Most people will eventually experience the aging of their parents. For many of us,
this is challenging emotionally and intellectually long before any other sorts of issues
enter the picture.
But because aging has predictable consequences, it’s wise to be willing to tweak how
you perceive your parents. If you take into account the effects of aging, you’ll seek to
be flexible and creative in the types of activities you do with your parents.
Consider trying some of these activities to spend quality time with your mom and
dad:
- Take short walks if the weather permits. For aging parents who don’t get out
and about much, a walk outdoors can be wonderful! You can admire nature, see
changes in seasons and get exercise. Plus, this provides a wonderful backdrop
to chat and spend some time together.
Bear in mind the length of time you walk as your mom or dad may get tired
easily. But even taking a gentle ten-minute walk is good for body and soul
as long as your parent’s doctor approves. - Watch old movies. Rent DVDs of old movies your parent likes. Most aging
people enjoy watching movies and might even have favorite movie stars whose
films they love to see.
Watching an old movie with your parents will jog their memories. Movies
prompt parents to recall what they were doing around the time they first
saw the film.
- Show your parents something they’re interested in on the internet. Although
your parents might not be into the internet at all, you can still expose them to
something new by using it to investigate a subject that interests them.
There’s plenty of fodder for conversation when you show your parents
that by using the internet, they can obtain information they seek. Plus,
exposing your parents to new information expands their minds, which will
help keep their memory sharper.
It’s best not to expect your mom or dad to want to learn how to navigate
online. But if they decide to do so, you’ve just opened a door for them to
use their thinking skills more. - Work a paper and pencil puzzle together. Periodically doing crosswords, word
searches and other types of puzzles will help keep your parent’s mind sharp
while serving as a quality activity to do together.
Working puzzles also provides you with opportunities to compliment your
mom or dad’s abilities and efforts in completing a task. - Go out together for breakfast or lunch. Because your parent’s energy may wane
by the time dinner rolls around, take advantage of the earlier hours in the day to
spend time together.
Going out for breakfast or lunch provides opportunity to share a meal
together when mom or dad are fresh and feeling their most energetic. - Help your parent clean out a drawer or closet. Because your aging parents
might feel overwhelmed at the prospect of getting rid of some unwanted
possessions, ease their mind by offering help.
You can assist with sorting belongings, getting organized and donating
unwanted items to a local charity. - Film your aging parent telling a story. If your parent likes to tell stories and has done so in your youth or to your own children, see if they will agree to be filmed.
Your mom or dad might feel quite touched that you want to preserve
memories of them. Plus, their memory of some of the stories might be
tapped in the process.
8. Read a book together. Reading a book with your parent is a great way to spend
an hour or two. Take turns reading aloud if your parent wishes to read.
Your mom or dad’s cognitive abilities will be exercised through the
reading process. To keep this activity enjoyable, be sure to stop whenever
they get tired. You can pick up the story on your next visit.
As your parents grow older, it’s necessary to vary how you spend time together. If
you’re willing to be creative and a little flexible, you’ll discover many ways to enjoy
time with your parents as they age.
