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3 Activities You Can Do with Seniors with Limited Mobility

a group of seniors with limited mobility play chess outdoors

The goal for most seniors is to stay healthy and active for as long as possible. Mobility is an essential component of healthy aging. Loss of mobility is common among older adults, impacting approximately 35% of those over 70 and most over 85. Loss of mobility can have profound physical, psychological, and social consequences on well-being.

Health concerns, including mobility, are a primary reason for choosing a senior living community. Buckner Villas is a faith-based non-profit senior living community in Austin, TX offering a full continuum of care for seniors 62 and older. Our health and wellness programs help residents maintain and improve all aspects of their health and well-being to thrive physically, socially, and psychologically. Contact us using our secure online form or call 512.580.9882 to schedule a tour.

Things to Do with Seniors with Limited Mobility

Mobility, the ability to walk or move freely and easily, is vital to functioning well and living independently. Obvious factors contributing to a loss of mobility include aging, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, impaired strength, balance issues, and chronic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes. Other less apparent factors include:

  • Depression
  • Memory loss
  • Cognitive decline
  • Hospitalizations
  • Smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Isolation
  • A sense of helplessness

For the most part, most of these contributing factors can be limited or prevented. Lifestyle changes can dramatically improve mobility, including diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Physical therapy can help increase core strength and improve balance. Occupational therapy can improve a person’s ability to manage activities of daily living (ADLs). Social support decreases symptoms of depression, isolation, and cognitive decline.

Seniors who do experience mobility issues do not automatically have to begin leading sedentary lives. Devices like canes, walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs can assist with mobility. Reading, listening to music, board games, brain games, or watching a movie are all excellent ways to keep seniors with limited mobility stimulated and engaged in their environment.

Three Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

While there are numerous ways for seniors to maintain their mobility, there are also circumstances in which limited mobility cannot be prevented. Many seniors lose mobility because of injuries from falls or medical conditions like stroke and severe arthritis. Decreased mobility does not have to mean that seniors can’t continue to enjoy a vibrant, active lifestyle.

There are many ways to have fun, stay healthy, and remain fully engaged in life, even with mobility issues. Following is a look at three top activities for seniors with limited mobility:

  • Regular exercise – Having limited mobility does not mean that exercise is off the table. Chair yoga, seated exercises, or exercises incorporating a walker for stability all have benefits, including increased flexibility, reduced joint pain, improved balance, and enhanced mood.
  • Arts and crafts – Activities that involve creative thinking keep the mind sharp. Arts and crafts strengthen hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Drawing, coloring, painting, knitting, quilting, organizing family photos, scrapbooking, or creating a family cookbook are just a few activities seniors can enjoy. Being creative also increases patience and reduces stress and anxiety.
  • Volunteering – There are many ways seniors with limited mobility can remain connected and give back to the community by volunteering from home. Activities could include soliciting donations over the phone, assembling care packages, and knitting or crocheting blankets and clothing. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Hobbies are also great for seniors with limited mobility. Learning is a great way to prevent boredom and maintain cognitive function. Some popular hobbies include arts and crafts, birdwatching, baking, learning a language, container gardening, or playing an instrument.

Discover the Benefits of Health and Wellness Program for Seniors with Limited Mobility at Buckner Villas

Buckner Villas is the premier choice for senior living in Austin, Texas. Our faith-based community provides countless opportunities for residents to stay engaged in life despite mobility issues. Our health and wellness programs include a range of activities to fulfill the interests of all residents. Some of the programs available include:

  • Cooking classes and demonstrations
  • Social hours
  • Bible study
  • Choir
  • Fitness classes
  • Movie nights
  • Special celebrations
  • Group outings
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Clubs and game nights

At Buckner Villas, the well-being of our residents is our top priority. Contact us today by calling 512.580.9882 to learn more about health and wellness programs for seniors with limited mobility.