As your parents age, you may want to spend more time with them to build memories and strengthen your connections. However, as your parents age it may be harder to find activities that you can do together. There are many fun activities you can do with your parents as they age to build your bond including:
- Gardening
- Cooking and baking
- Doing arts and crafts
- Playing puzzles and games
- Walking or getting some light exercise
- Playing music and dancing
- Volunteering
1. Gardening
Gardening is a therapeutic pastime that benefits both body and mind. From planting colorful flowers to growing fresh herbs or vegetables, gardening offers a sense of accomplishment and brings a little piece of nature closer to home.
How to make it accessible:
- Create raised garden beds or use pots for easier reach.
- Provide lightweight and ergonomic tools designed for ease of use.
- Start small by growing herbs or simpler plants to make the experience manageable and rewarding.
The benefits: Gardening can reduce stress, encourage physical activity, and invite fresh air into your parent’s routine.
2. Cooking & Baking
Cooking with your parents is an excellent way to share beloved family recipes, explore new dishes together, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade meals. It can even become a creative outlet that involves their taste and preferences.
How to make it enjoyable:
- Choose simple recipes with tasks like measuring, mixing, or decorating that are fun and manageable.
- Turn it into an event, like a family dinner night where everyone contributes a dish.
- Share stories behind favorite recipes, it’s an opportunity for reminiscing.
The benefits: Cooking helps preserve traditions, bring family together, and give a delicious sense of accomplishment.
3. Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts spark creativity and provide a wonderful outlet for self-expression. From knitting and scrapbooking to painting or decorating photo albums, these projects allow parents to create treasures that can be displayed, gifted, or kept as mementos.
How to tailor it to seniors:
- Look for craft kits with easy-to-follow instructions designed for all skill levels.
- Provide larger, accessible tools for those with arthritis or reduced mobility.
- Consider collaborative projects like building a family scrapbook together.
The benefits: Boosts fine motor skills, inspires creativity, and provides opportunities for mindfulness.
4. Puzzles & Games
Boost mental sharpness and improve memory with games and puzzles! Activities like board games, card games, crossword puzzles, or jigsaw puzzles keep the mind engaged while offering plenty of laughs and bonding moments.
How to make it inclusive:
- Choose games they loved in the past or explore newer ones together.
- Look for larger print versions of puzzles and games for easier visibility.
- Make it a regular family game night tradition!
The benefits: Encourages problem-solving and strengthens memory while fostering quality family time.
5. Walking or Light Exercise
Staying active is essential to maintaining mobility and good health. Leisurely walks around the neighborhood or in a nearby park provide physical benefits and allow for engaging, open conversations.
How to keep it safe and fun:
- Find scenic walking routes like botanical gardens or nature trails.
- Encourage chair yoga or senior-oriented fitness routines for those with limited mobility.
- Share the walk with a pet or bring along binoculars for birdwatching.
The benefits: Gentle movement improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and rejuvenates the mind.
6. Music & Dancing
Music has the incredible ability to transport us to cherished moments, lift spirits, and connect generations. Whether it’s dancing, singing, or simply listening to favorite songs, music is a joyful way to bond.
How to make it meaningful:
- Create a playlist of their favorite songs or explore music from their youth.
- Enjoy live concerts in the community or online performances together.
- Start a karaoke night or play simple rhythms together on percussion instruments.
The benefits: Music boosts mood, improves cognitive function, and sparks delightful memories.
7. Volunteering
Many older adults enjoy giving back to their community. Volunteering side by side can bring a strong sense of purpose and connection while fostering social interactions.
How to match their interests:
- Help at local food banks or community events.
- Spend time at animal shelters or charity organizations.
- Look for opportunities that require light activity and are fully accessible.
The benefits: Builds a sense of fulfillment, a connection with the community, and the joy of helping others.
8. Reliving Old Stories & Creating New Ones
Encourage your parents to share their stories, memories, and wisdom through intentional storytelling sessions. You can record these conversations for posterity or combine them into a family history project.
Ideas for storytelling:
- Ask about their favorite childhood memories, career achievements, or life lessons.
- Use prompting tools like old photographs or memorabilia to spark recollections.
- Create digital recordings or scrapbooks to share with generations to come.
The benefits: Fosters meaningful conversations, strengthens bonds, and preserves their legacy.
Strengthen Your Connection
Engaging in activities with your elderly parents is more than just passing time, it’s about deepening your bond, supporting their emotional well-being, and creating moments that matter. By exploring the activities above, you can help your loved ones feel appreciated, engaged, and connected.
At Kingston Residence of Perrysburg, we’re dedicated to making every day vibrant and fulfilling for our residents. Discover how we tailor our senior living services to offer comfort, community, and joy. Contact us today to see if our community is right for your elderly parent.
