Activities that elders and caregivers can do together

In many elder/caregiver relationships, elders entertain themselves while their caregivers perform chores. Many elders and caregivers view this as standard practice because they believe that it is efficient. However, it can make two people who have worked together for a long time feel like strangers—or worse.

Fortunately, there are ways that they can gain more familiarity with each other. Here are three activities that elders and their caregivers can do together to build teamwork, develop shared interests, and get to know each other better.

Complete a puzzle

Elders and caregivers may feel like their relationship is a puzzle. However, they may be able to improve it by solving actual puzzles. They can practice compromising with each other by coming to agreements on what puzzles they want to solve. They can also practice teamwork by solving the puzzles together from start to finish. Solving a puzzle may show elders and caregivers what they can accomplish when they put their heads together.

Not only can puzzles enhance elders’ relationships with their caregivers, but also their mental health. Completing puzzles with their caregivers allows them to maintain their problem-solving skills. Concentrating on solving problems may slow down their cognitive decline and distract them from pain or other unwanted feelings. Successfully solving problems may make them feel a sense of achievement. Completing puzzles may positively impact elders’ social bonds and brains.

Read a book

Many elders like reading books, but have physical problems that make them unable to. For example, elders that have shaky hands may struggle to hold a book and turn its pages. Similarly, elders that have weak eyes may feel eye strain when reading small fonts. Caregivers can offer to read books out loud so elders with physical problems can enjoy stories without pain. This may teach elders that it is okay to depend on their caregivers, and their caregivers are happy to help them.

When caregivers read books out loud, it may make elders feel more artistic, excited, and social. Listening to stories requires elders to think creatively. They must use their imagination to visualize the settings, the characters, and their actions. Listening to stories also gives elders something to look forward to. Scheduled reading and listening time may become their favorite part of every day.

More than anything, elders may be happy to have someone to discuss stories with. They may have fun speculating with caregivers about what will happen next. For elders, reading a book can be a form of entertainment as well as a source of happiness.

Listen to nostalgic music

We’ve already written about how music therapy can be used to soothe and counteract cognitive decline. And when caregivers frequently play nostalgic music for elders, studies show the elders have more active minds. Thinking speeds can become faster, making them better at recalling short-term and long-term memories. They can then reminisce about those memories with their caregivers, strengthening their existing bonds. They can create new bonds with their caregivers if their caregivers begin to like the nostalgic artists, albums, and songs as well. Listening to nostalgic music can make elders mentally sharper and more willing to open up to their caregivers.

Caregivers may encourage elders to move by playing upbeat music. Upbeat music may give elders urges to dance or motivation to complete exercises. These activities may improve elders’ moods immediately and over time if they are repeated. They may also allow elders to sleep more soundly. In other words, caregivers can use music to help elders have healthier minds and healthier bodies.

While it is common for elders and their caregivers to work independently, doing activities together has many benefits. Completing puzzles together may teach them how to practice diplomacy and collaboration. Additionally, reading books together may show them that they can receive help from each other. Lastly, listening to nostalgic music may make them realize that they have similar lives and interests. If you or a loved one is an elder or caregiver, try one of these activities out—or suggest others in the comments below!

— Madison Kemp