Aging is a natural process that brings its own set of challenges, and hearing loss is one of them. As a matter of fact, one in three people older than 60 have hearing loss. But this doesn’t mean seniors with hearing loss have to miss out on the joys of staying active and engaged. There are many enjoyable activities that can help seniors with hearing loss maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Staying active and engaged is vital for seniors’ overall well-being, regardless of hearing loss. By participating in a variety of enjoyable activities that cater to their visual and tactile senses, seniors can continue to lead fulfilling lives. The key is to adapt, communicate, and embrace new experiences that bring joy and connection.
9 Fun Activities Tailored to Individuals with Hearing Loss:
- Yoga and Tai Chi: Low-impact exercises like yoga and tai chi offer physical and mental benefits. Activities such as these promote balance, flexibility, and mindfulness without requiring extensive verbal communication. Yoga in particular combines physical postures with a philosophy of patience and self-acceptance, which can come in very handy when dealing with the day-to-day frustrations of hearing loss.
- Art and Craft Workshops: Engaging in creative activities like painting, pottery, and crafting can provide a therapeutic outlet. Visual arts allow seniors to express themselves and communicate without relying heavily on their hearing. And group based art classes help to foster social connection.
- Gardening:The experience of spending time in a garden can be relaxing and rewarding. Seniors can nurture plants, tend to flowers, and enjoy the beauty of nature, all while being surrounded by vibrant colors and textures. A wonderful benefit of gardening is the delicious produce you get to enjoy. A study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that those who strictly followed an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Alternated Mediterranean Diet (AMED) or the DASH diet, were significantly less likely to have measurable hearing loss over a 4-year period. As a bonus, you’ll also enjoy a delicious “farm-to-table” treat from your own backyard by growing vegetables indicated in these diets. Don’t forget to plant tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Reading: It’s proven that reading improves memory retention, reduces stress, improves sleep, and improves decision-making abilities. Having trouble with conventional books? Reduce the strain on your eyes by reading large-print books and using magnifiers. If you’re comfortable with technology, e-reading devices (e.g., Kindle) can provide a more senior-friendly experience through features like adjustable font sizes and backlit screens.
- Cooking Classes:Cooking is not just a necessity; it’s an enjoyable activity that engages multiple senses.
- Hiking: Seniors can tailor hiking to meet their ability level and needs. The health benefits of hiking for seniors have been proven by numerous medical studies. According to Dr. Michael Pratt, Acting Chief for Physical Activity and Health Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC),“Walking is a wonderful activity for senior citizens. It’s cheap, it’s simple, almost anybody can do it. It helps seniors and has very real benefits for maintaining mobility and independence.”
- Puzzle and Board Game Nights: Engaging in puzzle-solving or playing board games with friends and family fosters healthy competition and social interaction. These activities don’t rely heavily on verbal communication and are great for mental stimulation.
- Volunteer Work: Volunteering allows seniors to give back to their community while staying active. They can engage in tasks that match their skills and interests, providing a sense of purpose and social connection.
- Art Galleries and Museums: Exploring art galleries and museums provides a visual feast for the eyes and a chance to appreciate creativity. Many museums offer guided tours with visual aids that enhance the experience for individuals with hearing loss. As public venues go, these types of places are usually not too noisy. This makes conversation easier and less stressful if you’re hard of hearing.
In addition to these engaging activities, we encourage seniors with hearing aids to take a proactive approach to ensure they fully enjoy their chosen activities. Calling ahead to inquire about accommodations or notifying the instructor about your hearing aids can make a significant difference. Arriving a bit early to secure a seat up front can also help you stay connected to the action and instructions. These small steps can enhance your overall experience, making it easier to stay active and engaged while managing hearing loss.
Need Help? Contact Us Today!
If you have a question on your hearing, come in and meet the team at Anderson Audiology. Call us today on 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.