A decline in mobility is seen in many adults over the age of 70. Limited mobility may seem just like any other age-related issue, but it can have consequences for many other areas of life. Poor mobility might make the elderly dependent on a carer and unable to go out and about as and when they please, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Thus, it is important to have activities for limited mobility that enable them to reclaim their life and feel confident and engaged!
Exercising
Yes, you read that right. Even with limited mobility, one should continue to exercise. One of its many benefits is that it strengthens your muscles. This is even more important as those with limited mobility may not be using their muscles regularly which leads to a vicious cycle of weaker muscles leading to poorer mobility. The best way to exercise is either in a group or with a professional. Seated or water-based exercises provide the least impact on joints.
Volunteer Work
Volunteering can be done from anywhere and at any age. Volunteering is such a broad field that it’s easy to find something that interests you and utilizes your decades-worth of experiences. For example, if you have had experience working with children, an orphanage might be a good fit. For those good with their hands, knitting blankets or assembling packages may be a good idea. One can even make use of professional experience and advise aspiring youngsters in the field.
Arts and Crafts
Do you feel that your loved ones have a hidden artistic streak waiting to be unleashed? If so, it may be a good idea to encourage them to make art. This comes in various forms – painting, scrapbooking, and coloring are just some of the many possibilities and are excellent ways to keep one’s stress levels low and keep the mind sharp. They will learn new skills or build up existing ones which can subsequently be used to start a small side hustle!
Reading
Reading is a quintessential activity that many of us likely grew up with. As the years pass and we get caught up in day-to-day life, it might slip away. It’s a good idea to revisit this. Newspapers can keep you apprised of what’s going on in the world or you can bask in the nostalgia of childhood classics. Some adjustments may be necessary like reading books with larger fonts and reading for shorter durations at a time. Audiobooks may also be a good idea for those with poor vision.
Leveraging on Technology
For those with limited mobility, technology can be a way to keep doing things they enjoy. Video communication applications can be used on mobile devices to communicate with friends while multiplayer board games and card games are best to keep one engaged. One can listen to music from any era and join forums to discuss mutual interests. The possibilities are endless with an internet connection and an open min