The older you get, the more important it is to keep the mind sharp and the body ambulatory. This means the best activities for senior citizens in assisted living engage both the mind and body. Today we discuss the best activities for seniors to stay mobile, flexible and strong while keeping the mind sharp.

Best Mental Activities for Senior Citizens in Assisted Living

Among the best activities for senior citizens in assisted living are those which keep the mind sharp. These include crafts, music, trivia and art.

Crafts

Crafting is one of the best mental activities for senior citizens in assisted living because it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. You can teach your granddaughter to knit or you can make wreaths to sell during the winter holidays. Crafts keep the mind sharp and fingers nimble. They also make great gifts.

Music

You’re never too old to learn a new musical instrument. Stringed instruments, like a guitar, ukulele or violin are great options because they don’t take up much space, are easy to maintain and keep your fingers strong and wrists flexible. But any musical instrument you choose to learn, whether it’s reading sheet music or playing by ear, will help you keep your mind sharp.

Trivia

Trivia is another great mental activity for senior citizens in assisted living. Some categories, such as those about the 60s or 70s may allow you to reminisce about your childhood. Other forms of trivia give you an opportunity to expand your knowledge on a number of subjects.

Art

Like crafts, art is a great way to keep your mind sharp, express yourself and work with your hands. Whether you’re into wire sculptures, clay pottery or just coloring, everyone can find an art form to express themselves.

Best Physical Activities

Keeping your body strong, flexible and mobile is just as important as keeping your mind sharp. Some of the best activities include golf, swimming, tennis and biking.

Golf

Golf is a great sport for everyone because nearly anyone can play it. You don’t have to be ready for the Master’s. Golf is more about walking in the sunshine and socializing with friends than winning.

Swimming

Swimming is another phenomenal physical activity for seniors. It’s a no-impact activity, so it’s easy on all the joints, including the knees. During the summer, you can swim outdoors and get some Vitamin D from the sun’s rays. In the winter, you can swim in indoor pools. This is one of the best aerobic exercises for building endurance.

Tennis

Tennis is another great physical activity for seniors that improves endurance. It can help to keep the mind sharp because you need to track the ball. Many players are so competitive they anticipate their opponent’s swings before they’re made. It takes a lot of determination to play tennis, especially for several matches in a row.

Biking

Biking is a low-impact exercise that is ideal for seniors with joint issues. It is gentle on the joints and works your lungs and heart while giving you the opportunity to see the great outdoors. If you have balance issues, recumbent bikes are balanced in such a way that it’s impossible for you to tip the bike over and fall off. Recumbent bikes are also ideal for seniors with lower back pain. Like swimming, biking can be done indoors in inclement weather.

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