Feeling confident and connected is important for people of all ages. As we get older, changes in health, mobility, routine or social circumstances can sometimes make it harder to stay connected and engaged. In this blog, we’ll share activities that help older people stay engaged and connected.
Social engagement and meaningful activities can support a person’s overall well-being, confidence and sense of belonging. Regular activities can also help older people build a familiar routine, which may help them feel more comfortable and at ease.
Many suitable activities are inexpensive and easy to implement. The best activities are the ones that are meaningful to the individual and can be adapted to their abilities and interests. There should be a balance across meaningful activities: some should promote physical well-being, some should support social connections, and others should support emotional well-being.
Many people may also be facing additional health challenges, so it’s important to consider these when choosing activities for social, physical and mental engagement.
What does it mean to feel engaged?
Similar to building confidence and connections, feeling engaged is a vital part of life. It means much more than just being busy and having something to do. Many meaningful activities could contribute to a person feeling engaged in life, including:
- Spending time with family and friends
- Doing something enjoyable or familiar
- Having a sense of purpose – which can support mental health and emotional well-being
- Using skills and abilities they still have – which can help them feel capable, involved and valued, supporting quality of life and mental well-being
- Being involved in everyday decisions and activities
As we age, some activities may become harder than they once were. This is important to recognise so that we can adapt activities to suit the individual. This could mean bringing in specialist equipment or simplifying activities.
Social activities that build connections
- Attend coffee mornings or small social groups
- Visiting friends and family – in-person visits are great for emotional connections
- Community groups – great for maintaining an active social life
- Hobby groups
- Faith or cultural groups
- Lunch clubs
- Visiting local libraries
- Walking groups – a great way to combine social connection with physical activity, although they may need to be adapted for people with limited mobility
- Intergenerational activities with children or younger family members
- Day centres or dementia-friendly community activities – read our blog on questions to ask before choosing an adult day care service.
Your loved one may be reluctant at first to attend a community setting, so it may be worth attending with them the first time or joining a trial session. You may find that they prefer familiar settings with smaller groups of people.
Creative activities for older people
Creative activities can give older people an opportunity to express themselves, explore their interests and enjoy the process without worrying about creating something perfect.
Arts & crafts
- Painting and drawing
- Crafts
- Photography
- Singing and music
- Dancing – a fun way to stay active and support physical health
- Writing or storytelling
- Flower arranging – an enjoyable activity that can involve fine motor skills
- Jigsaws – check out our blog on dementia jigsaws and shop now for dementia products
- Board games – an opportunity for mental stimulation, conversation and social interaction
Music & reminiscence
Music can be a meaningful way to connect with someone living with dementia or other memory concerns. Familiar songs and melodies may prompt memories, encourage conversation, help build connections and create opportunities for shared enjoyment.
- Create playlists together based on different periods of someone’s life
- Sing familiar songs together – this can provide opportunities for connection, enjoyment and reminiscence.
- Look through old records, photographs or memorabilia
- Use music as a starting point for conversation and reminiscence
Getting outside for light exercise
Spending time outdoors can provide an enjoyable change of environment and an opportunity to stay active and connected with the world around us. There are many simple activities you can enjoy outdoors with your loved one, from gardening to taking a gentle walk.
- Light gardening
- Short walks with a family member, friend or carer
- Sitting in a garden or local park
- Feeding birds
- Visiting local green spaces
- Gentle exercise classes to support mobility
Physical activity doesn’t need to involve strenuous exercise. It can include small amounts of movement throughout the day, such as walking, gardening or gentle exercises. Even short periods of gentle movement can provide valuable opportunities to stay active and support physical health. The right amount of activity will depend on the individual’s health, mobility and abilities.
Other everyday activities for older adults
- Baking or preparing a simple meal
- Folding laundry
- Setting the table
- Choosing what to wear or what to eat
- Taking part in familiar household routines
Many of these everyday activities involve decision-making, which can help a person feel a greater sense of purpose, involvement and achievement. They can help build confidence and support a person’s independence by keeping them involved in everyday life.
If your loved one has health or mobility concerns, choose activities that are appropriate for their abilities and seek professional advice if you’re unsure what level of activity is suitable.
How to increase engagement in activities for older people
We all have days when we feel less motivated, and it’s important to recognise that this can also happen for older people living with dementia and memory loss. It’s completely understandable that your loved one may not always want to participate in activities. Here are some simple tips to make activities more enjoyable, accessible and meaningful.
- Make sure the activities actually mean something to them
- Keep activities familiar and straightforward
- Break activities into smaller steps where needed
- Allow plenty of time and avoid rushing
- Reduce distractions if an environment feels overwhelming
- Offer choices, but not too many options
- Be flexible and accept that interests and abilities can change
- Focus on enjoyment rather than achievement
- Respect their choice if they don’t want to participate
- Adapt the activity to their current abilities and interests
What is an activity centre and how can they help?
Regenerage has three activity centres which are designed to support people living with dementia and memory concerns. Our centres operate Monday to Friday from 9 am until 4:45 pm.
Our activity-based adult day care gives your loved one the opportunity to take part in meaningful activities in a welcoming and supportive environment. Activities can include, but are not limited to, dancing, gentle exercise classes, music, games, gardening and more.
Our goal is to help your loved one live and age well while maintaining independence. We support older people in building confidence, developing connections and feeling engaged in life.
Taster sessions are available at all three of our activity centres so you can come and have a look around with your loved one before making a decision. Find out more about our centres below.
Keeping your loved one engaged in life is more than just filling time. It means finding and facilitating meaningful activities that help them to stay connected and confident. By chatting with them and discovering their interests and preferences, you can help them to find purpose and enjoyment in their lives.
Supporting your loved one to remain socially active can create opportunities for meaningful connection, a stronger sense of purpose and improved emotional well-being.
We support adults with dementia and memory concerns at our activity centres, and we’d love to invite you to come and have a look around. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our team will be more than happy to offer guidance and support.
