How do you calm down someone with dementia?

Does anyone else get tired of being the "punching bag”?

It’s like you have committed to absorb all the bumps and not supposed to let it bother you. We are human too!

When they are throwing things or grabbing you and leaving bruises the disease has taken that part of them that they cannot tell you what is bothering them.

Calming down someone with dementia is complicated but if you take the time to understand and use common sense, things make sense most of the time.

Knowledge is empowering with this dreadful disease, here are a few things you can do to calm down the person.

How do you calm down someone with dementia?

Figure out what is making your love one aggressive

Does your love one miss someone, want to go home to a childhood home.... or does he/she feel hungry, thirty, constipated etc?

You can start by asking your love one how old he/she is? Try to look for triggers that aggravate and avoid them, but also look for triggers that soothe and try to bring them into practice when you notice the aggression starting.

You cannot change their behavior. You can only change yours and adapt. You have to remember they have regressed and you have to be patient as they are frustrated and often scared too

Take a walk

Walked out of the room and take a couple of deep breaths and, sometimes it is good to give your love one some space, not crowding them during these episodes. Returned to the room, and you will be surprise for your love one will be like, “what happened here?”

Play the person's favorite music

Music definitely helps especially music that they liked when they were younger. A piece of music can evoke pleasure from the past that will transform a patient’s mood even when he/she is totally hostile.

You need to find out what kind of music calms your love one, for example classical music calms some seniors and to other Christian music. The part of the brain that comprehends music is the last to go.

Also you can learn about the Alive Inside music program that is helping many who struggle with this disease.

Agree with everything your love one say

According to the Montessori Alzheimer’s Project, there is a reason your love one is aggressive which is usually based on seeking some kind of safety in his/her increasingly groundless experience.

As your love ones perceptions are become less trustworthy for him/her, anger is not an unreasonable response. So, first connect without arguing his/her perception.

Don't insist that your perception is right and your love one’s isn't. Be on your love ones side, agree with everything they say, knowing that they won't remember the conversation tomorrow.

White lies are OK when it helps the situation. Their minds are not the same anymore. The goal is to help your love one trust your presence as a safe reference point.

Use an indirect approach

With some people you need to take a more indirect approach if they’re physically aggressive you need to keep your distance and give simple instructions not to confuse or agitate.

Maybe let them sit down or wait a little longer to get that bath for example...If they don’t feel hungry put it aside for a little later unfortunately some dementia patients revert to a toddler like stage where they have tantrums they get confused and don’t know why they’re getting confused or they realize that they forgotten something it frustrates them as much as it frustrate you their moods change and it becomes difficult to control.

If it gets to the point where it becomes dangerous for you it may be time to seek help whether it’s to put them in a home for their own safety and yours or to seek help from family members who may work better with them idly enough it seems like those who are more involved sometimes are the ones who take the brunt of their aggressiveness.

Watch your body

They feed off of you almost have to become a zombie, watch your body language and voice tone, keep calm they will calm down, this is so true!! I’ve learned that laughter and smiles are the best medicine.

Redirect his/her attention

Redirect your love ones attention to something else. Switch the brain focus on something different like offer food or drink and offer to do something they like coloring, baby doll, folding face clothe, Chamomile tea, warm milk etc. Candy or a treat they really enjoy can be helpful!!

Create a Comfort zone 

My realization is our family house is a place my love one is familiar with. It is where my love one has fun memories. To uproot him is to deprive him of a few things his fast fading memory could still remember. Sort out where your love one finds to be comfortable and let him/she spend more time there.

Prioritize safety

Safety…your love one and yours...first and foremost. In case of an emergency, where you’ve tried all calming methods to no avail, call the emergency service in your location. It is advisable to always have this number handy in case an unfortunate situation shows up.

Join a support group

There are lots of caregivers support groups you can join and share your experiences with like-minded caregivers. You can share your experiences, ask question and most importantly receive support for the great effort you are putting in.

Here is great video from Teepa Snow an expert dementia educator.

Calming activities for dementia patients

Aromatherapy 

Twiddle muffs or a soft textured cloth, perhaps with lavender oil on it, it’s certainly worth experimenting with smells and sounds they like if other forms of communication like sight and hearing are getting weaker.

