These activities for seniors help improve wellbeing in a variety of ways.During the pandemic, as we’ve all had to find more at-home activities to enjoy, the benefits of crafts have become more apparent. In fact, activities for seniors such as crafting have been shown to improve social, cognitive, and motor skills, while reducing anxiety and stress. Not only that, but they bring enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment, meaning, and purpose, especially when created to share with someone else.
Our experts in home health care in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas have compiled some great activities to try:
Cookies in a Jar
Who doesn’t love homemade cookies? Get the whole family together and enjoy putting together these mason jar cookie mixes to share with friends and neighbors. Gather together a 1-quart canning jar for each mix, and then layer in the following ingredients, in the order they’re listed:
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup raisins
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups flour mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. nutmeg, 1 tsp. baking soda, and ½ tsp. salt
Then create a label for each jar with the following instructions for the recipient to use in baking the cookies:
- Empty cookie mix into large mixing bowl, blending together with your hands.
- Soften 1 ½ sticks of butter and add to the bowl, along with 1 egg and 1 tsp. vanilla.
- Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls, and placed 2” apart on sprayed baking sheet.
- Bake for 11 – 13 minutes at 350 degrees and enjoy!
Memory Quilts
For senior sewers, there’s nothing more precious than a memory quilt, created from pieces of clothing that tell a story. For instance, a quilt could be prepared for someone who has always loved sports, made with pieces of jerseys from their favorite teams, or from teams they played on themselves over the years. Wash, iron, cut, and stitch the fabric together according to the more detailed instructions provided here.
Tin Can Lanterns
These are a lovely way to repurpose all of those used cans that were destined for the recycle bin, and make fun and unique gifts for kids and adults alike. Here’s all you need to get started:
- Empty cans of any size (coffee cans work great)
- A permanent marker
- Hammer and nails of varying sizes, OR, a cordless drill
- Wire for hanging, and wire-cutter pliers
- Tea light candles (battery-operated candles if desired for safety)
Then follow these instructions:
- Determine the design you want to place on the can, and draw it in dots with the permanent marker.
- Hammer nails one by one over the marker dots, or, use the cordless drill
- Be sure to include two holes on opposite sides at the top of the can, and then hook a piece of wire through each hole to make a hanger.
- Add a tea light candle to the finished can, turn off the lights, and enjoy!
At Nightingale Homecare, the experts in home care in Glendale, AZ, we love helping the older adults enjoy life to the fullest, and are always here with more creative ideas and activities for seniors. We’d be happy to spend an afternoon creating crafts such as these with a senior you love! If you are researching home care in Glendale, AZ, and the surrounding areas, contact us any time at (602) 504-1555 to get started!
