Daily Activities for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens should engage in a variety of daily activities to remain physically active and intellectually engaged with their world. All senior citizens, even those who use a wheelchair, can participate in activities like dancing, singing or volunteering their time to a worthy cause. According to helpguide.org, senior citizens who remain active and socially involved are less likely to suffer from depression.
  1. Line Dancing

    • Line dancing is an activity that seniors will enjoy even if they have limited mobility. Many of the choreographed dance routines do not require vigorous physical movements. Most, if not all, line dances can be adapted for senior citizens who rely on a wheelchair or walker. The health benefits of line dancing, according to the website linedanceinstructions.weebly.com, include increased muscle strength and joint flexibility; improved bone strength; weight loss; and improved coordination and mobility. The emotional benefits are virtually immeasurable. Line dancing is a group activity where seniors can enjoy companionship during a fun activity. The Help Guide website suggests that seniors who engage in group social activities are less likely to experience depression and the negative health effects associated with depression.

    Sing-along

    • A sing-along gets seniors tapping their toes and enjoying the company of others. Family, friends and volunteers can lead a sing-along at a nursing home or as a weekly activity at a local senior citizens' center. Oldies tunes are a safe choice and many seniors will remember the words to the songs. Print lyrics using large type and distribute the lyrics to the participants at the beginning of the activity. Encourage seniors to suggest songs to the group or to lead the sing-along themselves. Music for sing-alongs can also be CD collections of music. Sing-along karaoke style DVDs are available at retail and Internet stores.

    Animal Shelter Volunteer Day

    • Seniors may derive many health benefits from interacting with animals. If fact, the humana.com website says that animal companions may ease loneliness and improve cardiovascular health. Many nursing and long-term care facilities as well as senior citizen centers have introduced animal visitation programs for their residents and members.

      Animal shelters are almost always in need of volunteers to help care for the animals. A director of a senior citizen center or a member of a senior group can arrange a weekly volunteer schedule with a local animal shelter. Seniors can volunteer to go to the animal shelter each week and help bathe and feed the animals. The seniors will benefit by providing a needed service, and the animals will benefit from the care and love that senior citizens can give them.

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