Staying active can enhance a senior’s quality of life and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. You can simplify your aging loved one’s favorite hobbies so he or she can remain at peace while enjoying the activities. Take a look at some of the fun activities seniors with Alzheimer’s can participate in.
1. Reading
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t mean seniors have to stop reading. In fact, the stimulation from reading can boost brain health. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, reading books may not be a difficult task. If your loved one is unable to read the words on the pages independently, you can read the books to him or her or use audiobooks. Listening to audiobooks allows seniors to enjoy familiar stories while receiving cognitive stimulation.
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2. Painting
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s disease receive mental stimulation by painting and reconnecting with pictures from the past. Creativity can open the mind and allow seniors to express themselves. Drawing and painting can preserve a senior’s artistic talent despite the degeneration of the brain.
3. Listening to Music
Musical aptitude and appreciation are often among the last remaining abilities of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Playing your loved one’s favorite music could evoke emotions that stir memories. The rhythm of the music could help your loved one recall events or situations that took place recently or years ago.
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4. Putting Together Photo Puzzles
Some puzzles may be challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s to complete. However, you can design homemade photo puzzles that stimulate your loved one’s mind and enhance his or her mood. Find one of your loved one’s favorite family photos or a snapshot of scenery from a place he or she loves and send it to a photo center to be made into a puzzle. You can also copy the picture, have it laminated, and cut it into different puzzled-shaped pieces for your loved one to put together.
5. Playing Card Games
Seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease can enjoy playing their favorite card games from the past, while those in the later stages may find pleasure in shuffling the cards or separating them by color or suit. When your loved one is playing card games, pay close attention to his or her mood. If your loved one becomes frustrated, remove some of the cards so he or she doesn’t have to manage a lot at a time. You can also switch to a less confusing card game that doesn’t upset your loved one.
6. Gardening
The stimulation older adults receive from gardening can slow the progression of certain health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Exploring outdoor spaces offers satisfaction, enjoyment, and mental peace. Being in the garden could keep your loved one’s motivational levels high while lowering the risk of depression.
Alzheimer’s disease impacts a senior’s health, independence, and overall quality of life. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Philadelphia, PA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Call us at (215) 645-4663 to create a customized in-home care plan.