Give him/her a puzzle to put together

What you do is you find simple 20 piece or low number piece puzzles. Pull it out and put it together in front of your love one, a few times jenga works to. 

Or you can get those log cabin type toys they look like miniature logs that you build a small house with.

Whatever you get, do it in front of your love one, eventually ask your love one to hold the pieces then eventually ask him/her to put their piece over your piece get your love one into playing gradually.

3 calming tips that have worked magic for me

1. Tell him/she they are right. There is no point in arguing. Don’t worry about being right, because it doesn't matter. Opt for peace instead. 
2. I used to turn the radio on in the next room. Grand dad would have to get up to turn it down or off, and would be distracted from yelling.
3. I would leave my room and tell grand dad that I could see he didn’t want my company so I would be nearby when he wanted to have a nice visit/chat. Understand that your loved ones dementia does not make it okay for them to treat you in an ugly way. Just leave the room and let them be miserable until they are done and can be nice.

Causes of agitated behaviors 

Some frequent causes of agitated behaviors are outlined

Health issues

• Is the person having a fatigue?
• Is the person having sleep deprivation disrupting their sleep pattern? 
• Is your person feeling Physical pains, hunger, thirst, feverish, having an illness or constipation? etc. 
• As a result of physical changes in the brain, does the person one Loss of control over behaviors.
• Is the person having adverse side effects as a result of the medication they are taking? 
• Does the person misinterpret sight and sounds?
• Is the person one Hallucinations?

Environment factors 

• They gradually lose their sense of what is going on around them. 
• They can't keep track of things and so they get worried, anxious, upset. It makes sense that if they are surrounded by things they don't understand -- noises, people,overcrowding etc.

Poor communication 

• Asking too many questions.
• Given complex and not easy to understand instructions.
• Being rude and verbally abusive. 

Other factor

• Not being independent that is enough to bring on aggressiveness and that's where your love one needs you most. Wouldn't you be angry and hate the world if you lost your independence?
• Is the person’s perceptions becoming less trustworthy he/she?
• They don’t remember where they are at times and forget other things therefore they are afraid. This causes anxiety. 
• They don’t know what is happening to them. 

What drugs are used to calm dementia patients?

Aggression requires medication management it could be anxiety or it could be a new phase. 

Medications are crucial for this but first you need to know the type of dementia/ be careful with any meds/ supplements. Talk to a good doctor and stay safe. 

Note: Medications make some patients feel crappy... it's up to you to investigate and its hard work. Some prescribe medications will make some patients very sleepy or groggy and will not help with having BM's and eating, many of those meds suppress appetite and can cause constipation, not to mention can become habit forming in some patients. Try or use holistic medicine

Don't be afraid of drugs -- they can be a huge help to the Alzheimer’s person and to the family.

IT is a "CASE by CASE basis”! What works for one person/doesn’t work for another/some people are quiet types, others are more agitated.

There are tablets your love one can take to calm them down see his/her doctor to get the right prescriptions. Please this is very important don't buy drugs based on assumptions or what you've heard they can do. 

Related:

Also Read: False-Hope Alzheimer’s Disease Drugs

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12 Benefits of Singing for the Elderly

While a lot of medical intervention cannot be particularly fun for the elderly to engage in, singing is actually not a medical activity, it is a fun and hobby activity and therefore there is this intrinsic motivation to do singing and acquire its health benefits.

Singing is a multi-functional health activity because it got a lot of different components to it that is good for health and it is being link to cultures around the world.

Note that not every art program has health benefits but just looking at general engagement with arts for pleasure that naturally has health benefits.

12 Benefits of Singing for the Elderly 

1. Singing produces happy hormones called endorphins and also Oxytocin which makes us like each other more.
2. Singing helps in social bonding 
3. Singing involves emotional expression or regulation which is good for mental health 
4. Singing can help us to get out of the house thereby reducing those sanitary behaviors that can be bad for physical health 
5. Singing also provides social interaction, can help to reduce feelings of isolation.
6. Singing improves your peek flow measurements if you are singing to improve your breath out. Peak flow is a tool that measures the strength of your exhalations. 
7. Lower risk of depression
8. Better preservation of cognition as we age
9. Lowers risk of chronic pain or age related disability  
10. When we sing there is a lot of different response from our body, this can include reduction in stress hormones such as Cortisol,
11. Singing reduces the inflammation in our immune system which is associated which include a range of conditions such as depression. 
12. Reduction in blood pressure and heart rates (multiple physiological benefits)

Does the type of song you singing matters when being used for therapy? 

