Clubs and activity groups for the elderly can be extremely enriching. Taking part in activities can assist in keeping the mind sharp, the body strong, and spirits high. So why not encourage your loved one to join a local group or club? There’s a plethora of activities they could enjoy. Whether it’s playing games, spending time outdoors, socialising with family and friends, or doing a hobby such as painting, getting involved in activities and groups with peers can greatly benefit the well-being of your loved one and help to reduce the risk of loneliness.
Loneliness is a medical condition that affects many elderly people within the UK. Some experts say that it can be as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Getting involved in clubs and activities whilst interacting with other people can help combat loneliness in a very positive way. Some elderly people can lose touch with friends and family or be stuck indoors due to mobility issues. Joining a club can help your loved one get out there and enjoy themselves whilst connecting with other people at the same time.
If you’re struggling to think of ideas to suggest to your loved one or elderly parent, please don’t worry. We’ve got some fantastic ideas that your loved one may enjoy. You might even be able to join in with them.
Please note, however, that these activities are not hosted by Careline365, so you will need to search for any clubs or activities in your local area.
Lunch Clubs
Lunch clubs are more than just getting together and having a meal. They’re a social occasion as well as a nutritional one. They offer a safe and friendly meeting place to visit and socialise with other like-minded people. Most lunch clubs offer the opportunity to talk or play games over a hot meal. Some clubs even offer activities to do whilst you’re there. Your loved one may also see the occasional guest speaker.
Lunch clubs give those elderly people who may be feeling isolated or lonely the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy a nutritious meal with peers. It also gives them something to look forward to each week. Lunch clubs are usually a regular occurrence, so can be effective in giving your loved one a routine. They will know they’ve got something to look forward to each week. The majority of local councils will have information about lunch clubs in your area. Get in touch with them and see what’s available.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts describes a wide range of activities involving getting creative and making things with your hands. This activity can promote creativity and happiness in all ages. It also alleviates boredom, keeps the mind busy, and helps to prevent feelings of depression. Some great arts and crafts activities you could get your loved one involved in are:
- Painting
- Pottery
- Knitting
- Drawing
- Photography
- Quilting
Some elderly people may feel that they are not creative enough to try arts and crafts. However, even something as simple as making a collage out of old treasured photographs could start off a love of art. Creative activities can help with hand-eye coordination, concentration, and bolster problem-solving skills. It is also something that can be done as part of a group. Find out if there are classes near you, and your loved one could soon be part of a supportive community. As a result, there’s every reason to try out some arts and crafts with your loved one.
Cooking Classes
Diet and eating habits become more important as we get older, sometimes due to health reasons. Retirement provides more time to spend enjoying the process of preparing and cooking a meal. A cooking class can be a great way to learn new skills and make friends, whether your loved one is a seasoned cook or a beginner.
Cooking classes can help many elderly people to gain confidence in and out of the kitchen by inspiring new ideas and drive into everyday life. Most cooking classes are run by a trained chef. Some will be themed from week to week. There are classes suitable for beginners and experts, so your loved ones will be catered for no matter their skill level.
Furthermore, cooking can help to promote healthy eating. Homecooked meals are often more nutritional and filling than ready meals or takeaways. Plus, it is an opportunity for your loved one to find some new favourite meals.
Games & Puzzles
Board games and puzzles can be enjoyed by anyone at any age. Everyone from a five-year-old to a 95-year-old can play and enjoy games together. Playing with friends and family can bring more joy to life. It can even improve brain function by stimulating the parts of the brain that are responsible for complex thought and memory formation. Playing board games can help keep the mind sharp and reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s in elderly people.
Games and puzzles keep your spirits up and make you happy. This is because laughter helps to decrease stress, lower blood pressure, and create happiness. Playing games is a fantastic way for your loved one to stay social. It’s rare to play a board game alone and it’s the perfect excuse to bring the whole family together. It is great to be social and get out of the digital world that we all spend so much time in. Most people have a board game or two laying around. But if not, try your local library or board game club. They may have a collection you could use.
Aqua Aerobics
Exercise can be intimidating in later life. Your loved one may not be as fit as they once were, and could feel nervous about joining an exercise class. Aqua aerobics is the perfect exercise of choice for an elderly person. The movements can be done at a comfortable level and are far less painful than exercise on land.
Aquatic exercise is an excellent option for elderly people and anyone wanting to increase strength or heal from an injury. It encourages a social atmosphere without being too taxing on the body. This is because water offers support. Depending on the depth of water, human body weight can be reduced by up to 90%. Therefore, exercise can be low-impact with minimal risk of injury or stress on the joints.
It’s common knowledge that water makes us feel calm. It is a mystery as to why this is. However, studies have found that people who live near the sea are less stressed and in better health. Water can be extremely relaxing and provides a tranquil environment for your loved ones to exercise in with less risk of injury, pain, or falling.
Finding a Club or Activity Group
With so many clubs to consider and activities to try, it’s important to know how to find them. As well as checking your local council’s website, a quick Google search is likely to return plenty of results. It’s very simple to do. Simply open your internet browser and head to Google or your search engine of choice. Then, write what you’re looking for in the search bar.
For example: “Lunch clubs in Norfolk”, or “Book clubs near Bristol”. Change the content of your search to match what you’re looking for.
The Careline Alarm Service
If your loved one would benefit from extra security at home, a personal alarm is the ideal investment. If you have any questions about our service, please get in touch. Our Customer Service Team can be reached on 0800 030 8777 or via email at info@careline.co.uk.
