Arts and crafts projects can provide a creative outlet for seniors.
Seniors need to stay active, both physically and mentally, long after the point where they are going to work every day and raising a family. Senior centers can offer a place for the elderly to pursue creative endeavors (such as arts and crafts projects), engage in physical activity (such as exercise classes), and socially interact with others (at social functions and on planned group outings). The opportunity to engage their minds and bodies is important for seniors to live for years, and even decades, after they have retired, downsized, or watched their children leave the family home to live their own adult lives. Does this Spark an idea?
Arts and Crafts
Though arts and crafts projects might sound better-suited for schoolchildren than senior citizens, they can provide a wonderful creative outlet for seniors. Additionally, senior centers can organize a community craft fair to enable their senior members to show off their works of art and creativity. This also allows seniors a chance for social interaction with other members of their community and each other.
Exercise Classes
Physical activity is often one of the first things to go for someone as they age. Low-impact exercise classes can be a great way for the elderly to stay physically fit and empower them to stay physically independent for as long as possible. With strong muscles and bones, seniors stand much more of a chance of living on their own and keeping up with their daily routines for longer than they would otherwise. Low-impact exercise classes should be led by an instructor with experience working with the elderly and who is First Aid-certified. Exercises can include options ranging from water aerobics to yoga to walking around a local park or neighborhood.
Group Outings
Though days spent at a senior center interacting with other seniors is always a great option for the elderly, it is also important for their world to expand. One way to do this is through organized group outings, which often should be chaperoned and chauffeured by health aides or family members that can help in case there is a health emergency or someone needs to go home for any reason. Trips to places such as museums, parks or even the local public library are a great opportunity for seniors to feel like they are still a part of their community.
Tags: crafts projects, exercise classes, arts crafts projects, creative outlet, creative outlet seniors, group outings