4 Ways Your Elderly Loved One Can Get More Creative

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How Eldery Can be Ingenious in Toronto, ON, Canada

When seniors engage in creative hobbies, these activities often give them a sense of purpose, lift their mood, and provide them with feelings of independence. In addition, staying creative past 65 can even have a positive impact on mental and physical wellbeing. The Toronto, ON, respite care professionals at Home Care Assistance suggest 4 simple ways your elderly loved one can get more creative and remain healthy as a result.

1. Write

Writing gives seniors the chance to access memories, tell stories, and stretch the imagination. Creative writing is especially helpful for seniors with dementia because it allows them to express themselves via a pressure-free outlet. See if there is a local creative writing class or group your loved one can join. You can also find fun writing prompts to inspire your loved one, and encourage him or her to share the work with you and other family members. 

2. Dance

For mobile seniors, dance classes are often a fun, active way to stay creative. Dancing provides similar health benefits to aerobics, but dancing is often more mentally stimulating. In a dance class, your loved one will need to remember patterns and combinations, which helps keep him or her mentally stimulated. Studies have shown dance is also beneficial for seniors with dementia because it creates an experience they can appreciate in the moment. 

3. Paint

Painting can inspire your loved one to look at the world in a different way. Processing visual information exercises the brain, which can help keep him or her mentally alert. Search for a local seniors painting class where your loved one can learn new skills, create unique art, and socialize with other seniors in the community. 

4. Play Music

Just listening to music can enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and increase overall cognitive capacities. However, your loved one may also benefit from learning how to play music. Playing an instrument like the piano, violin, or flute flexes mental muscles, keeps fingers agile, and has a number of psychological benefits. 

Creativity stimulates the mind and the body, both of which are crucial to a senior’s health. To learn more about the importance of staying creative in the senior years, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of respite and 24-hour care in Vancouver, and our caregivers can assist with mobility and exercise, provide emotional support and social stimulation, and help with a wide array of daily tasks. For more information on senior care Toronto families can count on, call (416) 488-8777 to speak with one of our friendly Care Managers and request a complimentary consultation.

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