As we age, our bones and muscles can weaken, which may limit our physical strength and mobility. But we can still enjoy many fun, entertaining activities by changing how we engage in previous activities or by starting new ones.
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Many older adults find they finally have the time to start working on artistic endeavors such as painting, crafting (such as woodworking), or engaging in home-based projects like window gardens. Other activities might include handwork like stitching or joining new clubs centered on a common interest such as books or music. Still other people choose to pick up new skills and expand their boundaries using technology to practice brain games or play video games with grandchildren or other trusted individuals online. Taking online classes or socializing with people through the internet have become quite common as computer and cell phone access have expanded in recent years.
Let’s discuss 5 enjoyable activities for older adults with limited mobility.
5 Enjoyable Activities for Older Adults With Limited Mobility
Our current society offers many ways for older adults to enjoy life even with limited mobility. Activities requiring limited movement are good for maintaining and improving physical health, but we also can benefit from less physically demanding activities to maintain or improve our mental and emotional health.
Engage in Creative Activities
Creative activities, such as coloring patterns, cooking, and knitting, often provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. There are many ideas available in books from the library, local craft stores, or on the internet from special interest websites and YouTube. Video demonstrations and classes are also often available when unable to attend live events.
Most of us will be able to do more as we practice the skills we are using and may even begin to create our own designs and ideas.
Examples of enjoyable creative activities can be:
- Photography
- Taking online courses
- Coloring with adult coloring books
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sketching
- Needlepoint or embroidery
- Sewing
- Crocheting
- Knitting
- Cooking
- Baking
- Reading
On the internet, it is often possible to order all the supplies and accessories you need to start a new activity.
Enjoy Nature
Nature is full of beauty, excitement, and new experiences. There are usually walking aids, accessible carts, and ramps that allow persons with mobility limitations to go outdoors to a park, lake, zoo, or beach. Another option might be to birdwatch, observe wildlife, or people-watch while seated in the comfort of a vehicle, shelter, or on the front porch. Socializing with people on a guided tour or organized group trip can also be very rewarding.
Watch New or Favorite Shows or Movies
Many older adults have favorite shows or sports that they watch regularly and can discuss with others. It is quite common to have movies that we just have not had the time to see yet. A time of limited mobility can be an opportunity to “catch up” or try something new to watch, whether it be documentaries, reality shows, talk shows, concerts, or game shows.
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Play Games
Board games, cards, video games, and brain games are among the best entertainment activities all of us can enjoy. Various brain challenges like sudoku, crossword puzzles, word games, chess, and Scrabble, may also help boost memory and attention.
For those who have access, video games on a computer or on a cell phone can also be entertaining for older adults. For boosting enjoyment, it is best to play the games with a partner or a family member.
Visit With Pets
Pets can be great companions for many people. Pets have been shown to reduce boredom and loneliness, and may improve stress levels and depression. Older adults with limited mobility can visit with trained or lower-maintenance animals such as cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, fish, and birds.
Cats and dogs can be affectionate pets that bond with their human companions, providing fun and satisfaction during play and cuddling. Those considering ownership may wish to consider size and how to accomplish exercise/hygiene, particularly for more active animals such as dogs and cats. Less active animals, like fish or hamsters, can be kept in containers. Such pets would be ideal for older adults who prefer watching pets instead of playing with them.
Overall, there are a wide variety of activities available to older adults with limited mobility, both alone and in social settings. Group living settings may have organized activities to make it easier, and local community centers often sponsor activities that are mobility-friendly for older adults. We just need to seek out the resources to make our lives more fun!
About the Author
Reviewed by Dr. Alice Pomidor
Dr. Alice Pomidor, MD, MPH, was born and raised in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She received her MD degree from the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, in 1984. Dr. Pomidor is a retired professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, and is an active member of the Capital Medical Society, the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition, and the American Geriatrics Society, where she was past Chair of the Public Education Committee. The most rewarding part of her job has been helping older adults achieve their health care goals, teaching medical students and residents, and working with community groups to advance improvements in the local health care community. Her areas of expertise include geriatrics, driving for older adults, exercise for older adults, dementia care, and falls. In her free time, Dr. Pomidor enjoys spending time with family, walking her dogs, reading, photography, and watching movies.
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