If your senior parent is living at home and they aren’t getting enough movement or exercise, in-home care can help. In-home care providers can encourage your senior parent to move more by making it fun for them. Playing games that involve stretching or other light physical activity is engaging for the mind and healthy for the body.
Often, seniors who are aging in place aren’t getting enough exercise. They may experience swelling of the legs and feet or other side effects of being sedentary. Gentle movement that is tailored to your mom or dad’s physical health and any medical conditions they have is often recommended for seniors.
Ask your mom or dad’s doctor if activities like these games that involve physical movement would be appropriate for your parent with the help of in-home care:
Chair Yoga
This game involves performing gentle yoga stretches and poses while seated in a chair. It can improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation, and can be modified to fit your mom or dad’s needs. Chair yoga is a great gentle exercise for seniors that have arthritis or that are recovering after a fall or hospital stay.
Ball Toss
Using a soft ball, seniors can play a game of toss while sitting or standing. This activity helps with hand-eye coordination, arm strength, and can be adapted for different levels of mobility. If your senior parent has poor grip strength, tossing and catching the soft ball can help improve their strength.
Dance Along
An in-home care provider can help your mom or dad dance along with a dance video or use a music playlist to dance at home. Dancing is a fun way to get cardiovascular exercise and improve coordination and balance.
Simon Says
This classic game can be adapted for seniors by incorporating gentle movements and stretches. It helps with coordination and memory while providing light physical activity. A physical therapist or an in-home care provider can lead the game.
Walking Bingo
Create a bingo card with different types of movements or exercises (e.g., 10 steps, 5 arm raises, 1 minute of marching). As seniors complete each activity, they mark it off on their bingo card. Offering prizes can make the game even more fun.
Balance Challenges
Set up simple balance challenges, such as standing on one foot for a few seconds or walking along a line. Use visual or physical cues to make it easier and more engaging.
Balloon Volleyball
Use a balloon instead of a volleyball to play a gentle game of volleyball. This can be done seated or standing, and it’s an excellent way to improve coordination and upper body strength. Holding the balloon can also help your mom or dad improve their grip strength and manual dexterity.
Exercise Dice
Create or purchase dice with different exercises written on each side (e.g., squats, leg lifts, arm circles). Roll the dice and perform the exercise that comes up. This adds a fun element of chance to the workout.
Gentle Tai Chi
Follow along with a Tai Chi video or guided session designed for seniors. Tai Chi involves slow, deliberate movements that improve balance, flexibility, and mental focus.
Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that involves finding items around the house and performing simple movements to retrieve them (e.g., bending, stretching, or walking). This can be a fun way to stay active while engaging in a mentally stimulating activity.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Kearney, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878, for Central Nebraska Call 308-663-3828
AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
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