The retirement years bring more time for seniors to engage in their favorite hobbies. However, there’s often a limit to how much time older adults can spend fishing or reading their favorite books before they start to feel bored. Here are a few ways seniors can keep boredom at bay.
Create a Bucket List
Having a bucket list gives seniors something to refer to when they get bored. The bucket list can include places to visit, people to see, and even simple activities that can be completed in a weekend. When your loved one gets bored, just have him or her pull out the list to see which activity to do next. Your loved one may feel a sense of accomplishment every time he or she checks something off the list.
Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
Take a Class
Seniors rarely get bored when they’re busy learning new things. Many colleges offer short courses for seniors. Since self-improvement boosts confidence, taking a class prevents boredom and can help your loved one feel good in general.
Establish a Regular Lunch Date
Laughter prevents boredom, and socializing may require more effort in the senior years when making friends becomes more difficult. Arrange for a caregiver to visit your loved one once or twice a week. Getting to know someone out of his or her usual social circle can help your loved one discover new topics for conversation that brighten his or her outlook on life.
For families living in Portland, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Align Home Care Services, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Take Up Hiking
Sticking to the same old treadmill routine can get boring. Encourage your loved one to take up hiking outdoors to enjoy a natural setting that can boost his or her mood. From noticing the new flowers blooming in the spring to taking in the changing colors in the fall, each hike is a new adventure. Just make sure your loved one has a companion on hikes so he or she remains safe when walking in an outdoor setting.
Get a Library Card
Public libraries today often provide more fun for seniors than just books. For instance, some libraries offer movies or even the opportunity to check out equipment such as a sewing machine or video camera. Help your loved one explore the opportunities that are available for free at the library. Whether joining a book club or using a computer center to write a novel, your loved one will likely enjoy having a low-cost place to spend time making new discoveries.
Professional caregivers offer companionship and social stimulation to help seniors cure boredom. When searching for reliable Portland home care service agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Align Home Care Services, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. Align Home Care Services can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.