Many elderly people lose their mobility due to various reasons such as stroke, severe arthritis and injuries caused by falling. After this happens, the activities and hobbies they used to enjoy may now be very difficult. But limited mobility in the elderly does not mean goodbye to good times; Because there are still endless ways to have fun, maintain a great mood, keep the elderly busy, and supporting elderly with depression. You can even do some of them at home, without needing to move much. What are uplifting activities that an older adult with limited mobility can do? In this article from humanhealthmag, these activities for elderly with limited mobility are mentioned.
Top 9 Activities for Elderly with Limited Mobility
Undoubtedly, by performing these simple activities for elderly with limited mobility, seniors will bring a sense of freshness and vitality into their life.
1- Reading
Reading not only helps pass the time and keep the elderly’s mind alert, but it is also considered an effective solution to reduce stress in the elderly, improve memory, improve sleep quality, and delay dementia. An elderly person can have fun for hours by reading physical books and magazines and looking at their pictures or listening to audiobooks and hearing interesting stories and learning new topics. Also, group reading among friends of the same age can be very effective in having social participation, improving socialization for elderly, and boosting their spirits.
2- Discovering Various Hobbies
Hobbies such as cooking, knitting, crocheting, and playing an instrument that do not require much movement can be one of the best activities for elderly with limited mobility and keep them entertained. Limited mobility can pave the way for learning a new language or even discovering hobbies that they have not had a chance to try so far. Learning a new activity, in addition to keeping the elderly’s mind active, prevents them from getting bored. Listening to music or playing an instrument not only has a great ability to reduce stress, pain, and anxiety, but also improves sleep quality and strengthen the immune system.
3- Regular Exercise
In addition to keeping the elderly healthy, doing simple exercises can also be fun. Doing resistance training for elderly at home, yoga with a chair or sitting exercises are suitable exercises for people with limited mobility. You can also do exercises with the help of a walker or simply stand for a few minutes with the help of a walker to reduce ankle swelling.
4- Creative Activities
Stimulating the creative part of the mind of the elderly with limited mobility is another interesting and fun way to spend time. Crafts for seniors with arthritis, painting, coloring and sculpting are great hobbies for expressing creativity. Tasks such as organizing a photo album and making a family cookbook can also be fun and creative. Research has shown that doing creative hobbies in people with chronic diseases can reduce stress and negative emotions, increase positivity and hope, and also speed up medical treatments.
5- Spending Time Outdoors
Getting outside and spending time in nature is relaxing and uplifting. Even if your limited mobility means you can only sit on a balcony or by a large window, do it. Sitting on a balcony or by a window and taking in the fresh air and scenery is one of the top activities for seniors with limited mobility.
6- Spending Time with Friends or Relatives
Spending time with family, friends or relatives who have young children or pets is a great pastime for seniors. Almost everyone is happy in the presence of young children. Playing with grandchildren and having fun with a pet can be a great way to reduce stress and boost senior mood.
7- Playing Games
Games like puzzles, riddles, crosswords, card games, or even virtual reality for elderly are great ways to entertain seniors. These games can be played in groups, pairs, or alone.
8- Watching TV and Listening to Music
Watching TV continuously is not considered a healthy pastime for seniors. However, watching a movie or two TV shows during the day or week can be an interesting hobby for these people. Watching TV or movies about the elderly can be combined with another hobby. For example, our dear seniors may be interested in watching a documentary that helps them learn. Cooking shows or travelogues can also inspire new experiences in them.
9- Participating in Charitable Activities
If the mobility limitations of seniors are not too severe, participating in charity work can be a wonderful pastime to create a sense of usefulness and participation. Contact the neighborhood center and charities to inquire about hobbies that seniors can participate in and help them participate if needed.
Exercises for Seniors with Limited Mobility
As we said, exercises is one of the best activities for elderly with limited mobility. Currently, there are examples of smart exercise equipment available to the public, but if you don’t have any of these devices, join us to start simple yet effective exercises for older adults with limited mobility. Even if you have physical limitations, you can still do these exercises at home and improve your overall health.
