Seniors living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face many challenges because of the movement-related neurological disorder. However, this doesn’t mean older adults with Parkinson’s can’t remain active. In fact, there’s plenty of evidence suggesting regular activity slows the progression of some of the more noticeable and disruptive symptoms associated with PD. Here are five incredible activities that can be beneficial for seniors with Parkinson’s.
1. Singing
Over time, Parkinson’s disease can affect the soft tissues in the throat responsible for speech, vocal projection, and swallowing. However, singing in all its various forms is a fun, beneficial activity that can help seniors with this disease by:
• Keeping vocal and throat muscles stimulated
• Enhancing vocal tone, quality, and clarity
• Reducing the risk of developing voice tremors
2. Cooking and Baking
Just because a senior has Parkinson’s doesn’t mean he or she can’t still enjoy beneficial activities such as cooking. Slicing, dicing, chopping, stirring, and other steps typically involved with meal prep can help seniors maintain fine motor skills and increase dexterity. Rolling, kneading, and many of the other actions required to bake tasty treats can offer similar benefits. Just make sure to steer your aging loved one toward healthy meals and ingredients.
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 homecare 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. Walking
Walking is an incredible activity for seniors with Parkinson’s because there are so many ways to enjoy it safely as the disease progresses. It can simply involve strolling at a comfortable pace around the neighborhood for 20 to 30 minutes a day, or it can be incorporated into other activities, such as shopping or visiting local attractions. For seniors with Parkinson’s, benefits associated with walking include:
• Stimulation of lower body muscles that help with movement
• Natural relief from pain because of the increased production of “feel-good” hormones called endorphins
• Increased balance and coordination
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. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Montgomery, AL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Playing Board/Card Games
Activities of this nature are beneficial for seniors with Parkinson’s because different parts of the brain are stimulated at the same time. Both board and card games require mental alertness, but actions such as rolling dice or picking up cards from a pile also provide physical stimulation.
This dual stimulation keeps both parts of the brain working together, which may also maintain short-term memory capabilities and prevent dementia-related conditions from developing. What’s also good about board and card games is the ability to switch things up if your loved one isn’t being sufficiently challenged. Plus, games like these can encourage social interactions with family members and friends.
5. Reading
Seniors with Parkinson’s sometimes become frustrated if they’re no longer able to enjoy certain activities they’ve always done in the past. This can be the case with reading. If your loved one is starting to have difficulty turning pages or holding heavier books, consider audiobooks or digital books on lightweight electronic readers. Reading in any form that’s comfortable for your loved one can be beneficial by:
• Boosting mood
• Enhancing brain activity
• Helping with diction and speech when seniors read out loud
• Presenting opportunities to interact in a fun way with grandchildren and caregivers
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 Montgomery, 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. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality, compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.