The more you features let say different journals or different type music starts to matter. 

In a real world setting, singing is not just about the music, it’s about that social interaction like when you are heading to a concept performance and going to concepts is often a relaxing activity. 

How to engage a singing activity with a senior with memory issues?

• Sing together with the patient because you are not performing. 
• Sing low and slow at a pace and pitch so that your patient can keep up and is immersing in what you are doing. 
• There should be a lot of chatting and remembering in what you are doing. So you should engage your patient and notice how the follow up. 
• When singing with people that have memory issues, select songs that are not to wordy, that are repeatable, you can bunk it some harmony if you are feeling the mood, you can partner it with another song. 

How important is it to be singing in a senior choir? 

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay

Certainly if you are in a group, then you have got some added social benefits particularly emotional state and well being from the choir. And this feeling of well being that singing gives research has shown that they last for a long time.  

If you are a senior who is house bound and you can’t join a choir, there are still options for you, for you can join a virtual choir. 

Virtual choirs are great for people who don’t have a local community choir or round table to go out and access one so you can still be involve.  

This virtual choir led by Eric Whitaker has tens of thousands of subscriptions every year and there will be a great start for you. 

How long do you need to sing before seeing the benefits it brings?

The more you sing in a good and healthy way with diaphragm, the more you improve your muscles and the greater awareness you have over your breathing and the more control have over your singing. 

When you sing, there is an area of your brain that gets more blood flow - the pre-cortical areas. And there are the ones that are usually preserve in dementia when everything else is gone and this are concern with autobiography and emotions. 

When you sing, sometimes it does something really strong and weird to you, that feeling is really important and it really awakens patients especially those with dementia. 

How is musical memory connected to our other types of memories?

Music more often reminds us of our teenage years or our early twenties and that’s the period were we are having really important experience as people but perhaps not quite such sort of emotionally salient riches and vivid experiences, sensory experiences as those that we turn to have in those kind of childhood memories that turn to last us a life time.

Is musical memory stored in a different way?  

There thus seem to be some evidence that it might be. One striking example of this is a man who has very profound amnesia, a noted musician and a conductor and then he contract a virus that attack his hippocampus, the region of the brain that’s very important for many aspects of memory. 

This means that he lacks the ability to form new memories, and very much leave in a moment to moment type of awareness of things that are happening around him and yet he retains the ability to play and conduct music to a very high level.    

Conclusion 

A healthy society is one that is immersing with arts, Creativity is so intrinsic in having good mental health we need opportunities to tell our story. And music and the arts have been doing that throughout human history. 

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay

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12 Favorite Activities ideas for seniors at the early stage of dementia

What comes to your mind when you think about an activity to do with seniors at the early stages of dementia?

At some point in life you will get old and when that time comes you will still like to be active but then you won’t be able to do the things you did when you were younger.

Most of the activities listed here are age sensitive. Your love one won’t have to burn up much energy. Others activities require a little effort but this effort is appropriate to their age.

The mental and physical state of the person at the time needs to be considered before engaging in any activity.

Remember the goal of every activity is to achieve purpose and pleasure for the senior. 

When our love ones are unable to remember when to take their medications, unable to cook their meals and quite often leave water running all day, we feel worried, frustrated and we give-up on them making them feel drag.

Don’t give up yet!

For there are still fun activities you can engage with them that helps to boost self esteem and sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Here is my to-do-list of activities with person with dementia at an early stage. Some of these activities can be done alone and in a group.

But first let look at …

How to choose an activity at the early stage of dementia 

Focus on retaining remaining skills

You want to focus on maximizing what the person can do and minimize what they can’t. Maximizing their potential helps boost self esteem.

Encourage continuity with current life style 

You need to keep encouraging them to continue doing what they have been doing like if they have been taking care of the garden you want them to continue at that.

