5 Awesome Hobbies for Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

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Engaging Hobbies for Older Adults with Parkinson in Richmond, VA

Parkinson’s disease leads to changes in motor functions that could prevent seniors from participating in fun activities. However, staying active can enhance wellbeing and slow the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder. Keep reading to learn about some of the best hobbies for older adults with Parkinson’s and the advantages of each one. 

1. Painting

Promoting creativity is a great way to boost an elderly parent’s confidence levels and increase his or her focus. Painting engages both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which strengthens executive function, memory, and communication abilities. Since your loved one will likely lose control of different bodily functions due to Parkinson’s, painting is an awesome hobby that allows for creative control. Making art can also alleviate stress and relax the mind, which prevents tremors from worsening. 

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 senior 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.

2. Volunteering at an Animal Shelter

Being around animals such as cats and dogs can boost mental health and lower the risk of depression, which is common among seniors with Parkinson’s. Volunteering is a great way to get your loved one out of the house and physically active. 

If visiting the shelter becomes overwhelming, your loved one should look into owning a pet. You can also get a service animal to provide companionship and enhance your loved one’s ability to get around when walking becomes an issue due to balance problems caused by Parkinson’s. 

3. Taking a Dance Class

Restless legs syndrome is common in older adults with Parkinson’s disease, and it can prevent them from getting the rest they need each night, which is why physical activity is vital. Dancing can build muscle strength and reduce joint pain. Joining a local dance class can be mentally and emotionally beneficial, and it can also relieve cramping and discomfort that keeps your loved one up at night. Dancing is a form of moderate aerobic exercise, so it can reduce the risk of an injury, giving your loved one more confidence. 

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 at-home care. Richmond, Virginia, 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.

4. Playing Card Games

As Parkinson’s progresses, your parent may experience more cognitive impairment. The ability to think clearly or reason logically may become impaired as time goes by. However, playing games can keep the brain stimulated and strengthen memory and critical thinking skills. Some fun card games seniors with Parkinson’s disease can add to their list of hobbies include rummy, bingo, and bridge. 

5. Gardening

Swallowing can be an issue for seniors with Parkinson’s due to the damage the disease causes to the brain and nervous system. However, gardening can be a mentally stimulating activity that also provides access to healthier foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be pureed into filling meal choices for your loved one. 

Getting plenty of healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can also strengthen fine motor skills. While working in the garden, your loved one can increase his or her hand-eye coordination and reduce the amount of tremors he or she experiences. 

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 Richmond, 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. Give us a call today at (804) 207-4746 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.

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