Regular exercise can boost confidence and reduce stress and depression in seniors. Although mobility problems bring many physical limitations, various muscle groups in the body can be strengthened using seated chair exercises.
1- Seated Chair Exercises
If you are using a wheelchair, move closer to the edge of the chair. Seniors who do not have balance in a standing position should sit on the edge of a dining chair (without leaning back). Hold your arms forward with bent elbows and thumbs pointing towards the ceiling. Pull your elbows back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Return to the starting position and repeat 8-10 times. This movement strengthens the upper back, chest, and shoulder muscles. After a week or two, the senior’s range of motion will improve remarkably. Seated dumbbell exercises for seniors help to maintain fitness and health of the elderly.
2- Ball Exercises on a Chair
Ask the senior to hold a ball in their hands. Purchase the ball from sports equipment stores. These balls are specifically for exercise and are different from soccer balls, volleyballs, etc. Exercise or Pilates balls come in various sizes; you will need a medium-sized ball for this movement. Although these balls are not heavy, they are excellent for exercises for seniors with limited mobility.
Sit on the chair and hold the ball with both hands. Keep your elbows straight but not locked. Bring the ball close to your body. Now, slowly rotate to the left, counting to 3. Then move the upper body to the center and finally to the right. Pause for 3 counts at each point. Each set consists of left, center, and right. Start with 8 sets per day and increase the number of repetitions in the following days. With this simple movement, the abdominal muscles are engaged and gradually strengthened.
3- Thigh Muscle Strengthening Exercises for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Sit on the edge of the chair, keeping your body straight. Place a ball between your knees. Try to squeeze the ball with your knees. Pause for 2 seconds and release the ball slightly. Be careful that the ball does not fall to the ground. In a set of 8 to 10 repetitions, squeeze and release the ball with your knees at 2-second intervals. This simple movement strengthens the inner thigh muscles.
4- Knee and Butt-Lifting Exercises
In this movement, the buttock and knee muscles are strengthened. These muscles are very effective in maintaining balance when standing and sitting. While sitting on the chair, slowly lift your right knee towards your chest and slowly lower your knee back to the starting position. Do the same movement for the opposite leg in a set of 8 to 10 repetitions.
5- Knee Exercises for Seniors to Improve Strength
Sit in a comfortable position on the chair. Extend your right knee outward and keep your toes pointing towards the ceiling. The knee should be slightly bent and not locked. Lower your leg to the starting position and repeat 8-10 times. Do the same movement with your left leg.
6- Exercises with weights
You can do these exercises at home without the need for a trainer. A 1-kilogram weight is ideal for beginners. Sit on the chair with your feet flat on the ground. Keep your back straight without slouching, and your arms extended in front of your body. Hold a 1-kilogram weight in each hand. Now, slowly and without straining, bend your arms to the sides of your shoulders. Then slowly lift your arms overhead, pause, and then lower them back to the starting position. 8-10 repetitions are sufficient for beginners.
Concluding Remarks
These top nine activities for elderly with limited mobility that we introduced —reading, exploring hobbies, seated exercises, creative pursuits, outdoor moments, social interaction with joyful company, engaging in games, mindful TV and music enjoyment, and participating in charitable work—offer diverse avenues for seniors with limited mobility to maintain physical and mental well-being, fostering a sense of purpose, joy, and connection despite physical constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Low-impact Exercises Suitable for Seniors with Limited Mobility?
Chair yoga, seated exercises, and balance exercises with walker support are excellent options for seniors with limited mobility.
What Are Some Engaging Indoor Activities for Elderly with Limited Mobility?
Reading, playing brain games (like Sudoku or word searches), watching educational TV programs, and engaging in arts and crafts.
How Can Seniors with Limited Mobility Stay Socially Active?
Seniors can join book clubs, participate in group activities at senior centers, spend time with friends and family, or engage in volunteer work that accommodates their mobility needs.
What Are Some Creative Activities That Elderly with Limited Mobility Can Enjoy?
Seniors can explore various creative outlets such as painting, drawing, coloring, writing, making photo scrapbooks, or learning to play a musical instrument.