Adapt where necessary 

Avoid being to kind to the person by doing everything for them because your goal is to provide a sense of purpose.

12 Activities ideas you can do with seniors with dementia at the early stage

#1. Do a Videotape series – your love ones has seen a lot, lived through a lot and done a lot, so videotape your love ones detailing their life their experiences and opinions about life. This will be good for their grand kids who someday may be curious to know their family history. 

#2. Install a memory wall - install a memory wall in the patient’s room with a collection of pictures of their time with friend and family. Label each person’s name against their picture. For seniors who can still read at this stage, include pictures of their favorite places with stories in their own words about their memories of those places. 

#3. Jigsaw puzzle – lots of seniors enjoy puzzles, get a very easy piece of jigsaw puzzle of no more than 500 pieces preferably the ones that have beautiful nature pieces of cardboard sorted by basic colors. Make sure there is always a new one to start working on before they finish working on the current one. Puzzles are great at keep seniors busy and sometimes take close to 2 days to complete. 

#4. Watching nature documentaries – national geography would be a good pick for me.

#5. Audio books, recordings of radio programs and podcast - there are tons of audio books available in libraries for you to copy. Your love one may have poor vision or may not be able to read. Audio books especially the story telling ones are great beside who doesn’t love to hear a good story. 

#6. Make them a Playlist - Make a playlist of the kind of music they like and save it in a computer or any other multimedia device they can have access to easily so they can listen at any time.

#7. Senior to senior programs – your love one could use some companionship, lots of assisted living facilities offer senior for senior programs too where they match older adults dogs to senior citizens.

#8. Teach basic computer skills – at this stage of dementia, the seniors isn’t completely cognitively down so learning basic computer skills like how to email will connect your love one with friend and grand kids far away easily. 

#9. Join a senior sport league - Get the senior to socialize through senior sport league so they can play some golf if they are still physically fit.  

#10. Ask them to write short stories and put all the stories in a book. 

#11. Reconnect with old friends – reconnecting with old friends may be dinner parties, tea parties, banquets etc can spark some earlier life events. 

#12. Gardening - gardening is fun outdoor activities most retired seniors do. It can be every joyful especially as you get to nest and grow your own food. Gardening is self fulfilling, creates a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence. 

Why are activities important for dementia patients?

Being diagnosed with dementia means we are going to have a decline in our cognitive ability but that doesn’t reduce the ability to be active for being active is important for our well-being. 

Re-establish old role 

We all have are daily routines to attend to every day of our life, some we can’t go for a day without doing them. But people with Alzheimer’s often isolate themselves, stay lock indoors and shy away from their usual daily routines. Engaging a patient in little things like daily household chores reduces idleness, creates stability and helps maintain skill. 

Slows dementia symptoms 

Engaging a senior in an activity daily helps reduces the progress of dementia symptoms. This slowness in decline is beneficial to the senior as it helps the senior to stay active. 

Improves quality of life 

Most seniors as there get older often feel like they are a burden to their love ones and have nothing else to offer, but engaging a senior in activities that are productive help boost self esteem  and increase their quality of life since they can partake and contribute in a task. 

Manages challenging behaviors 

When stress, seniors often turn to be so agitated and angry over little thing, isolation can lead to depression. There have so much positive energy in them with no means to channel it. But understanding what calms them down is very important and most often certain activities can play such calming role. Activities like massage. 

Great way to have fun and social contact 

Even though the senior is becoming more forgetful, some activities are quite pleasurable, bring up lots of chats, laughter and social interaction which are essential for a seniors well being.     

Conclusion 

Having an aging member is a real challenge and it requires you to be at your best always to make them happy even at an early stage of dementia you will have to learn how to cope with the challenge and activities are just a great way to go about it. But as you about engaging them in these activities also make sure the senior tries to do them independently if possible. 

Image by Giustiliano Calgaro from Pixabay

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34 Possible Hobbies for Bored and Retired Seniors

You don’t have to be great in an activity before you consider taking it up as a hobby. It all depends on whether you have interest in it.

Most of the hobbies I have listed here have a broad range of cost and time.

Are you old and bored and wondering what to do?

