Adult day care is a great place for seniors to spend the daytime, especially if they have been isolated at home. There is a large range of both group and individual games and activities for seniors to stimulate them mentally and also to keep them physically active. It is also a fantastic way for seniors to maintain a healthy social life.
Exercise is a fantastic way for seniors to stay healthy, and also provides opportunities for them to socialize with one another. However, since seniors in adult day care may have a range of physical abilities, it is important to cater to each individual to prevent accidents and injuries.
Activities involving music is a great way to keep seniors’ auditory functions exercised. Studies have also suggested that music is helpful for Alzheimer’s patients, and other seniors with memory deficits.
Individual Games
1. Sudoku
Solving puzzles is a great way to keep a senior’s mind active and reinforce cognitive skills. Sudoku is a popular puzzle that can be easily obtained for free off the Internet. It is useful for helping seniors to develop and maintain logical thinking skills.2. Crossword puzzles
These can also be easily obtained off the Internet. It is great for improving general knowledge and memory.3. Electronic game consoles
Electronic game consoles provide an endless list of brain games that seniors can play in order to experience positive effect on mental capabilities such as memory and reaction time. Consoles such as Wii and Kinect are especially useful for helping seniors to get some exercise.Group Games
4. Guessing Games
Many different forms of guessing games can be played. Oneway is to place items in a paper bag for identification by touch. This reinforces tactile and memory skills. Alternatively, visual memory can be enhanced by showing players pictures of famous places and/or people for identification. Another way of playing guessing games is to play recordings of sounds such as musical instruments or animals for players to identify. This stimulates auditory memory.5. Charades
Charades is a well-known game that is great for allowing individuals to socialize, as well as stay active. Additionally, few supplies are needed and it can be played almost anywhere.6. Pictionary
Not unlike charades, Pictionary is a great way for seniors to socialize, especially if they face problems in mobility and are unable to play charades.Activities
7. Arts and Crafts
Doing arts and crafts is a great way to pass the time and to reinforce creativity and cognitive function at the same time. There is also a wide variety of options to choose from so that seniors will not get bored.8. Knitting
Knitting allows seniors to exercise their joints and at the same time create something useful, such as a jumper.
9. Crochet
Crochet, much like knitting, allows seniors to make something practical that they can use on a daily basis. Alternatively, they can create something for aesthetic decoration, to brighten up their homes. Crochet projects also make good gifts!
10. Water color painting
Water color painting is a great way for seniors to express their creativity. Although some materials are required, these are rather inexpensive and can be acquired easily.11. Drawing
Drawing is a great alternative to water color painting. Whilst it allows seniors to still express creativity, fewer materials are required, and less effort is needed to set up and clean up afterwards as well. To make drawing a social activity, seniors can choose to do portraits of each other.12. Scrapbooking/Making collages
Scrapbooking and making collages can be greatly beneficial to seniors. Firstly, sweet memories are brought back when going through an old photo album. Secondly, cutting, pasting and designing the scrapbook or collage helps with spatial concepts. Additionally, the entire process of completing a scrapbook or collage project will give the senior a sense of accomplishment, which is great for mental health and preventing depression.Exercise
Exercise is a fantastic way for seniors to stay healthy, and also provides opportunities for them to socialize with one another. However, since seniors in adult day care may have a range of physical abilities, it is important to cater to each individual to prevent accidents and injuries.
13. Gardening
Gardening not only keeps the senior physically active, but can also give him or her a great sense of achievement, especially when the freshly harvested vegetables or fruit are used in the preparation of meals.14. Lawn bowling
Lawn bowling is a great way to allow seniors to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. However, it is more suitable for seniors who are physically fit.15. Tai Chi
Tai Chi can be done by seniors with a large range of physical abilities. It is great because it helps senior gain a better sense of balance, which helps to make falls less likely. Seniors can either follow instructional programs on DVDs or an expert instructor.16. Nature walks/City walks
Seniors can go on walks in groups, be it in nature or a trip to the city center. This allows the seniors to interact with one another and at the same time get some exercise. However, it is important to ensure that these walks are supervised.Music-related activities
Activities involving music is a great way to keep seniors’ auditory functions exercised. Studies have also suggested that music is helpful for Alzheimer’s patients, and other seniors with memory deficits.
