneficial. Have a leisurely stroll around the place, see the main attractions, then stop off for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake before heading home.
Alternatively, you can do something in the city they currently live in, such as go for lunch or to the theatre – the key factor is getting your loved one out of the house. A study conducted by the Gerontological Society of America found that elderly individuals who engage in regular social outings have a 30% lower risk of developing depression compared to those who stay home (Source: Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences).
Consider a move to assisted living
People often feel guilty about the idea of moving their elderly loved one to an assisted living facility. However, the truth is that in many cases, it’s the best decision for everyone. In addition to a safe and supportive living environment, Signature Care Homes and other facilities offer residents a broad range of enriching events and activities to participate in. Not to mention, they will have the chance to meet other people their own age and make new friends.
Visit or chat frequently
One of the best actions you can take is also the simplest: be there for your elderly loved one. Popping in for a chat and a cup of tea if you live nearby can truly brighten up their day, but if that’s not possible due to distance or other commitments, then just picking up the phone or jumping on a video call together is almost as good. In fact, that could also be a great way to help them learn how to use some new technology! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have much to say, and it’s sure to mean the world to your relative.
