5 Very Fun Activities for Seniors to do with their Grandkids
"Act your age" is a phrase that people tend to hear time and time again when they're growing up. It's a good motto to follow when you're a teenager, a young adult, or even a middle-aged person.
But once you become a senior, the last thing you want to do day in and day out is "act your age." Instead, make a push to recapture your youth every day by doing things that make you feel young again.
One easy way to do this is by hanging out with your grandkids (or great-grandkids!) and taking part in activities for seniors with them. Here are five fun activities that you and your grandchildren can try.
1. Put Together a Puzzle
Generally speaking, doing puzzles is one of the best activities for seniors. Puzzles help to keep a person's mind sharp and can even delay symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in some cases.
If you're a big fan of puzzles, purchase one that you and your grandkids can do together. It will give you a chance to bond while you work hard to bring your puzzle to life.
2. Play a Card Game
Unfortunately, kids aren't playing card games these days as much as they used to. They're so wrapped up in their smartphones and their other gadgets that they're not taking the time to play cards.
Sit down with your grandkids and teach them how to play a card game like Old Maid or Go Fish. They'll enjoy learning how to play from you and will have a blast once they understand all the rules.
3. Break Out a Bunch of Old Photos
Do you have a box of old family photos sitting up in your attic or down in your basement gathering dust right now? Break them out and share them with your grandkids!
They will get a kick out of seeing what you and your other family members looked like when you were younger. It's a great way for kids to learn more about their family's history.
You might even want to invite your grandkids to "interview" you about your past and write a short story about your life. They'll cherish the memories that you share with them for years to come.
4. Create a Family Tree
If your grandkids enjoy looking at your old photos and hearing your old stories, why not take the experience to the next level and create a family tree with them?
You can talk about your parents, your grandparents, your siblings, and your aunts, uncles, and cousins while you build your family tree. This will be another thing that your grandkids will cherish in the coming years.
5. Go Outside and Go for a Walk
Doing something as simple as going outside with your grandkids and taking a walk around the block can be one of the most fun activities for seniors.
You'll both get a chance to get some fresh air and sunshine while enjoying one another's company. It's an easy way for seniors to stay active.
Give These Activities for Seniors a Try With Your Grandchildren
Nothing will make you feel young again quite like hanging out with your grandkids. One of the great joys in life for many older Americans is spending time with their grandchildren and participating in fun activities for seniors.
If you don't feel like you're seeing your grandkids enough these days, make a point to change that soon. You can benefit from taking part in activities with your grandchildren in a big way.
Seniors can also benefit from welcoming a home health aide into their house on a regular basis. If you have an aging parent or a special senior in your life who could use help from a home health aide, we can help you find the right match for them.
Check out the services that our home health aides can provide to seniors.
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain managemnet and internal medicine. She oversees allpatient services across Elite's departments.