Keeping your senior loved one active can stimulate his or her mind and slow the progression of Parkinson’s. The disease could disrupt many functions, but there are ways to simplify hobbies to make them more enjoyable. Your loved one should also choose new activities based on his or her interests and skills. Experts at the Parkinson’s care Roseville have listed below some excellent hobbies for seniors with Parkinson’s as well as the benefits each one provides.
Drawing and Coloring
These artistic hobbies can stimulate creativity and boost cognitive health. Drawing pictures and coloring images require using the hands and arms. Even the smallest amount of physical activity could increase your loved one’s mobility and lead to better coordination. The hand movements can reduce tremors and increase dexterity. Once your loved one has finished drawing or coloring a project, he or she may feel more accomplished, which can lead to higher self-esteem.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care services Roseville, CA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Dancing
Hobbies that target the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s are optimal for seniors with the disease. Therefore, you should promote activities such as dancing. Moving to the rhythm of the songs can lead to better coordination and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Dancing also increases dopamine production, which is important because tremors and slow movement in seniors with this neurodegenerative disorder are often due to low dopamine levels. Joining senior-friendly dance classes could provide social interaction, which is vital to the mental health of aging adults with Parkinson’s.
Swimming
Aquatic exercise is a great hobby because it increases balance and mobility. Swimming a few days each week could also reduce tremors. The buoyancy of the water supports weak muscles, making it easier to hold good posture. Even after leaving the water, your parent could continue to have better coordination and balance.
Many seniors with Parkinson’s are able to safely enjoy numerous types of exercise, especially when they have the help of trained professional caregivers. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Roseville, Ca, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Reading
This activity requires older adults to use different parts of the brain while they learn about new stories and characters. Learning new things is important for older adults with Parkinson’s because it keeps the brain functioning, which can boost cognitive health. The complex mental processes involved in reading can enhance the memory and lead to positive neurological changes in older adults even after they’ve stopped reading.
Gardening
Boredom and loneliness are common among seniors with Parkinson’s. The disease increases the risk of mobility and cognitive limitations, which can cause older adults to withdraw from social activities. However, gardening with family and friends can reduce loneliness and stress while increasing balance. Encourage your loved one to join a Parkinson’s-friendly gardening club in the community. You could also help your parent create a garden of his or her own in the backyard. Gardening can increase endurance, help your loved one relax, and promote the usage of fine motor skills.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an elderly home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (916) 226-3737 today.