Performing some of their favorite activities may be difficult when seniors develop the neurodegenerative disorder known as Parkinson’s. However, they can still find fun hobbies to enjoy as the disease progresses. Here are some of the best hobbies for aging adults with Parkinson’s and the benefit of each activity.
1. Playing an Instrument
Tremors are typical in older adults with Parkinson’s, but this hobby can strengthen fine motor skills and reduce shaking in the hands. Playing an instrument can enhance the mind and increase focus. You should encourage your aging loved one to sing in addition to playing a favorite instrument. When singing, your loved one can enhance his or her voice strength and volume, which are issues most seniors with Parkinson’s experience as time goes by.
2. Swimming
Muscle weakness is associated with Parkinson’s disease, but taking up swimming can increase motor function and build muscle strength. Working out in the water is an excellent choice for seniors with Parkinson’s because the buoyancy of the water supports weaker muscles and makes it easier to maintain good balance and posture. Joining a swimming class provides the opportunity to socialize, and connecting with others can immediately boost mental health and reduce anxiety levels.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Prestige Home Care, a Orlando home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
3. Reading
Holding conversations with family, friends, and medical providers may be difficult for older adults with Parkinson’s, but reading can strengthen their communication skills and reduce the risk of boredom. If your parent has difficulty flipping pages and his or her concentration abilities have decreased, you can choose audiobooks designed for older adults. Audiobooks are more manageable for aging adults to follow, and the stories are entertaining and can increase connectivity.
4. Performing Yoga
When searching for ways to increase flexibility and reduce muscle or joint pain, yoga should be at the top of your loved one’s list of hobbies. Taking up yoga could also boost your loved one’s confidence and enhance his or her quality of life as the disease progresses. The breathing techniques used in this physical activity can reduce tremors in older adults with Parkinson’s. One of the areas where your loved one will maintain a sense of control after developing Parkinson’s is breathing, so when feeling stressed and fearful, he or she can do some yoga techniques to calm the body.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Altamonte Springs, FL, families trust Prestige Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
5. Doing Arts and Crafts
Sewing, coloring pictures, painting, and participating in other arts and crafts can be therapeutic for seniors with Parkinson’s. These types of activities can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disease while boosting mental and emotional health, which lowers the risk of depression. Although many neurological mechanisms can be impaired as the disease progresses, there are ways to simplify these activities so your loved one can practice hand-eye coordination. Regular crafting can strengthen concentration and provide a sense of individuality.
Mobility issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Windermere, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Prestige Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Prestige Home Care at (407) 232-7155 today.