For a number of senior men, who’ve dedicated their lives to working in a meaningful career, providing for family, and staying physically active, the mere thought a relaxing afternoon of crafting or bingo is, to say the least, unappealing. Coming up with engaging activities for older men begins with reviewing their life history to discover what was of interest in the past, and then developing unique ways to incorporate those interests into their lifestyle today.
At Senior HomeCare of Tucson, providers of top-rated elder care in Marana and the surrounding area, we thoroughly enjoy creating opportunities for the senior men we serve to enjoy life to the fullest with activities that are truly meaningful to each individual. Following are a few suggestions you can try out with the senior men you love:
- Play ball! For someone who has always loved sports, a visit to the park to watch local community and little league games can be great fun. Or pick out several Wii sports-themed video games and try out virtual sporting, right in the comfort home. You can also arrange family events based around the senior’s favorite sports team, such as a football-watching party, with everyone dressing in a team t-shirt, sharing plenty of snacks, and enthusiastically cheering on the team together.
- Get out of the house. If the senior loves outdoor activities, such as fishing or hunting, make sure he has plenty of opportunities to spend time outside. Research local parks to check on accessible fishing spots and boat rentals, and take the senior out for an afternoon by the water. Or, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy together in a wooded area where you can watch birds and other wildlife. Another idea is to check with an organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for those who are differently-abled, like the National Association for Down Syndrome, which sometimes hosts outdoor events that pair a member of the organization with a senior “buddy” who volunteers to help with outdoor activities.
- Dance your cares away. For a senior who played a musical instrument, sang in a band, or has simply enjoyed a particular type of music, maintaining that connection is important. It may be something as simple as playing favorite songs and singing together, or you can plan an outing to a music store, hold a musical talent show for family members, or contact the local high school or university to find out about any musical performances that may be open to the public.
- Get back to work. Maintaining purpose in life is crucial for everyone. Consider your senior loved one’s past career, and see if there’s a way to incorporate those skills into a useful endeavor, such as tutoring or reading to children through the library or school, putting together model cars with the grandkids or building and painting bird houses to share with friends and family over the holidays.
You can always call on Senior HomeCare of Tucson for more ideas to help the senior men in your life stay active and engaged in what interests them most, or let us partner with you to provide professional in-home caregiver services that boost socialization, independence, and quality of life. Contact us any time at 520-355-4787 to let us know how we can help with professional caregiver services for elder care in Marana and the surrounding communities.