Exciting and Engaging Activities For Seniors
Finding fun and engaging activities for elderly residents in care homes can make a significant difference to their well-being and quality of life.
Staying active and social is incredibly important for everyone, but it’s especially vital for seniors who might not get as many chances to socialise.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of 10 fun and engaging activities for seniors in care homes. From gentle exercise to creative projects and social games, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s jump in.
10 Fun Activities for Elderly in Nursing Homes
1. Seated Chair Exercise
Chair-based exercise is a great way to help residents stay active and safe. These gentle movements improve flexibility, strength, and balance from the comfort of a chair. It’s especially wonderful for those with limited mobility, and doing it together creates a lovely sense of community and fun.
At MOVEability, we specialise in bringing high-quality seated chair exercise classes directly to care homes. We can offer classes in person around Berkshire or provide online exercise sessions that care homes can access remotely by streaming the class. Get in touch to enquire today!
2. Flower Arranging
There’s something therapeutic about working with fresh flowers. Flower arranging sessions let residents get creative and engage their senses. It’s a calming activity that results in lovely bouquets to decorate the care home or their own rooms with.
3. Sing-Along Sessions
Music has an amazing ability to make people feel good and trigger happy memories. Organising sing-along sessions with old-time favourites or inviting local musicians to perform can create amazing moments.
Whether residents are singing along, enjoying a little dance or simply listening, music brings people together.
Our MOVEability seated exercise classes are all choreographed to well-known, upbeat songs so everyone can enjoy a good sing-along.
4. Therapy Animals
Pet therapy visits are a wonderful activity for elderly residents. Whether it’s friendly dogs through organisations like PAT (Pets As Therapy) or even visits from horses, animals have a remarkable ability to bring comfort and joy to everyone.
5. Manicures and Pampering
A bit of pampering goes a long way towards helping residents feel special and cared for. Manicure sessions aren’t just about looking good, they’re about feeling valued and taking time for self-care. It’s also a lovely opportunity for one-to-one conversation and connection.
6. A Trip Down Memory Lane
Sharing stories from the past can be incredibly meaningful. A session sharing personal memories is a wonderful way for residents to reminisce about their lives, from their childhoods and careers to special family moments.
Using old photographs, music from their youth, or even familiar scents can help trigger these treasured memories.
7. Arts and Crafts Sessions
Creative activities like painting, drawing, or simple crafts allow residents to express themselves and work with their hands. These sessions can be adapted for all ability levels, and there’s a real sense of satisfaction in creating something personal and meaningful.
8. Bingo
Bingo is a classic for a reason! It’s engaging, easy to understand, and creates a fun, social atmosphere. The excitement of the game and the chance to win small prizes make for a truly enjoyable afternoon.
9. Knitter Natter Club
This brilliant combination of knitting and chatting is the perfect way to socialise while keeping hands busy. Whether residents are expert knitters or just learning, the main focus is on companionship and conversation. Plus, they can make lovely items to keep or give as gifts.
10. Movie Night
Settling down to watch a classic film together creates a cosy, shared experience. Choose feel-good movies or films from the residents’ younger years to spark memories and conversations. And don’t forget the popcorn!
Seated Chair Exercise From MOVEability
At MOVEability, we bring seated chair exercise classes directly to care homes. We can offer classes in person around Berkshire or provide online exercise sessions that care homes can access remotely by streaming the class.
Our expert-led classes have been specifically developed to help residents improve their flexibility, aerobic health, balance, and strength, all whilst remaining safely seated. The classes are inclusive, engaging, and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Perfect for People With Parkinson’s and Dementia
MOVEability classes are particularly beneficial for residents living with Parkinson’s disease or dementia. Our specialised approach ensures that everyone can participate comfortably and safely, with movements and music designed to be therapeutic and enjoyable.
Supporting Carers in the Community
We also welcome carers to join our classes for their own well-being. It’s a wonderful opportunity for care staff to take part in enjoyable exercise, share experiences of working in care homes, and connect with other carers in the community.
Book a Class or Contact MOVEability Today
If you’d like to get in touch about bringing a seated exercise class to your care home, we’d love to hear from you. Our classes don’t just provide physical benefits, but also social connection and mental stimulation.
Contact MOVEability today to discuss how we can support your residents’ well-being through engaging, accessible exercise classes.
MOVEability offers a wide range of on-site and online seated exercise classes for people of ALL ages and abilities. We believe movement should be inclusive and fun for everyone.
Related Guides:
- 10 exercises to do while sitting
- 9 benefits of seated exercises
- What chair to use for seated exercise?
- 6 tips to prevent falls in winter
- What is low impact exercise?
- What is online exercise?
- 10 reasons why socialising is important
