As a caregiver, you play an important role in keeping the older person mobile and active at home. You can encourage the older person to engage in self-care and leisure activities and reduce time spent lying down or watching T.V.

Here are 3 ways you can do so:

  1. Engage the older person's sense of smell, touch and sight
  2. Encourage the older person to participate in self-care tasks
  3. Involve the older person in the process of making their meals or snacks

Ensure that there are plenty of activities for the elderly to promote active ageing.

Outdoor Activities for The Elderly

Engage the older person's sense of smell, touch and sight by:

  • Going for regular walks around the park
  • Making trips to the nearby market or coffee shop
  • Engaging in simple gardening tasks (e.g., watering plants, potting plants)

Make Self-Care Part of Active Ageing

Encourage the older person to participate in self-care tasks (brushing teeth, combing hair, bathing, dressing) by:

  • Encouraging them to perform tasks in a stable, seated position
  • Providing just enough assistance
  • Providing a safe environment (e.g., grab-bars, good lighting, dry flooring)

Cooking is a Great Activity for the Elderly

Involve the older person in the process of making their meals or snacks by:

  • Chopping or peeling vegetables
  • Stirring a pot of soup
  • Mixing or kneading mixture
  • Measuring the correct amount of ingredients

Brought to you by Occupational Therapists, Rehabilitation Services, KTPH

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