Sensory activities are an essential aspect of keeping the minds and bodies active as people age. Games help them feel less isolated and more at ease with their own company and the presence of others. Research shows that those who engage in sensory activities have lower blood pressure and heart rates and an overall higher state of well-being. While leisurely pursuits can help with mental stimulation, there are plenty of other benefits that aging family members can get from active programs as well. Read on to learn more about the benefits of sensory activities for the elderly!
Nostalgia
One of the many benefits of sensory activities is offering a welcome trip down memory lane. The familiar music, taste, or scent can bring back long-buried memories of times past, serving as a source of comfort for adults experiencing feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression. Many elders suffer from isolation due to moves away from friends and family or health issues that limit them physically. By helping elderly adults reconnect with their pasts through social events, other stressors become easier to manage.
Relaxation
It is often forgotten that sensory activities for golden-years adults can be beneficial when it comes to relaxation. Many activities stimulate a person’s senses and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Many older adults will say that a visit to a spa or even going for a walk in nature helps them relax after a long day of work. When one feels relaxed, the body is more able to heal from any disease or illness because it’s not working as hard at fighting off what’s causing it stress. That’s why many medical doctors recommend parents get their children involved in sensory play once they’ve been diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome because it reduces their stress levels and anxiety significantly.
Socialization
Since sensory activities do not require any learning, they are easy to do with others. Therefore, if you want to socialize or work on communication with your loved one or family member with Alzheimer’s disease, sensory activities are a great option. Many people with Alzheimer’s disease become frustrated quickly when trying to communicate because of memory loss and sometimes don’t know how to respond in conversations. By working on communication through sensory games together, it will help relieve some of that frustration. Additionally, start playing more activity games with your loved one. More often than not, they will start initiating more interactions independently, which leads to the next benefit of sensory activities.
Connections
The other incredible benefit of sensory activities is that they help with connecting with others. It’s important to remain active and engaged as you age, and sensory activities can help do just that. If you aren’t feeling well, it is hard to get out and do much of anything, but getting involved in a sensory activity can make it easier to forget about your health issues for at least a little while. No matter what kind of activity you choose, whether it’s a trip to a museum or playing games at home with family members, sensory activities can help you enjoy life again!
