Approaches to Senior Care Activities

Approaching senior care activities can be daunting as you determine the delicate balance between being inviting and being dictatorial. As seniors become dependent on other people for things they used to be able to do themselves, they go through a difficult time, both physically and mentally and may become depressed about relying on other people. Mentally alert seniors resent a condescending attitude: they don't want to be treated as children. ParentGiving.com suggests that you "Look for senior activities that you can join in on as well, which will help build bonding and understanding, and will also prepare you for your own future needs."

Exercise

• Get involved with exercising seniors.

  Approach physical activities for seniors as a participant. Physical exercise is essential to keeping seniors healthy. Introduce exercise by getting into your track-suit, putting on the DVD and setting an example. Rather than suggesting that a senior go for a walk in the park, take her by the hand and go with her. Seniors who have someone exercising with them are more likely to enjoy it.

Social Activities

• Seniors like to be active.

  Initiate social activities for seniors with enthusiasm. When seniors see you approaching them with a smile and brimming with energy, your mood becomes contagious and they respond in kind. Seniors can sense when people are playing cards with them because they feel they have to or because it is part of their job description.

New Skills

• Seniors can learn to use technology with patience.

  Treat seniors as intelligent people who can learn new skills. Just become a senior was 70 when the cell phone became popular doesn't mean she can't learn how to use one so she can keep in touch with family and friends.

Team Building

• Encourage seniors to be active in team-building activities.

  With a team-building approach, seniors can be challenged to participate in programs, events and social activities. If you can create an atmosphere of "We're all in this together so let's see how well we can do it," seniors are more likely to be actively involved.

Recognition

• Children can learn from seniors.

  Approach seniors with open ears. Seniors have their stories and love to tell them. Channel their enthusiasm for past events into activities -- such as making memory books, recording their stories for the local library or doing a family history -- that make them feel they are making a contribution.