Activities for seniors: types, how to do them, and examples

A set of useful activities for people who have already entered old age.

Currently, active aging and the creation of policies for social participation and health protection for older adults are some of the central topics in discussions on aging.

As part of this various activities have been developed for older people that, far from being a series of which, far from being a series of exercises specifically for the elderly, are activities already known but adapted to the needs of this life cycle.

Following with this, we will see next some of the activities that can be carried out with older adults, as well as the objectives that each one pursues.

Activities for the elderly and promotion of active aging

According to the World Health Organization (2002), active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security, aimed at improve the quality of life of individuals as they age.. It aims to enhance physical, social and mental well-being throughout the life cycle, while promoting participation in the community in accordance with personal needs, desires and capabilities.

In this sense, the socio-educational process related to active aging can only be carried out if it is based on the collaboration, participation and detection of the needs of the elderly themselves. That is, considering their baggage of experiences, their concerns, life stories and personal biography..

This can be promoted through two main groups of activities, as follows (Bermejo, 2010):

• Activities of a cross-cutting nature, that promote active aging and favor autonomy; it can include cultural, scientific and intergenerational programs.These may include cultural, scientific and intergenerational programs.
• Instrumental activities, which include the includes the manipulation of information and communication technologies, as well as different technological products.as well as various technological products.

These activities can be developed in many places and institutions, as long as they meet the minimum requirements, such as space, furniture, tools and materials necessary for each activity, and human resources trained to lead them.

Thus, activities for the elderly can be carried out in civic or cultural centers, health centers, associations, universities, etc.health centers, health centers, associations, universities, public squares, and so on.

How to plan its realization?

The planning of each activity can be done through practical guides, worksheets or tables, where the following elements are explained: the justification of the activity, the objectives, the contents, the strategies or particular activities, the objectives, the contents, the strategies or particular activities, the objectives and the contents.The planning of each activity can be done through practical guides, worksheets or tables, where the following elements are explained: justification of the activity, objectives, contents, strategies or particular activities, necessary materials, organizational aspects, evaluation and bibliographic resources.

This type of planning makes it possible to adapt each activity to the specific needs of the older adult or group to which it is addressed. In this sense, it is important that the activities take into account the preferences of the participants and the context in which they are developed. Finally, identify and enhance existing resources.

From this point on, the general objectives of the activities for older adults can be the following:

• To provide meaningful information for the well-being of the person and/or the group.
• To favor processes of reflection and analysis on what can accompany their aging in the best way.
• To live experiences that help to prevent prevent dependency..

Types of activities and examples

As we said before, there are no specific activities for older adults, but rather it is a matter of adapting existing activities to the needs of the older adult or group of older adults, so that they can favor the above objectives.

Thus, any activity already known is valid and can be favorably adapted if priority is given to the detection of motivational factors. if priority is given to the detection of the motivations and needs of the older person.. In line with this, activities can be planned according to the three main objectives linked to active aging: promoting physical well-being, strengthening cognitive and emotional well-being, and fostering socio-relational well-being.

Physical well-being

One of the important aspects is to promote physical well-being. This can be promoted in two main areas: nutrition and physical exercise. In the case of physical exercise, the activities are aimed at promoting dynamic states of energy and vitality, which help the person to perform the usual daily tasks, as well as to enjoy an active leisure time, face excessive fatigue and ultimately prevent the development of diseases related to sedentary lifestyles..

Activities can be developed to promote the following elements: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility and balance, motor coordination, body composition, among others. To work on these there are many activities, for example:

• Rhythmic gymnastics.
• Relaxation and stretching techniques.
• Sports such as basketball or volleyball.
• Expressive rhythmic activities such as dance.
• Outdoor workouts such as aerobics such as aerobics or pilates.
• Swimming with joint mobility exercises.

2. Psychic-cognitive-emotional wellness

This category includes a series of strategies to promote brain plasticity and cognitive functions.. This can be done precisely through cognitive training, which includes techniques for information management such as the following:

• Teaching relaxation.
• Attention and concentration training, by selecting relevant information (selective attention), or performing more than one task simultaneously (divided attention) and finally activities that require long periods of concentration (sustained attention).
• Abstract reasoning and verbal fluency exercises.
• Tasks of categorization, ordering and classification of information. of information.
• Problem solving activities at different levels of difficulty.
• Activities that favor curiosity and creativity.

On the other hand, and in relation to the following point, there is the emotional training, the strengthening of self-esteem and the development of skills necessary for assertive communication..

In the same vein is the prevention of depression and other ailments sometimes associated with old age. This can be done through the direct accompaniment of the person in psychotherapy, but also in group sessions where experiences are exchanged. It can also be worked on through group or individual simulation of situations in which different emotions are triggered.

3. Socio-relational well-being

These activities have the objective of favoring cordial relationships, maintaining social contact and increasing interpersonal bonds. They help to counteract feelings of loneliness and prevent discomfort related to this life cycle. They can also strengthen socioadaptive skills.

Some examples of activities that can be carried out in this dimension are the following:

• Encourage the creation of groups of belonging according to common interests, and. playing board games or other leisure and recreational activities..
• Practical cooking workshops, including the distribution of tasks for menu planning and shopping in nearby stores.
• Group visits to stores or exhibitions.
• Film forums, i.e., watching and commenting on films that deal with relevant topics according to their preferences and needs.
• Talks where it is possible to share practical information about the environment and the resources it offers.
• Identify relevant content and initiatives to improve on the information that has been shared.

Bibliographical references:

• Bermejo, L. (2010). Active Aging and Socio-educational Activities. Guia de buenas prácticas. Editorial Médica Panamericana: Madrid.
• Fernández, F, Carral, J. M. and Pérez, V. (2001). The prescription of physical exercise for the elderly. Normative values of physical condition. International Journal of Medicine and Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport, 1(2): 136-154.
• Limon, M.A (2011). Active aging and improved quality of life in older adults. Journal of psychology and education, 6: 225-238.
• World Health Organization (2002). Active aging: a policy framework. Spanish Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 37(2): 74-105.