As we age, it is important to stay physically and mentally active. This promotes good health and keeps us young at heart. Although elderly ones may be a bit more limited in their choices of activities, there are a variety of hobbies that anyone can enjoy. Caregivers who provide care for seniors in their homes with the help of a homecare system or homecare software like ClearCare Online can set daily tasks for setting aside time for hobbies and interests.
Choosing a Hobby
The important thing to keep in mind is to choose an interesting activity that is safe and appropriate for the senior’s current health and mobility. While ballroom dancing might be a fun activity for some elderly persons, it might not be advisable for a senior who suffers from serious arthritis or other painful condition. Caregivers can refer to their homecare system or homecare software for details on their client’s health and chronic conditions.
Once you’ve determined what interests your senior clients, you can make a few suggestions. Popular hobbies among seniors include:
- Scrapbooking
- Photography
- Jewelry making
- Painting or sketching
- Bird watching
- Learning a new language or musical instrument
- Genealogy
- Quilting or crocheting
- Golf, tennis, or swimming
When practical, it’s a great idea to incorporate a hobby that encourages physical activity. Staying physically active:
- Decreases risk of chronic illness
- Improves heart health
- Wards off depression
- Lessens joint pain and improves bone health
Again, it’s critical to take each senior client’s health into consideration before adopting a physically demanding hobby. Caregivers can communicate any concerns to the senior’s physician or family members using ClearCare Online’s homecare system and homecare software.
Learning a New Hobby
Taking up a new craft like quilting or painting may not come easily for everyone. It takes time and practice. Some seniors might like to learn among a class of students while others prefer to tackle their new project alone. Caregivers can note the senior’s preferences in their homecare software.
When progress is made on a new project or hobby, it brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment. This helps keep seniors feel interested and excited, rather than bored and listless. If seniors in your care are starting to develop any signs of melancholy, take note in ClearCare Online’s homecare system. The sooner family and friends are aware of a problem, the easier it will be to intervene and prevent serious depression.
Developing and maintaining a new hobby is an excellent way to stay mentally sharp – which becomes even more important as we age. Families and caregivers would do well to encourage the seniors in their care to take time for their hobbies, and give assistance whenever necessary. For more details on how ClearCare Online’s homecare system and homecare software can help, please contact one of our friendly representatives today.
