Helping older people have fun

People want to play and laugh no matter what their age. Studies showing video clips of older animals in the act of playing support this idea that age is no reason to stop having fun. Watching elderly people smiling while enjoying the company of family, playing golf, tennis, cards, or bowling is enough to demonstrate the idea that play is important even in later stages of life.

Loss of speech, sight, hearing, the ability to read and write makes communication for older folks difficult, especially if they have suffered with a stroke. Loss of friends make life lonely and take away the opportunities for play.

New relationships can be built through family, friends, neighbors, and institutions such as churches, synagogues, and agencies on aging/health conditions.

Looking back can be more fun for an older person than looking forward where the future seems uncertain. If you are not sure what to talk about with elderly people ask them about what kids did for fun when they were young. How did one get to school? What was school like? Conversations with older people can be fascinating if one has the patience to speak loud enough for them to hear, wait for them to answer, listen, and help clarify meaning through questions and discussion. Sometimes repeating back to them what you think they meant helps them to tell the story and you to understand the meaning.

Need a gift for an elderly person? Give the gift of warmth – a microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers. Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, and Hand Warmers can help with arthritic conditions and warmth in cooler weather. A Cozy Sheep or Dachshund dog (Hot Dog) warms a bed and helps one relax!