Doing some research on how to meet the recreational needs of the elderly.
2007-07-13 12:45:37 · 15 answers · asked by rosalene b 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I think your question is great. I'm recently the caregiver for my 90 year old mother and it breaks my heart to see her sitting around with nothing to do. She reads the paper, visits with my friends (who are fantastic about being here) and I just started looking into senior centers in the area. I figured that I might volunteer a few hours a week and take her with me to get her into the groove. My parents were never very social - only a few close friends as they had a true love affair of 65.5 years before he died in April. I know she's grieving and certainly allow her time and try to get her to talk but I have to find some activities for her. Otherwise, she's just waiting to die and that's heartbreaking. BTW, I didn't find your question condescending at all. I appreciate your asking it. Thanks.
2007-07-17 00:17:04 · answer #1 · answered by dogloving1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Recreation For The Elderly
2017-01-19 11:44:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You asked a very good question. I'll answer by saying that the best way to meet the recreational needs of the elderly is to ask them on a one-on-one basis. And then try to see if you can fit them into an existing recreational/leisuretime setup.
Everyone is different. Some older people want to do the things they always did (fishing, playing cards, etc.). Others want to try new things when they reach their senior years. Some like to recreate alone; others enjoy socializing with people. Don't attempt to place every senior in the same mold. Individualize as much as possible.
And let them experiment: Give them the ability to try something different but accept the fact that they might not like it and want to try something different.
Good luck to you and thank you for asking the question.
2007-07-14 22:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think most elderly people seek out their own needs. They don't want someone telling them how to meet their recreational needs.
I said before & I will say it again, we are not from a different planet. We are older human beings. We don't need all this so called "help". We still understand spelling too, so you can quit doing that in front of us as if we were children.
Now, if you have an extra $10,000 laying around you would like to give me, I could get real recreational & do some serious shopping................
2007-07-16 16:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This woman may be suffering from some type of neglect. Have you thought about calling the authorities to have her home inspected & her welfare verified? Something is wrong. The woman should get the attention she needs. Otherwise...you should start calling 911 on her when you feel you are being harassed by anyone & then get the City Attorney's Office involved to have her removed from the neighborhood on a public nuisance charge OR have the helping hand agencies pay her home visits & that should keep her "entertained" without having to bother you or any other neighbors. Otherwise, you can move, change your numbers, get an electric fence or so many other things to lock out unwanted people from your life. The one thing you CANNOT do is to get her to stop "needing you", as you say in your post, because you can NEVER control the thoughts & actions of others. You can only control your own.
2016-05-17 06:28:25 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the fitness level of the elderly. It could be something as simple as dancing - line dancing, ballroom dancing, square dancing, it could be a walking group, or if you have some really lively seniors, it could involve any athletic event you can think of from dragonboating to skiing, swimming, playing hockey (I personally know a hockey player who was still active in a recreational league at 90) or flying kites.
But recreation doesn't mean only athletic events. It can also include social activities such as playing cards, shooting pool, creative writing groups, painting groups, or any sort of activity that will bring people together. It can also include reading groups, or providing library services for those who prefer to do their reading in solitude.
2007-07-13 19:13:50 · answer #6 · answered by old lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A group by the name of Oasis that operates senior resource centers all over the country. They provide educational classes, craft classes, and recreational opportunities. See the link I have provided.
My Mom and Dad did volunteer work there for many years. Now that they have both become disabled, they can still participate from their home, through the volunteer visitation plan.
2007-07-14 15:59:06 · answer #7 · answered by Yarnlady_needsyarn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ANYTHING BUT BINGO!!! Mindless young people do not seem able to get past that. This is not to say all young people are mindless, but it does appear too many of the mindless ones end up in senior centers. Actually the best way to entertain us is just stay out of our way and let us do it ourselves. For me anytime I see "senior" attached to anything I run in the other direction.
2007-07-17 04:42:22 · answer #8 · answered by Ray T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everone is different. I've met some that are happy watching tv. Others need to get up and move around. Most senior can find there own way. We don't need someone to lead us around.
2007-07-17 01:27:30 · answer #9 · answered by Old Man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just treat us as fellow human beings. We can find our own recreational needs. We have been doing so for many years - you are referring to those of us who are "physically or mentally challenged" aren't you. We do have lives you know.
2007-07-14 16:19:52 · answer #10 · answered by neptune 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