Here are some ideas to look forward to your to – do – list.

34 Possible Hobbies for Bored and Retired Seniors 

#1. Learn a musical instrument – when you listen to music what’s that instrument that catches your attention, if you have figured that out then go learn it. With time you will find other seniors who love the same instrument to jam together.


#2. Join a band – joining a band is another way of creating a new family out of your current. You get to meet people you can share your problems with, assist and support each other and have fun doing what you all love together.


#3. Model building – a great technical hobby. The right kits keeps you busy for hours. There are model building clubs to share ideas and showcase your work.


#4. Survival games  – Survival games are a blast, this games require just a tactical mind and not reflexes. Enjoyable survival games to play are Day Z, rust, H1Z1 and mount and blade. Be cautious with how you play these games for they are very addictive.


#5. Tutoring/Volunteering – you don’t need to an academic to do this; it is a social activity and lots of people need tutoring like immigrants and school dropouts and also those who need help with their homework. You can equally offer your services for free at thrift shop; you can help sort, tag and even seal merchandise, local homeless shelter helping others at a senior center.


#6. Create a blog – for seniors who are still mentally fit you can create a blog like this one to help other seniors. You can write about anything. Free tools to use and create a blog are Wordpress and Blogger.


#7. Growing pots – this is not only a labor intensive activity to do, but it is also an excellent way to be busy for as long an excellent way to be busy for as long as you want. Plus you can equally make some great stocking stuffier during Christmas period.


#8. Golfing – all depends on your mobility as you get to go outside and walk.


#9. Travelling – adventure are the real deal, go see places, cultures, and people and try new food. Have a blast.


#10. Gardening – I see gardening as a senior’s first choice. I have a lot of seniors in my community and majorities have gardens. You will find pleasure growing your own food. You can equally join a garden club and learn the experiences of others.


#11. Knitting – very portable and social activity, gives you something to show for your time.


#12. Play card games and table games – games like backgammon, bridge, chess and poker are good for mental stimulation and competition. Studies show that such mentally engaging games slow down Alzheimer’s symptoms.


#13. Build rockets – most seniors experienced the birth of the space age and you just might be into rockets. You can build powerful toy rockets and launch them in areas you are allowed to by authorities. There are lots of tutorials online you can learn.


#14. Watch funny videos – a great way to pass your time and very enjoyable. There are tons of funny videos on YouTube.



#15. Archery – physically demanding and good for all ages. You can try the 4 main kinds of bows – the re-curve, compound, long bow and traditional bow.


#16. Amateur Astronomy – astronomy is a useful way to pass some time and it is better done if you live in the outskirts of a city or town. Astronomy tools are expensive but they are worth the time. You can join an astronomy club to learn some more.


#17. Modern Yo-yos – modern yo-yos are a great conversation starter, very fun and relaxing hobby.


#18. Fishing – this hobby requires some minimum investment. All you would need to catch a fish is a rod and reel with a small box of tackle which will cost you close to 30$. In some areas you will require some form of permission to fish so check if such rules apply to your area first.


#19. Bike riding – this hobby keeps you active and also you have a bike to keep clean often and in good working condition.


#20. Wild life rehabilitation – if you are an animal lover, there are certified courses you can take even online to learn and get involved in this fun hobby.


#21. Join a senior sports league – if you are moderately fit then you should consider joining a senior’s sport league.


#22. Photography – a hobby you can do alone or with a group, an outdoor activity that satisfies the creative part of you and moreover it keeps you moving.


#23. Wood working – you can do word works for your home and on demand. it is a time intensive hobby and requires patience. It can be complex or simple depending on your ability, but your output at the end will be useful.


#24. 3D Printing – requires some investment, you can also build your own printing kits. This hobby can keep you busy for long as a month.


#25. Oil and water color painting – a very enjoyable hobby that requires no real talent and it is also not too expensive. You can check out tons of tutorials online if you got no idea on how to start.


#26. Restoring old cars – this hobby fulfills your sense of accomplishment; moreover, it has a money making potential too. If you got no clue on how to go about this then checkout the tons of tutorial available for free online.


#27. Ham radio – you get to talk to other old, retired and bored people.


