February 22 is Recreational Sports and Fitness Day. You might think that this “holiday” is for young individuals but you can also celebrate it with your elderly loved one by either researching some new sports he might like to try or even testing a few out at a local park, senior center, or gym.
Just because your loved one is a senior citizen, it doesn’t mean he can’t have a good time playing a competitive sport with someone. While he might have physical or mental limitations to keep him from the most grueling of sports, there are plenty out there that he might enjoy playing with a friend, senior home care provider, or you on occasion.
Let’s look at some sports that can be a lot of fun for seniors.
Pickleball. This relatively new sport has become fairly popular in many areas of the country with courts popping up in many neighborhood parks. Pickleball combines many of the aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a miniature tennis court (so less running to and from) and uses paddles instead of rackets. If your elderly loved one still likes being active, this can be a great sport to try out.
Golf. Whether it’s going for the full 18 holes on a licensed golf course or playing a round of putt-putt, golf can provide a chance to be competitive while still getting outside in the fresh air and getting some exercise. If playing a traditional golf game on a golf course, your loved one can decide if he wants to walk the course or ride in a golf cart. This is also a great game to just spend time talking and enjoying the company he’s with, whether it’s club members or his senior home care provider.
Bocce Ball. An easy game to figure out that can be played by old and young alike, makes a great competitive sport to play with family. It can be played on any open field, you just need a set of balls to toss and see who can get closest to the lead ball. It’s a great way to work on hand/eye coordination and can be a fun activity to do on the next family outing to a park.
Swimming. While not usually competitive, swimming is just a great recreational sport for many elderly. Your loved one can swim laps in a pool or join a pool aerobic class. The water is gentle on sore joints but also provides a nice bit of resistance to any movement in the pool, giving a great workout.
Archery. Archery is a great sport for exercising those upper body muscles while not causing too much exertion. Your loved one may find this a fun recreational sport he will enjoy either alone or with friends, but he should definitely start with an instructor to learn how to safely use the bow.
Staying active is key to a longer, healthier life, and finding an activity that your senior enjoys will help him stay consistent in his activity.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Marcellus, MI, please contact the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care today. Call (269) 329-4717
Fresh Perspective Home Care is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Richland, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Gull Lake, Yorkville and Otsego, Michigan.
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