The Importance of Regular Physical Activity

Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things that seniors can do to maintain their health and independence. Not only can exercise improve stamina and muscle strength, it can also:

  • Improve balance and reduce the risk of falls
  • Help maintain healthy bones and joints
  • Reduce the risk of developing various diseases
  • Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being

Making Exercise Fun

Games provide an excellent opportunity to encourage senior engagement in both physical movement and cognitive wellness. When exercise is fun, seniors are far more likely to continue doing it. Nearly any game can be modified for seniors with physical or cognitive limitations.

A wide variety of senior-friendly games can help improve your loved one’s overall well-being.

Mental Stimulation Games

Tile, Puzzle and Board Games (Social interaction)

  • Backgammon
  • Dominos
  • Chess
  • Jenga
  • Ticket to Ride

Video Games (Visual and auditory engagement)

  •  Candy Crush Saga
  • Gummy Drop!
  • Civilization
  • Puyo Puyo Tetris

Word and Number Games (Cognitive sharpness)

  • Crossword puzzles
  • Scattergories
  • Sudoku
  • Word Search
  • Scrabble

Card and Dice Games (Socialization)

  • Spades
  • Cribbage
  • Bridge
  • Phase 10
  • UNO
  • Farkle
  • Yahtzee
  • Bunco

Physical Movement Games

  • Ping Pong
  • Pickleball
  • Shuffleboard
  • Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole)
  • Horseshoes
  • Bocce Ball
  • Badminton

Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging

You may also need to make modifications to the house to accommodate the changing needs of your loved one. Common home modifications needed for seniors living at home include:

Endurance

Any aerobic activity that increases breathing and heart rate counts! Examples: Brisk Walking, Yardwork

Strength Training

Exercising all major muscle groups 2 or more days a week.
Examples: Lifting Weights, Resistance Bands

Balance

Standing on one foot or heel-to-toe walking to improves balance.
Examples: Standing on One Foot, Heel-to-Toe Walking

Flexibility

Keeping your body limber through stretching
Examples: Calf Stretches, Ankle Stretches