#28. Polish gems stones – don’t worry if you are a newbie for with time you will be very good at this. And you can create beautiful necklace.


#29. Mentoring – being a senior probably mean you’ve seen and pass through a lot so why not share your experience with others for it is going to help them. And it also a great way to socialize and not only kill time.


#30. Learn a new language – it sounds fun to be multilingual right? if speaking and writing new languages is what you have ever loved to do then there are lots of course for free on YouTube you can use to learn a new language.


#31. Whittling – great hobby if you can create toys of different shape and size from wood. Has an economic potential for you may consider selling your designs.

#32. Hunting 
#33. Hiking 
#34. Home brewing

Benefits of having a hobby when you retire  

Most seniors as they get older find solace in isolation and staying indoors. This is bad for your well being and overall health. 


I advice you take up one of the many hobbies I have listed above which are quite enjoyable and beneficial. 


According to the national institute of aging, being an active senior and engaging in any social, mental, leisure and productive activity have some long term benefits such as;

• Improves your cognitive ability. 

• Increases your life span. 

• You feel happier and less depress.

• You have a better way to cope with your loss.

• You can think easily with less stress. 

• You get to come across new things and learn them frequently. 

Budgeting Ideas for retired Seniors 

Being on retirement means you are on a fix income and if you are planning to fill your retirement with hobbies then you will have to cut on some of your expenditures. 

Some of the hobbies I listed above require some minimum investment.

• When planning your retirement budget, consider your age and health so you can avoid any plan base on a meager existence like backpacking, and freight hop train. Remember you are getting older and such a meager lifestyle is best sorted for people in their 30s. 

• Planning your travel cost consider things like location, accommodation, standard and duration for some location and activities will be cheaper than others. 

• You need to grasp your expenses, you need to also focus on unexpected cost like what if scenarios and not just your annual cost. In short you need to account for everything, any changes in your spending for it is very important.  

• Now that you are retired, you care probably going to cook and eat more therefore you will see an increase in your food expenses. Consider organic grown food, they taste better and are much healthier.

• Have assets in non tax advantage plan because having control over your money is good. 

• Consider using one car – at this stage of your life you are better with one car. If you have several cars I suggest you sell some, I assure you that you won’t miss them; moreover your expenses are fixed and need to be managed.  

• If you have no mortgage or debts, I suggest you move in to a community where you can have access to all kinds of stuffs because seniors turn to stay indoors when retired. House swap with other vacationers is probably something you can do if you are flexible and beside they are often rent free. 

• If they hobby you are accumulating assets for is now visible then you will find changes in your mental attitude. 

Conclusion 

Don’t just only get involved in a hobby because you are bored be passion about it first then consider your age, the mobility and financial requirements factor.

Have a blast with whatever hobby you choose. Hey! Don’t forget to tell me the hobby you found interesting on this list. 

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100 Meaningful Activities for Dementia Patients

The primary goal of a meaningful activity is to stimulate a dementia patient and not lead to frustration. 

If an activity is not stimulating and engaging, then it is not worth trying. 

So what is the first think that pops up in your mind when you are thinking of an activity to engage a person with Alzheimer disease?  

In real life situations, dementia patients, no matter their residence - be it those in assisted living, nursing home and private home care are often under-stimulated and frustrated with their environment.

For that simple reason I have carefully categories some meaningful activities you shall see as you read further.

But first remember this…

Before you choose an activity, make sure it is appropriate with the person’s age, physical ability, and interest. 

What is a meaningful activity?

This is an activity that totally grabs the person’s attention, is fully engaging and gives a sense of satisfaction to that person.  

Why are meaningful activities important? 

These activities are important because: 

• They include everything that we do in our life,
• They are more than a way to just pass time.
• These activities all provide different benefits for well-being. 

Goals to achieve:

• To maintain and improve memory.
• Boost self-esteem.
• To enhance socialization with family and friends. 
• To avoid boredom.
• To maintain verbal skills and improve social skill. 
• To promote good physical health. 

100 Meaningful Activities for Dementia Patients

Most dementia patients are often isolated and it is of your best interest if your loves ones don’t feel drag and depress.  One way of eliminating isolation is to engage them in meaningful activities. 

