Busy > Ways to keep Elders Active and Engaged at Home
30th Mar 2021
elders-engagement
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Ways to keep Elders Active and Engaged at Home

PERSPECTIVE

Globally, the population of older adults is growing exponentially. Holistic health interventions that help seniors to maintain and further build their physical, mental, emotional and cognitive functions are imperative for their overall sense of wellness. Research has proved that active and engaged elders who are involved in living life fully with enthusiasm, are happier, more contented, and healthy in mind and body – much less likely to suffer from anxiety and Depression. Regular physical activity builds flexibility and strength and social activities, being connected to other people, helps keep our minds alert and sharp. It is the key to remaining young and lively, preventing Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as keeping various other physical diseases at bay.

Most working adults, including homemakers, are used to busy routines involving family and social life. After retirement or health-related issues due to advancing age, they suddenly find themselves with time on their hands, not knowing how to occupy themselves, especially if they’re not living with their families and therefore don’t have grandchildren to keep them engaged. Homemakers are faced with the empty nest syndrome after grown-up children move away.

As one ages, people who have been healthy and active all their lives start to experience age-related mobility issues. Seniors with more serious health conditions like heart problems, stroke, arthritis, mentally debilitating conditions and other chronic ailments often become homebound and are hesitant to go out.  More significantly, ageing adults periodically face the loss of dear friends and relatives passing away. The death of a spouse in advanced age can be particularly devastating. They tend to become lethargic and morose and often plunge into depression with the motivational factor missing. A sense of isolation and loneliness can, apart from depression, lead to early dementia.

Therefore, it becomes essential to rekindle a zest for life in our beloved elders, keeping them engaged, active and interested in all aspects of life. Age should be no bar to what you want to, or can, do. Even elders struggling with chronic pain or mobility issues, can still have fun and feel energized by being able to enjoy some stimulating activities.

Ways of Engagement

Brain Stimulating Games:

  • Word, Logic and Jigsaw Puzzles.
  • Sudoku.
  • Scrabble.
  • Chess.
  • Monopoly.
  • Backgammon.
  • Trivial pursuit.
  • Bingo.
  • Solitaire.
  • Rummy or Canasta.
  • Card matching game.
  • What’s that saying and Guess the song.
  • Interactive Online games.

Creative Pursuits– renew or explore dormant talent: 

  • Music – vocal and instrumental.
  • Dancing.
  • Painting and drawing.
  • Tapestry.
  • Knitting and Crocheting.
  • Writing.
  • Reading – audio books.
  • Pottery.
  • Designing.
  • Embroidery.
  • Baking and Cooking.
  • Gardening.

Keeping a petDog – physical, emotional, safety and sense of responsibility benefits.

Learning a new language – stimulating – online classes or audio books.

Learning new Technology – skype, video and zoom calls, apps and e-mail, social media. Real time connections to friends and family.

Yoga and Meditation – for spiritual upliftment and peace – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually balanced.

Encourage seniors who are mobile and reasonably healthy to join local seniors groups for daily walks, exercises and laughter yoga in the park. Group excursions, picnics, movie or concert outings. Pot-luck meals at each other’s homes. Spiritual discourses or Satsangs. Join a club or specific group of your interest.

Sharing skills with like-minded seniors.
Giving Back – Charity or Volunteering.
Gifting or Selling Home-made products, to earn some extra money.

Benefits of Engagement

Neurological, physiological, psychological and emotional benefits:

  • Better Cognitive function – helps in keeping our minds alert.
  • Higher levels of Immunity – studies reveal engaged elders have boosted immune system.
  • Better Emotional health – connecting with others conducive to positive mood. You also tend eat more nutritionally balanced food, when you eat with others.
  • Sense of Purpose – sense of accomplishment, sense of belonging.
  • Reduced Stress and negative energy – Therapeutic.
  • Happier, relaxed, healthy in mind and body, Elders.
  • Life more meaningful and productive.
  • Increased Longevity – an active lifestyle, within a strong social circle,  helps in dealing with life’s stresses.

Today, there are many resources and committed professional organisations to help keep your loved one healthy, safe, happy and contented – well engaged and active!

MOH TV – an App-based informative and entertainment in-house channel of EMOHA Eldercare, shows a wide variety of programmes thrice a day for their own elder community members. Thoughtfully prepared content ranges from comprehensive Health talks – disease, treatments. Food – nutrition, diet, recipes; Fitness – exercises, Yoga; Mental & emotional health; Financial and legal advice; Travel tips; Skills development; Employment opportunities; Entertainment – Fun events, concerts; Family events; Spiritual talks and events; Activity co-ordinator; Give back….. PLUS, special virtual and actual LIVE events are organized on all Festivals and special occasions like, Independence Day, New Year’s Eve etc. We are passionately committed to keeping our elders fully engaged — entertained, well-informed and enthusiastically involved with life!

EMOHA ELDER CARE is India’s first comprehensive continuum of care designed specifically for elders. We are re-imagining eldercare with love and dedication. It is all about EMOtional HAppiness!

We offer an envelope of care delivered at the elder’s home. Our five core segments are Health, Convenience, Engagement, Safety and Emergency. Covering all possible aspects of an elder’s life.

Founded and led by highly experienced, senior industry leaders in elder care, urban planning and technology – inspired by the joys and struggles of caring for their own parents.

Please do contact us for any assistance with regard to your beloved elders. We shall be privileged to help.  For us, it is always #EldersFirst.