People over 65 are classified as senior citizens in the U.S. Senior citizens have a wide variety of life experiences, interests and abilities to contribute to society. Depending on their age and health, seniors you know may be living on their own, with others, or in a center or nursing home. There are many activities that you can do with seniors, such as stories, cards, day trips or volunteering.
Story Telling
At many senior centers, story groups exists to provide senior citizens an outlet for their tales and a chance to vicariously experience others’ adventures. The Pasadena Senior Center, for example, hosts a story telling group once per week to tell and listen to real and fictitious tales. This senior center also has a library for its residents.
If a senior citizen you have in mind does not have access to a group like this, start your own. Starting a book club is a great way for older adults to socialize while keeping their minds sharp and open to new ideas and opinions.
In addition to helping their minds stay sharp, the activity of reading and discussing stories is also especially good for seniors because it does not require any strenuous physical activity. You can sit or even lie down while you read or talk to others. Also, seniors have had so many life experiences that you may be entertained and pleasantly surprised to learn some of their stories. Bring a tape recorder or have your senior family member or friend write down these stories for you.
Card Games
Many senior citizens enjoy playing a myriad of card games they have learned over the ages. These games are also beneficial for seniors because they give them mental acuity along with companionship and a social atmosphere. Bridge is popular with older adults; so is rummy, euchre and hearts. If you don’t know any card games, ask the senior citizens you spend time with to teach one of their favorites so that you can get in on the game too.
Like stories, cards are often a good way to pass the time because they do not require much mobility.
Day Trips
For seniors who do have the mobility to get out, day trips can be a great option. Excursions to museums or performances are often organized by senior groups, says the Oneill Senior Center. You can also take the initiative to organize your own day trip.
Places like museums can be very accommodating to seniors, and often offer wheelchairs, handicapped parking spaces and senior citizens discounts. Similarly, theater performances are usually accommodating and, like museums, are safe places for seniors to spend time. Check out a new show, a concert or an exhibit, and call ahead to plan your trip so that the senior citizen feels comfortable.
Volunteer
Many senior citizens are still quite mobile and astute. Although they may be retired, they want still want a regular schedule and a meaningful job. Many important places are run using the talents of senior volunteers. Several soup kitchens, theaters and museums would not run as well as they do without these volunteers. According to SeniorCorps.gov, government programs also connect senior citizens with important volunteering opportunities.
Senior Corps has two main programs. The Foster Grandparent Program connects a children without grandparents with seniors who want to be a beneficial part of a child's life. The Senior Companion Program brings together an able-bodied senior citizen with one who needs help with day-to-day activities.
