As a caregiver of a senior getting older, you might be aware that the same old routines every day can get boring, fast. It’s not always easy to find new ways to keep your loved one entertained and being stuck in the same, old routine can lead to your loved one not being sufficiently stimulated. This is especially true if you’re someone who accompanies your older loved one on walks as it’s easy to slip into the routine of going on the same walking route every single day. Aside from improving their moods, finding ways to switch up their exercise routine to make it more fun will allow this routine to be something that really sticks for them so that they can be healthier. What are you waiting for? Read on to find out more about how walking with seniors can be a fun activity for both you and them!
Picking a New Walking Route
If you are walking around the same neighborhood every single day, your loved one can get used to this routine quickly. It may not be stimulating for them to look at the same trees, same cars and same roads every single day. This is why taking a different path can be extremely exciting for them as it might be a way for them to incorporate a sense of adventure into their lives. You don’t need to venture too far, just taking a different turn or walking down a different road can be a wonderful experience for them!
Walk with a Destination in Mind
Usually, if you’re walking, you might just be trying to clock in steps and daily exercise for your loved one. By doing so, you might be walking in an aimless manner without any goal in mind and this might not be interesting for your loved one. On the other hand, walking with a specific destination in mind can allow your loved one to reach a specific goal. Such goal-setting is not only exciting, it also brings meaning to your loved one’s life and gives them a sense of achievement that they might be lacking.
Play Games While Walking
Games are a great way to make any event exciting, including walking! You can make up your own game or even just play the classics such as i-Spy or a scavenger hunt so that your days seem more fun. You can also play 20 questions so that you can build a stronger relationship with your loved one.
Chat with Others While Walking
Senior isolation is a real struggle that your loved ones might be facing, especially if they’re shyer. Hence, whatever opportunity that you can find to help them interact should be used effectively. Walks can be a great time for your loved ones to meet other seniors and you can all be engaged in conversations so as to keep your loved one well socialized. We believe in the importance of our residents being well-socialized, too, which is why we host a plethora of social events so that our retirees can make newfound friends! Contact us to find out more about our senior living programs.
