10 Engaging Activities for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Benefits of activities for people with Alzheimer's and dementia

Caregivers supporting seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can bring joy to every day with engaging activities and plenty of ways to cherish loving moments and memories together.

While routines are important for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, that doesn’t mean every day has to be exactly the same. Putting extra thought into daily activities can make each moment spent together special, so that even as memory fades, happiness and connection can continue.

There are a few benefits to consider when thinking about activities to enjoy with your loved one:

• Elevate everyday routines: Incorporating new, fun, and meaningful activities into daily life improves focus, promotes relaxation, and reduces the risk of depression.

• Mental and physical stimulation: Even simple activities, such as folding laundry and other light household tasks, can be a great way for seniors to stay active and engaged in their daily routine.

• Boost emotional well-being: Activities and tasks help provide purpose and direction, creating a sense of fulfillment and joy in seniors.

Each activity, no matter how big or small, should have similar goals – supporting peace of mind, independence, and engagement while simultaneously providing safety and positivity. 

What to consider before starting activities  

Keep in mind that a senior's mood and physical and mental abilities can impact what activities they might like to do. It's important to have open discussions, talk about what brings them joy, and what they're capable of doing that given day. By involving them in the decision, seniors can have fun, stay engaged, and maintain a sense of independence. 

Remember to be patient and willing to adapt if seniors become frustrated or confused during activities, even if they previously enjoyed the same activity. It’s also a good idea to include a caregiver or loved ones in activities if you think your loved one would benefit from additional support.

Sometimes, the right level of care and support can vary from day to day. For example, if someone is having a more challenging day, consider meeting with smaller groups instead of attending larger social gatherings. Having a trusted caregiver nearby can also help seniors feel more comfortable and safe while enjoying activities.

Meaningful activities for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia

There’s a wide range of activities that seniors can participate in when living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, from simple tasks to thoughtful, productive projects. Depending on the activity, consider doing it indoors or outdoors for a change of scenery. 

Here are our top 10 activities to enrich everyday routines for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia:

1. Listen to music 

We all appreciate the gift of song, and this is especially true when it comes to memory loss. Musical intervention can reduce stress by calming seniors and their caregivers alike. 

• Favorite songs: If a senior has a particular genre of music they enjoy, put on an album and listen with them. 

• Karaoke: Sing along together, or incorporate a bit of dance or movement for added fun and gentle exercise.

• Seasonal tunes: If it’s getting close to Christmas or another favorite holiday, music can bring the festive spirit to life.

2. Make flower arrangements

As simple as it sounds, arranging flowers in a bouquet is an excellent sensory activity that stimulates positivity and joy. Creating a beautiful arrangement is both stress-free and engaging. 

Once finished, arrangements can be placed around the home to admire for days to come. If there’s an upcoming occasion, such as a loved one’s birthday, seniors can even create a bouquet for them as a gift. This will help provide more purpose and passion for the activity.

3. Reminisce about childhood, family, school, or fond memories

Conversations about pleasant memories encourage self-expression and positive thinking in seniors. 

Asking questions about their childhood or family can support those memories and help a person feel connected to their experiences. And it's great for family bonding.

Looking at old family photos is another excellent way to reflect on happy memories. While flipping through the pages of a photo album, ask them about the people, events, and locations in the images.

4. Socializing with others

Staying socially connected with friends, family, and the local community can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, while also reminding your loved one that they are supported. 

Socializing can be as simple as chatting with workers in shops while running errands or dropping in to visit a neighbor. Regularly attending large social gatherings might be overwhelming, but seniors with dementia can still enjoy weddings, church services, and other chances to reconnect with their community.

Social media and digital devices offer more ways to connect with loved ones who might live farther away or not be able to visit in-person as often. Arranging video calls with children, grandchildren, and friends means seniors can still catch up without leaving the comfort of their homes.

5. Bake homemade goods

It's always nice to have the house smell like baked treats, and the familiar scents of one's favorite bread or cookies can stimulate their senses and make them feel happier. 

Try simple recipes together, encouraging seniors to participate as much as they’re able and helping them feel proud of what they’ve created. If there is a loved one going through a tough time, or someone is celebrating a milestone in love, baking for them will add an extra sense of purpose to the activity. 

6. Enjoy the great outdoors

People with Alzheimer's and dementia need to engage with the outdoors and get a little exercise, and spending time in the fresh air outside offers opportunities to do both.

Whether it's a walk around the neighborhood or a trip to the local park, getting outside boosts endorphins, which are excellent for reducing stress.

Outdoor activities don't always have to be "active." Simply sitting outside to enjoy a refreshing drink is an easy way to get some fresh air, while the drink's comforting taste can also be a potent memory booster.

It’s important to help seniors feel accomplished and engaged with the outdoors, even if they can't do strenuous physical activity. Straightforward tasks, such as watering plants, are a great way to incorporate gentle movement, interact with nature, and help seniors feel fulfilled.

7. Dedicate time to hobbies

Spending time on personal interests and hobbies helps seniors rediscover their passions and return to familiar routines. Encourage them to teach others how to do so they can share their hobbies and feel proud of teaching someone else a new skill.

Hobbies could include creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or knitting. Solo activities, such as reading and photography, are also beneficial, as are interactive activities, such as playing games with others, like chess or trivia quizzes. 

Activities don’t have to be focused on existing hobbies. Seniors can try new things, like creating gifts and cards for upcoming occasions, or even trying low-stimulation computer games.

8. Carry out simple household tasks

While household chores may not seem exciting to most of us, involving seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s in these everyday tasks can help them feel more involved in their daily routine. 

However small or simple, the task should be positioned as a valuable contribution to the household. Activities shouldn’t be complicated or physically demanding, but rather easily accomplished with just a few steps. Household activities could include:

• Folding laundry and towels before putting them away.

• Polishing silverware and glassware.

• Setting the table for meals, which could include arranging visually appealing centerpieces.

• Sorting items, such as helping grandchildren arrange building blocks by color.

9. Try gentle exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to involve an intense workout or a run. Gentle movement is more beneficial for seniors and reduces the risk of injury from strenuous activity. With the right support, it can bring plenty of benefits for their health and wellbeing, too.

Seated exercises, like chair yoga and light stretches, are great for those with limited mobility. If a senior can manage slightly more physical activity, tossing a ball around in the front or backyard can be a great way to spend time together and get some exercise. Swapping the ball for a balloon is a simple substitution that allows for more air time and lighter touches to move the balloon.

10. Do puzzles or play board games

Puzzles and board games are excellent ways to encourage mental stimulation. Set up on a table, on the porch, or even in the living room, and enjoy hours of fun. 

Choose puzzles with fun imagery and colors that seniors can admire when they’ve finished. Straightforward, slow-paced board games are ideal for cognitive engagement, such as Scrabble, memory match cards, and Snakes and Ladders. You can also enjoy getting to know your loved one better as you play.

Fun activities like these ease agitation and provide a feeling of accomplishment.

Comfort Keepers® Can Help Care for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s

We believe that every senior should experience the best life has to offer. At Comfort Keepers, we create individual positive care plans for seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at home. Customized plans include companionship, personal care, and practical support that prioritizes safety and meaningful connections.

Our caregivers can help carry out physician-prescribed exercise plans and provide seniors with the tools they need to engage in the activities they love. They can also help seniors stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls, and care updates.

If you want to know more about Comfort Keepers' uplifting in-home care services, contact us today.