Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to stiffness, shaking and difficulty with balance and coordination. Generally, the symptoms of the disease grow worse, gradually, over time. Parkinson’s disease is often called a disease of old age because it is most often diagnosed in people 60 years old and older. In fact, only 4% of Parkinson’s cases are diagnosed before the patient reaches age 50.
An elderly person with Parkinson’s will demonstrate the same symptoms as any person with Parkinson’s. These symptoms include:
- Vision changes
- Nausea and constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Anxiety
- Slowness of movement
- Depression
- Lack of coordination and impaired balance
- Loss of sense of smell
- Rigidity of the trunk and limbs
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Increased sweating and salivation
- Sleep disturbances
- Impaired thinking or memory lapses
- Bradykinesia or the loss of spontaneous movement
- Tremors in the arms, hands, face and legs
While there currently is no treatment that can delay the progression or cure Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it is helpful to understand what activities are safe for Parkinson’s patients, as well as the best therapeutic activities for Parkinson’s disease.
How do you Entertain Someone with Parkinson’s Disease?
When you are wondering about the best hobbies and fun activities for Parkinson’s patients, it is important to remember that Parkinson’s can affect many aspects of the patient’s life. However, with careful planning, the effects of Parkinson’s can be managed and the patient can continue to live a full life. Here are a few tips to conserve energy so Parkinson’s patients can continue to choose daily entertainment they enjoy:
- Plan activities, including exercise, recreation and chores, ahead of time so they can be spaced out throughout the day.
- If you need to rest, allow yourself to rest before and after participating in activities. Allow yourself to stop during an activity if you begin to feel over-tired.
- Avoid rigorous physical activity. If you aren’t sure if something is safe, ask your health care provider.
- Ask for help when needed, and allow friends and family to pitch in.
- Avoid planning activities directly following a meal.
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and for your daily activities. Allow yourself to make small changes to reduce the strain on your body.
- Always get a good night’s sleep.
Fun Activities for Parkinson’s Patients
Finding fun activities for Parkinson’s patients and their loved ones can take some planning. The first step is to identify activities the patient enjoys and to find ways to make modifications to reduce stress or strain. Here are a few ideas:
- Cook Together. Cooking can help a Parkinson’s patient maintain their fine motor dexterity, and it encourages eating healthy meals in a fun, social setting. It is one of the best therapeutic activities for Parkinson’s disease.
- Go Swimming. Swimming provides aerobic activity that can get the heart pumping, but it does not put the same strain on the body as walking or running. Rose Estates Assisted Living Community understands the benefits and provides a pool perfect for fun and exercise!
- Try Arts and Crafts. Maintaining hand strength is important for Parkinson’s patients, and making artistic creations can allow the whole family to feel a sense of accomplishment! At Wesley Court Assisted Living, arts, crafts and other creative hobbies are enjoyed through classes and in common areas during free time.
- Watch a Movie Together. Some days your loved one with Parkinson’s may not be up for much activity. Watching a movie is a wonderful way to share an experience without creating any physical demands.
- Fly a Kite. Spending time outside is good for the mind and body for people of all ages. Flying a kite works the hands and arms but does not put any strain on the body. The professionally landscaped grounds at Rose Estates are the perfect place to fly a kite and enjoy some fresh air!
- Put Together a Puzzle. Challenging your brain can be fun for the whole family. From puzzles to crossword puzzles to word searches, keeping your loved one’s memory sharp has many benefits.
- Play Cards. At Wesley Court, you can share a lively card game with a friend or your family, or you can join the social group for bingo or bridge. Card games are proven to enhance critical thinking skills and processing speed in the brain.
- Go Bird-Watching. The flowering gardens at Rose Estates are the perfect place to enjoy nature and learn a bit more about the native wildlife.
- Do Yoga. Yoga classes have many benefits for Parkinson’s patients. The mental practices and physical movements boost the quality of the patient’s life, while the stretching can help to reduce aches and pains.
Understanding Your Options
From art classes to educational lessons, yoga, swimming, book clubs and volunteering, residents at Rose Estates, Wesley Court and all Tutera Senior Living & Health Care communities enjoy a wide variety of opportunities to enrich their health and their lives.
Interested in learning more about a Tutera Senior Living & Health Care community near you? Call 877-988-8372 today!
