Senior woman relaxing on couch with dog while reading
Home / Blog / 5 Highly Beneficial Therapeutic Activities for Seniors

5 Highly Beneficial Therapeutic Activities for Seniors

Many people can’t survive without their morning coffee. Others can’t sleep without surrendering to a midnight craving. We all have needs, and that’s okay!

But just like we need our morning coffee, our bodies need stimulation.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re 8 or 80, your body needs both mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis to enhance a life of health and happiness. 

A great way to achieve this is through recreation.

Therapeutic recreation activities for seniors are encouraged because they can help in preventing cognitive diseases and falls and improve overall well-being. 

There are many therapeutic activities for the elderly that stimulate minds, senses and even memories. These ideas are fun, some can be done at home and are perfect pastimes that benefit health far beyond simply sitting in front of a television. 

This list of therapeutic activities can be incorporated easily into your daily schedule, and the benefits you reap will prove tremendous. 

Get Your Body Moving

When we say “moving,” we mean more than just getting in your daily steps. Getting your blood pumping through regular exercise can lower your risk of depression and increase your balance, which will reduce your risk of experiencing a fall and will also increase your energy levels. 

There are many low-impact workouts you can do that will go a long way in improving your bone, joint and heart health. 

  • Chair yoga
  • Swimming laps in the pool
  • Strength training
  • Water aerobics 

Here at Rosewood, we provide a fully equipped exercise room so that exercising is easy and convenient. We offer many other activities and programs to keep you active and engaged, which can be viewed here anytime. 

Be Creative

Creative therapeutic activities, such as drawing, painting and photography, are forms of art that can be especially effective for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

Art can serve as a form of communication that, for seniors suffering from cognitive diseases, is far easier than using verbal speech. 

It is also a great outlet for expressing emotions through color, the rhythm of paint strokes and the image they choose to create. 

Art therapy is also an activity you can do by yourself or in a group, so the opportunity to build connections and create friendships is a priceless benefit in addition to getting the creative juices flowing. 

Play Modern Video Games

When the grandkids come over, play some Wii bowling, golf or tennis!

Interactive video games such as these can be as low-impact or high-impact as you want to make them but are excellent alternatives for moving your body and using motor skills that you may not use as often as you used to. 

Not only do video games engage your body, balance and coordination, but they also stimulate the mind by employing strategy and your short-term memory as you learn to operate the controller. 

Interact With a Furry Friend

There’s a reason why dogs are referred to as “man’s best friend.” If you experience feelings of loneliness or depression, dogs offer companionship on a level that rivals every other form of pet companionship because of dogs’ special and unique nature.

Animals can help you bond with others, improve motor skills and even reduce health issues like high blood pressure and stress. 

The benefits of pet therapy in the realm of therapeutic recreation activities for seniors are so immense that animal-assisted therapy is a growing trend. 

Engage Your Brain

The chemistry of the human mind is so complex that it craves stimulation in the form of puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, word searches and coloring books. 

Brain games such as these are not only fun activities for seniors, but they enhance memory retention, concentration and reflexes while also providing one with a great deal of accomplishment and pride in their abilities.

Anxiety and stress are relieved during moments of focus and attention needed to complete these tasks – unless you’re playing against your grandkids and then all bets are off!

Regardless, stimulating the mind with brain games can be something you do every day, even if it’s just a crossword puzzle at breakfast.

The Rosewood Difference 

The dedicated staff at Rosewood is committed to offering you many choices when it comes to engagement, innovative programs and inspiring activities. 

We are here to fill your needs, answer questions and guide you through the process of senior living. You’ll find educational and recreational activities available to keep you active and healthy along with a host of other valuable services and amenities. If you’re interested in getting to know us better, schedule a complimentary consultation today.