Key Takeaways
Some of the activities we recommend for you to do with your parents include:
- Walking and nature activities
- Gentle exercise, like chair yoga
- Low-impact sports, like bowling
- Playing board games and card games
- Doing arts and crafts
- Playing music together
Spending time with your aging parents can feel challenging when you’re not sure what activities might work for their current abilities and interests. You want to create meaningful connections while keeping them engaged and active. At Paul Spring by RUI, we’ve seen how the right activities can transform daily life through our life-enrichment programs and understand the importance of finding activities that bring joy and purpose to each day.
The key is choosing activities that match their physical abilities, mental interests, and social preferences while prioritizing their safety and enjoyment. From gentle physical activities to creative pursuits, there are countless ways to spend quality time together that support their health and strengthen your relationship.
Whether your parents are in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or at home, there are many activities you can do together to strengthen your relationship.
Physical Activities to Keep Your Parents Moving
Regular physical activity helps your parents maintain strength, balance, and overall health. The key is finding activities that feel enjoyable rather than like exercise. Our RUI FIT program demonstrates how fitness can be both fun and beneficial for older adults when approached with the right mindset.
Walking & Nature Activities
Simple outdoor activities provide fresh air, gentle movement, and natural beauty. Start with short walks around the neighborhood or local park, adjusting the distance based on their comfort level.
- Neighborhood walks at a comfortable pace
- Park visits with benches for resting
- Birdwatching with binoculars
- Nature photography using smartphones or cameras
Gentle Exercise Options
Low-impact exercises can be done at home or in community settings. These activities help maintain flexibility and strength without putting stress on joints. Some common choices include:
- Chair yoga with simple stretches
- Tai Chi for balance and calm movement
- Swimming and water aerobics at local pools
- Gardening with raised beds or container plants
Low-Impact Sports & Recreation
Recreational activities combine physical movement with social interaction. Many communities offer programs specifically designed for older adults.
- Golf at shorter courses or driving ranges
- Bowling with lighter balls
- Pickleball on smaller courts
- Fishing from accessible locations
Mental Stimulation & Brain Games
Keeping the mind active helps maintain cognitive function and can be incredibly enjoyable. Choose games and activities that match your parents’ interests and skill level, or read more about memory games to find specific suggestions for activities that support cognitive health.
Board Games & Card Games
Traditional games provide mental stimulation while creating opportunities for conversation and laughter. Start with familiar games they’ve enjoyed in the past.
- Chess & checkers for strategic thinking
- Scrabble and word games for language skills
- Bridge and poker for social card playing
- Memory matching games for cognitive exercise
Puzzles & Problem-Solving Activities
Puzzles offer a sense of accomplishment and can be done at your parents’ own pace. Choose difficulty levels that provide challenge without frustration.
- Jigsaw puzzles with large pieces
- Crossword puzzles from newspapers or books
- Sudoku number puzzles
- Brain training apps on tablets
Reading & Learning
Continued learning keeps the mind engaged and can introduce new interests. Adapt reading materials to your parents’ vision and concentration abilities. Programs like RUI University show how older adults can continue pursuing education and personal growth through structured learning opportunities.
- Book clubs at libraries or community centers
- Audiobooks for easier listening
- Online courses on topics of interest
- Learning new languages through apps
Creative & Artistic Activities
Creative expression provides emotional satisfaction and can be adapted for different skill levels. These activities allow your parents to create something meaningful while spending time together.
Arts & Crafts
Hands-on creative activities can be modified for different abilities. Focus on the enjoyment of creating rather than perfection of the final product.
- Painting and drawing with easy-grip supplies
- Knitting and crocheting simple projects
- Scrapbooking family memories
- Photography projects documenting daily life
Music & Performance
Music connects with emotions and memories in powerful ways. Many people can enjoy music even when other activities become challenging.
- Listening to favorite music from their youth
- Playing musical instruments they know
- Singing and karaoke with familiar songs
- Dancing to comfortable rhythms
Writing & Storytelling
Capturing memories and stories preserves family history while providing mental stimulation. These activities can be done verbally or in writing, depending on abilities.
- Journaling about daily experiences
- Writing family histories for future generations
- Recording life stories on audio or video
Social & Community Activities
Social connections are important for mental and emotional health. Help your parents maintain existing relationships while building new ones through shared activities. Our guide on making friends as a senior provides practical tips for building meaningful relationships later in life.
Family & Friend Connections
Technology makes it easier to stay connected with loved ones who live far away. Regular contact helps combat loneliness and maintains important relationships.
- Video calls with grandchildren and family
- Family game nights with multiple generations
- Sharing old photographs and telling stories
- Planning family gatherings and celebrations
Community Involvement
Staying involved in the community provides purpose and social interaction. Look for activities that match your parents’ interests and physical abilities. Research shows that increased social interaction contributes significantly to overall happiness and well-being.
- Volunteering opportunities that suit their skills
- Joining community groups with shared interests
- Attending local events and festivals
- Participating in spiritual activities
How to Help Your Parents Stay Connected
You can play an important role in helping your parents maintain and build social connections. Small efforts can make a big difference in their social well-being.
- Setting up social media accounts for family updates
- Organizing regular visits with friends and family
- Connecting with neighbors for friendly relationships
- Making new friends through shared interests and hobbies
Making Activities Safe & Accessible
The right approach makes almost any activity possible with proper adaptations. Focus on what your parents can do rather than what they can’t.
Adapting Activities for Different Abilities
Small modifications can make activities accessible and enjoyable for people with various physical or cognitive changes. The goal is participation and enjoyment, not perfection.
- Modifying activities for mobility limitations
- Using adaptive equipment when helpful
- Creating comfortable environments for participation
- Adjusting activity duration based on energy levels
When Your Parent Needs Additional Support
Sometimes additional support can help your parents continue enjoying activities they love. Professional care providers can offer the assistance needed while maintaining dignity and independence. Communities that provide assisted living and memory care services often have programs designed specifically for these activities.
Building a Supportive Environment
The right environment encourages participation and enjoyment. Create spaces and schedules that support successful activity participation without pressure or stress.
- Creating safe spaces for activities
- Encouraging participation without pressure
- Involving other family members when possible
- Planning regular activity schedules that provide structure
Participating in activities with your parents goes beyond just staying busy. These shared experiences strengthen relationships, support their physical and mental health, and create lasting memories for your whole family. The activities you choose together can adapt as their needs change, always focusing on connection and enjoyment.
At Paul Spring by RUI in Alexandria, VA, we understand the importance of meaningful activities in senior living. Our independent living, assisted living, and memory care programs include enriching activities designed to support health, wellness, and connection.
If you’re considering additional care options for your parent, schedule a tour to see how professional care can enhance their daily life while maintaining their independence and dignity.
