Activities to do in later life

How can I stay active when recovering from an injury or illness?

Trying new activities and pushing yourself with exercise can be intimidating, and dangerous if not done correctly and in-line with the advice of your medical team. However, doctors agree that exercise is crucial for healing and accelerating recovery, as it strengthens your heart, muscles, bones, and brain. Talk to your GP or hospital about a gentle, low-impact exercise routine that you’re both comfortable with. Address your fears and discuss your long-term healing and activity goals to motivate yourself. Remember, around 1 out of 3 seniors over 65 will experience a fall, increasing to 1 out of 2 seniors over 80. Research also shows that those who have fallen are almost three times more likely to fall again. Preventing falls isn’t just about assistive devices and grab bars – but improving physical abilities, such as balance, flexibility, and coordination through regular exercise, is also crucial.

Activities to keep older people engaged while at home

Arts and crafts activities offer a wide variety of creative opportunities for older people, ranging from painting and scrapbooking, to creating jewellery and homewares with polymer clay. These hands-on activities may enhance motor skills, promote concentration, and foster social connections if done with friends or as part of a community group. Some examples of arts and crafts activities include still-life painting, assembling photo albums, or making gifts for special occasions.

Birdwatching can be done anywhere, including from your own garden or kitchen window. Birdwatching promotes exploring nature and learning about new species. It has benefits like reducing stress and improving relaxation and mental well-being. It’s a hobby that can make a positive difference too – initiatives like the RSPBs Big Garden Bird Watch is the UK’s biggest wildlife survey and is free to take part in. They also offer a range of resources to help you support UK birds and attract new visitors to your garden.  

Music and sounds play a significant role in our daily lives. A specific song can bring back memories and transport older individuals to important moments from their past. Studies have shown that music can improve moods, enhance memory, and promote positive emotions. It can also improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels. Why not try creating personalised playlists to suit different moods, sing your heart out to free karaoke versions of your favourite songs or join an online choir, or find like minded people through online communities. 

Joining an online book club can be more than a reading group. Book clubs provide an excellent opportunity for older people to read several books they may not have otherwise discovered, keep cognition sharp, maintain and gain communication skills, learn about new perspectives, stay current on social events, socialise and make new friends.

If you’re looking for a group bookclubs.com if a good place to start.

Gardening is a great activity for older people to stay active if they can access a garden. It uses muscles from head to toe and can be low-impact. Gardening can boost vitamin D levels and improve mood by being outside. There are various ways to engage and join gardening communities online, to talk to and share gardening tips with fellow gardeners. If your or your loved one doesn’t have access to a garden, window boxes can be a good option for growing herbs and house plants. Gardening charity Thrive offer lots of great resources on gardening at home for all abilities, as well as a free fortnightly newsletter packed with inspiration. 

Baking and cooking have several benefits for seniors, such as reducing stress, evoking positive emotions and memories, stimulating the brain by following recipes, measuring ingredients, and fostering creativity. Baking is not solely about creating delicious food but also about finding relaxation and peace.

Games and Jigsaw Puzzles are a good way to keep the brain active, improve memory, and benefit mental health. It can also help release stress and decrease boredom. Crossword puzzles are especially effective for keeping the mind sharp and staying knowledgeable.

Photography is an activity that can benefit older people, as it allows them to engage with the outdoors and discover new locations. They can tap into their creativity by capturing images and experimenting with various elements like lighting and backgrounds. Building a collection of photographs and sharing them with loved ones can bring a sense of fulfilment and joy, providing a sense of purpose.

All you need is a camera – and even cheaper options or mobile phone cameras can produce lovely photographs. If you’d like to sharpen your skills, there are a number of free courses and clubs to try too, some even offer members a chance to show their work at gallery events.

Learning new skills keeps the brain healthy and gives older adults a sense of achievement when they master a new ability. Why not learn sign language for example? Teaching yourself new skills provides a stimulating mental challenge, which is important in the battle against dementia and cognitive decline. Joining an online adult learning course to learn new skills is also a great way of stimulating the brain and socialising with new people.