6 Hobbies Older Adults Living with Parkinson’s Should Try
Seniors with Parkinson’s disease experience fatigue caused by stiffness and tremors. In time, they may develop mobility issues. However, they need to remain as active as possible to prevent boredom and depression. There are many different hobbies seniors can engage in that may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
1. Cycling
The benefits of cycling for seniors with Parkinson’s were initially discovered by a Cleveland Clinic researcher while on a bike journey with an individual with the disease. The faster the individual pedaled the bike, the greater the reduction of symptoms.
Researchers from the facility evaluated the potential effects of cycling on 26 people with Parkinson’s. The participants rode stationary bikes three times each week for two months. Each study subject underwent MRI imaging before and after the onset of the trial. The researchers found the cyclists’ brains exhibited increased connectivity between the motor cortex and the rear region of the thalamus.
Cycling indoors or outdoors has been shown to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. The faster the senior pedals, the greater the benefits.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need 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 senior home care. Dallas, TX, families trust Home Care Assistance 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.
2. Dancing
Dancing as often as possible is a wonderful way to maintain balance, coordination, and flexibility. The activity has been known to shorten the duration of freezing instances in moderate cases of Parkinson’s. Even slow rhythmic movements stimulate the brain. Going to dances also provides the opportunity for much-needed socialization.
3. Playing Video Games
Modern video games provide the chance for seniors to play baseball, golf, or tennis using motion detection software. The large arm swings required to play aren’t hindered even in older adults who have tremors or other spastic movements. The games promote physical fitness while enhancing balance.
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 Dallas, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, 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.
4. Singing
Singing benefits seniors with Parkinson’s because it exercises the muscles in the mouth, throat, and respiratory system, which tend to weaken with time. Seniors can sing at home to their favorite songs or join a church or community choir, which also enhances socialization.
5. Volunteering
Setting aside time to engage in some type of volunteer work elevates mood, offers social contact, and stimulates cognitive activity. Seniors with Parkinson’s can spend time at animal shelters, daycare facilities, preschools, or elementary schools. Some communities have museums that welcome older docents as guides. Churches and community centers regularly request assistance with cleanup programs, providing older adults with the chance to do some bending and stretching along with exercising large muscle groups.
6. Solving Puzzles
Number and word puzzles are ideal for stimulating cognitive function. For example, crossword puzzles require using problem-solving abilities to determine the meanings behind clues. Seniors also must remember how to spell words to complete the puzzles. Sudoku is another puzzle that requires strategy and problem-solving skills.
Completing jigsaw puzzles involves stimulating the visual center of the brain to analyze the colors, shapes, and sizes of the pieces to place them in the appropriate spaces. Puzzles are also a good way to exercise fine motor skills.
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 Home Care Assistance, a Dallas senior 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. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at [hca_phone] today.