I have carefully categories meaningful activities into five types alongside 20 examples under each category. 

#1. Productivity Activity 

These are activities that have an economic value. Let say you carried a task that is helpful to other people and they appreciate it, you are being productive and valued because doing work makes you feel productive and valued even if it is not actually paid for. The purpose of this kind of activity is to create a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of being valued.

1. Making a craft
2. Cleaning a bathroom
3. Playing board games
4. Press flower
5. Picking vegetables
6. Cooking/baking
7. Making a Christmas present 
8. Fold laundry 
9. Making doll cloths
10. Feeding birds 
11. Read a magazine
12. Make food sculptures
13. Make a treasure map
14. Watch binoculars
15. Color
16. Pull weed
17. Play store
18. Collect seeds
19. Wash cars
20. Make a desert

#2. Leisure Activity 

These are activities to do during your pass time. The purpose of this kind of activity is to create fun. Doing this kind of activity is pleasurable and Leisure should both be passive and active.  An example here can be watching a movie which is passive and playing a game cards which is active because you are directly involve.

1. Golf 
2. Painting 
3. Reading books
4. Talking to friends
5. Photography
6. Gardening 
7. Bird watching
8. Listening to music 
9. Sightseeing
10. Go kayaking with friends
11. Tap dancing with friends
12. Attend tea parties
13. Attend concert
14. Do some home decorations
15. Go for a picnic
16. Go for a walk in the park
17. Watch movies 
18. Coin collecting 
19. Surf the internet
20. Attend sport events

#3. Self care activity 

These are activities to do when you feel overwhelmed.  The purpose of this activity is to encourage personal hygiene, body care through body exercise, taking care of your brain, grooming, showering and also care of our environment.  

1. Start a journal 
2. Read poetry 
3. Create a wall paper with photos of your love ones
4. Take a quiet nap
5. Yoga
6. Dog walking
7. Massage
8. Stretching exercises
9. Beach walking
10. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure 
11. Drink an adequate quantity of water each day
12.  Reducing stress
13. Learn Sewing 
14. Try acupuncture 
15. Do yourself a manicure and pedicure
16. Make a playlist and listen too
17. Take a shower
18. Cook yourself a meal
19. Watch funny videos 
20. Tidy your work space

#4. Rest and restoration Activity

A good life also requires you to take some times off to chill out, reasons why we have to incorporate rest and restoration into the daily routine of the elderly. The purpose of this kind of activity is to get back our energy and sleep is one way of recharging but they are more way of recharging. 

1. Hike or go camping 
2. Meditate 
3. Listening to music 
4. Sleeping 
5. Yoga
6. Take a cold Bath 
7. Bird watching
8. Pet therapy
9. Reflecting
10. Slow eating
11. Hug a friend or family member
12. Deep breathing  like you are smelling a flower or something
13. Counting
14. Blow bubbles
15. Envision a quiet place
16. Do some wall push ups
17. Roll a ball beneath your feet
18. Listen to music corresponding to your current mood
19. Ride a bike around the neighborhood 
20. Go group walking

#5. Self care cognitive wellness activity 

These are activities that involve thinking, decision making and problem solving. The purpose of this activity is to stimulate mentally. 

For example you can ask the person to put a jigsaw puzzle together – what this means is you are trying to give the person a reason of what you are asking them to do.  

In case the person can figure out the puzzle, just give them a little hand.  

With a little bit of organizational help the person uses his or her brain. After the task is accomplish applaud them for trying, it give a sense of accomplishment.  

1. Assertiveness 
2. Mindfulness
3. Healthy eating
4. Spend some time in nature (go for a forest bath)
5. Go camping 
6. Do group walking
7. Watch the sunset and sun rise 
8. Visit a museum
9. Join support groups
10. Aromatherapy
11. Watch the stars
12. Make yourself some tea
13. Go out and take some catchy pictures
14. Go shopping
15. Art and craft
16. Play memory matching game like go fish
17. Puzzles
18. Sequencing (a preschool routine also good for dementia patients).
19. Sorting and classifying (thought this may be a kinder garden game it is good for dementia patients too).
20. Play Sudoku a number placement puzzle

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