If Groundhog Day folklore proves correct, we have six more weeks of winter. With that in mind, there are many ways to help seniors stay active during the colder months as spring approaches. Staying active is vital to elder care. According to a study at Hebrew University Medical Center and Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, seniors who do any amount of exercise appear to live longer and have a lower risk of disability.

“In addition, the benefits associated with physical activity were seen not only in individuals who maintained an existing level of physical activity, but also in those who began exercising between ages 70 and 85,” the study reports.

At Great Care, we encourage seniors and their caregivers to work together on creating daily activities that boost their physical and mental stamina. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word scrambles and other mind exercises help seniors stay sharp. These exercises help as some seniors cope with the progressive effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Yoga is an easy indoor activity for seniors that can be energizing, therapeutic and help with flexibility. The yoga4seniors.com website provides caregivers with help, including recordings, mp3 downloads, DVDs, books, research, interviews, and articles, and is a way to help beginners learn more about yoga. According to a recent blog published on the website, studies show that “older adults— even frail elders in their 80s and 90s — yoga offers substantial health benefits and may be the best form of physical activity.”

When the weather is nice and the sun is out, caregivers can accompany seniors on walks around the neighborhood. Or seniors can stay indoors and exercise at local gyms or health care facilities that offer senior fitness programs. Some offer water therapy including water aerobics or warm-water soaks to soothe aching muscles and pain associated with aging.

Music therapy and dancing can also be great for the mind, body and spirit. Caregivers can play old records on the record player or download albums from the Internet that appeal to seniors’ musical tastes. Encourage them to dance or move to the beat to keep the activity level up in the home. Casual dance parties can be a fun way to spend the afternoon and make special memories.

Art projects can be great indoor activities that promote creativity and mental exploration for seniors. Sculpting, painting, sketching, coloring are all ways to help keep hands and minds busy during the winter months. Creating easy flower arrangements and redecorating rooms in the house that might need a spruce up could add energy to the house as spring approaches.

“Our caregivers can help seniors stay active in many ways, from sitting with them as they complete puzzles and games to playing music and participating in art projects that spark their creativity,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.