Sensory stimulation is a key component in the lives of people of all ages, as new and familiar sights, sounds and smells enable them to engage with their environments in complex and meaningful ways. Sensory activities for elderly people help them maintain cognitive abilities and participate in a rewarding social environment, while also reminding them of rewarding accomplishments and special memories. Before beginning a sensory stimulation routine with an elderly person, check for known allergies to avoid including harmful objects.
Cognitive Function
Sensory activities can help elderly people with degenerative cognitive functioning retain memory skills through sensory stimulation. One sensory stimulation activity involves use of a box that contains familiar items that have a certain quality. This quality could be a familiar color scheme, shape, sound or even smell or taste. Because the senses are powerful memory enhancers, an object that reminds elderly people of a particular place or event can also help them recall and imagine that environment.
Communication
Sensory activities for elderly people can be used as exercises in communication. Family members and residential care professionals can spend time with elderly people talking about sensory stimulation objects and the memories associated with them. Talking for extended periods of time about the objects helps elderly people recall and employ figures of speech and idioms necessary for complex conversation. Elderly people can use the objects not only as a subject of conversation, but also as a jumping-off point for longer life history stories that provide a valuable topic of communication for them and younger family members.
Relaxation
Sensory activities use familiar sights, sounds, textures, smells and tastes to help elderly people recall memories and think more clearly about other times and places. Because sensory activities for elderly people focus on memory recall, many elderly people find sensory stimulation a relaxing and comforting activity even while they challenge and exercise their cognitive function.
Quality of Life
The specific objects selected for a sensory stimulation kit can also enhance an elderly person's quality of life. Use items of personal importance to the elderly person that also evoke sensory stimulation, like photographs of family, favorite souvenirs or knick-knacks, voice recordings of loved ones or family home videos. Elderly people whose families are involved in a sensory stimulation program, either at home or through a residential care facility, also have the satisfaction of feeling that their family members continue to be involved in their everyday lives.
Inclusion
Including elderly people in any activities, even those that may be more of a challenge for them if they have sensory impairments, makes them feel like a vital part of a family or friend group. When including elderly family members in social groups that consist of many younger people as well, be sensitive about adapting activities so that they are safe and enjoyable for people with impaired vision or hearing.
