Few things bring a smile to the face faster than elderly people having fun and there are lots of things you can do with an elderly relative. The idea is to keep them feeling included, welcome and loved. Of course, being surrounded by their family is a great start. However, for variety and independence, let's have a look at some of the many choices available nowadays.
Here, at Vermont Aged Care, one of our priorities is making sure our elderly residents don't get bored or feel forgotten. That is why we provide them with entertainment, activities and outings. We care about their happiness, health and well-being. And we have some tips we think might be useful to you.
No one knows your elderly relative better than you. So you probably already have a fair idea what they enjoy. However, when planning for elderly people having fun, new things are always exciting to explore. And they provide opportunities to make new friends. More than that, learning something new is good activity for the elderly brain. So perhaps the best place to begin is a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Ask your elderly loved one if they are open to new ideas. Also, remember to take into consideration their physical and mental condition. Having ascertained what they wish to continue doing, the following suggestions may or may not already be on the menu.
If your elderly relative is mobile, churches and community centres have social clubs. The advantage of these clubs is that people usually already know each other as neighbours so their are already lots of elderly people having fun at hosted events. The friendship and affection communicated is extremely valuable. The only difficulty will be choosing what to do. Some people still love the old stalwarts. Cards, dominoes, board games and crafts never seem to go out of fashion. Others love volunteering to help their fellow man. Food and garment distribution, knitting, crochet or sewing for the needy provide a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. For the more active, ballroom dancing combines the love of music with memories of youth and old friends.
But what if your elderly relative wanted to venture a little further? Here are some ideas to tempt the imagination and wet the appetite. Surprisingly for a country the size of Australia, many people seem to stick to the beaten track. Most of us have a favourite spot, on the coast or the gold and sunshine coasts. Some of us have been going back to the same spot for 30 or 40 years. While there is nothing wrong with that, some hiking or bushwalking is a good way to get out of that armchair.
Sedentariness is a danger as we get older. Out in the fresh air, discovering the country they love is worth considering. With the right precautions this would be a very enjoyable new activity. Either with the family or an organised group it is worth considering. Furthermore, wonderful photographs or videos would bring the moments back home with them. This might even prove to be the beginning of a new hobby; photography or videography!
There is a food revolution going on which is being fed by television programs. Food used to represent sustenance. Not any more. Food has become creative and fun and everyone is welcome to join in. #RestaurantAustralia. #Worlds50Best. From celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, to programs like Masterchef and MKR, everyone is inspiring their neighbour to join in. In turn, this has spurred chefs to produce cooking classes. Perhaps your elderly loved one would enjoy learning to make new things and the family could do the sampling. And since it is imperative to pare a good wine with a good meal, wine appreciation is often offered as well.
The cherry on the cake would be if there are enthusiastic gardeners in the family. Then the homegrown produce would be given a new lease of life. No more boring old steamed veggies, zucchini flower fritters anyone?
What if the elderly relative is a man?
Feeling part of the life of the community is the same for men and women. However, it is true that tastes differ when it comes to favourite activities. A man is more likely to enjoy the company of other men. And they usually like to talk about sports, fishing, handyman jobs and engines #AusMotoGP. Sporting activities might include darts or billiards for instance. And most likely replacing the cup of tea with a glass of beer.
Bucket lists were unheard of in the years of their youth. However the truth is they have become a catchphrase. And since nobody likes to feel left out, how about skydiving, ballooning, or boutique beer making? So many new clubs are available now. And they are not hard to find with the Internet. Soon your elderly relative will be having so much fun you will have to make an appointment to catch up with them. For animal lovers, obedience classes, or learning how to groom them might be something they didn't have time for in the past. In turn, this might lead to showing their animals in competitions.
There are many clubs and associations that would be only too pleased to welcome your elderly relative. The more the merrier. Information can be found via the local council, the local paper, Church groups and the Internet. Most everybody is familiar with the catchphrase "Look it up on Google", or whatever your favourite search engine might be. From all of us here at Vermont Aged Care, happy hunting and stay well.