As your loved ones grow older, they have more time to do what matters to them. For some people, that’s exploring old interests. For others, it’s spending time with family and friends. No matter what sparks joy in your parents’ lives, here’s how you can support them in their journey.
Key Takeaways
- Older adults have individual preferences, so ask your parents what they enjoy rather than choosing activities based on their age.
- If an activity becomes difficult, consider whether a simple adaptation could help your parents continue participating in something they value.
Types of Activities Your Aging Parents May Enjoy
If you’re looking for ways to help your retired parents stay engaged, start by considering what they’ve enjoyed in the past. For example, if your dad has always preferred quiet afternoons with a book, he may not suddenly want a packed social calendar. If your mom was a lifelong gardener, she may still love working with plants but need to modify the activity to make it more enjoyable as her body changes.
Beyond personal interests, consider your parents’ social, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs when helping them find activities they enjoy.
Social Activities for Seniors
Social activities give your parents opportunities to spend time with people they care about or meet others who share their interests. The right social activity varies from person to person, so consider how your parents already like to connect with others.
For an animal lover, spending time with pets may be a natural way for them to spend their free time. Pet ownership isn’t a requirement here; visiting a family member’s dog or volunteering with an animal organization may provide the boost they’re looking for. Volunteering can also help someone stay involved with a cause they care about, especially if they can draw on interests or skills they’ve developed over the years.
If these activities still aren’t to your parents’ liking, you can consider mentoring opportunities, especially if they previously taught. Best of all? Plenty of ways exist to share knowledge. A retired accountant, for example, might help a nonprofit with bookkeeping. Meanwhile, an experienced gardener might show a grandchild how to grow tomatoes. What matters is finding a way to connect that feels natural to your parents.
Physical Activities for Seniors
If your parents enjoy being active, start with the types of movement they already like. A walk around the neighborhood or time in the garden may be a better fit than going to the gym together.
If your parents experience changes in mobility, don’t assume certain activities are out of reach. Instead, work together to adapt the activity to your loved ones’ current ability levels. For example, if gardening has become physically difficult for your mom, raised garden beds may make the activity more accessible.
That same focus on individual ability applies to everyday routines, too. Activities of daily living (ADLs) (grooming, getting dressed, etc.) aren’t recreational activities, but participating in these routines when appropriate can give your parents more control over their day. In other words: help your parents keep their routines safe, but let them do what they can when and where they can—even if it takes them longer than before—to help preserve their independence.
Emotional Activities for Seniors
Not every activity needs a larger purpose. Sometimes, your parents may want to do something simply because they enjoy it.
Creative hobbies offer plenty of room for that kind of enjoyment. Your parents might return to painting, playing an instrument, or another pastime they’ve enjoyed for years. Other interests, such as cooking, attending live music events, and singing in a choir, can create opportunities to spend time together.
Cognitive Activities for Seniors
Curiosity doesn’t have an age limit; fostering a love of learning and mental stimulation is a great way to help support aging parents. Mental stimulation can be tailored to your parents’ interests. For example, they may enjoy getting lost in a puzzle or taking classes at a community college on topics that have always interested them, but they’ve never had time to explore. Whatever your parents choose, keep the emphasis on enjoyment rather than treating every puzzle or book as a way to “exercise the brain.”
Finding Enjoyment Together
You don’t need to find the perfect activity to help your parents enjoy their time. Pay attention to what makes them curious or excited (and ask if you aren’t sure). When an old favorite becomes more difficult, look for ways to adapt the activity before giving it up entirely.
FAQs
How can I have fun with my 70-year-old parents?
The best way to have fun with your parents starts with open communication. Ask them what sounds fun. You might revisit an activity you’ve always enjoyed together, like attending concerts, or try something completely new.
What can I get my aging parents as a gift?
When choosing a gift for aging parents, base it on your parents’ interests. For example, if they have always been movie buffs, you can consider getting them a year-long subscription to a streaming service. If your parents already have everything they need, consider something sentimental or an activity you can enjoy together.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or healthcare advice, express or implied. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or replace individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
