10 Ways to Help your Parents Stay Engaged Post Their Retirement

Retirement can become monotonous for people who enjoy working. We all want to stay forever young, don’t we? After our parents retire, they find it hard to keep themselves active and occupied. Without jobs, things can get hard to cope up with as boredom can make them feel a lot older than they want to. As children, it is our duty to help them stay active and engaged both mentally and physically. Because as they say, you only get old when you start feeling old! 

As old age hits, it is highly crucial for you to maintain a healthy relationship with your parents to make them feel valued.

Here are 8 ways to help your parents stay active even after retirement:

1. Exercises: Morning and evening walks can boost up your parents’ energy and help them stay fit. Moderate exercises help them keep their joints and muscles moving, which helps in the reduction of joints pain. Simple exercises also help in the efficient circulation of blood and oxygen flow in the body which helps them lead a healthy lifestyle. 
2. Puzzles and word games: Simple puzzles and interesting games can help your parents feel good. It can help in keeping their minds active. Everyday mind activities can make your parents work their mind muscles without putting pressure. Spare some time from your busy schedule and arrange a word game with your parents. Regular interactions with your parents bring you closer to them! 
3. Social media: We often don’t get enough time to use social media in our daily jobs. When your parents retire, it’s the perfect time for them to feel young all over again and go bananas with technology! Take some time out every day to teach them the magical effects of technology. Staying connected to their loved ones through social media, watching exciting videos on YouTube, and clicking goofy selfies can make them stay away from boredom. These little things and efforts from your side can make them immensely happy! 
4. Giving them books to read: Now that your parents have all the time in the world, they can explore things like art and literature! An exciting way to stay engaged is to read a good book or a spiritual holy book of their interest. This will not only help them to learn something new but will also keep their mind active. 
5. Music, Movies, and shows: Who doesn’t enjoy the pleasure of a good movie? Movies and shows can be a great source of entertainment for the elderly. Watch something exciting with your parents of their era, to make them feel special and nostalgic. It’s always good to reminisce about old times and look back at hundreds of memories. While you’re at it, you can also ask them to talk about their childhood memories and laugh with them! 
6. Gardening: Nature has beautiful ways of communicating with those who truly wish to know it. Spending time with plants can be a great source of happiness and engagement for your parents. It will give them a sense of purpose and keep them engaged. Having greenery in your house can be a great source of cold breeze, a delightful sight, and improved oxygen circulation through clean air! 
7. Talk about the old times with your parents: Every once in a while, sit with your parents and ask them to tell you about their childhood, school memories, and teenage stories. They can go on and on about it! While you’re at it, you can also open up photo albums and get nostalgic with them. If the stories fall short, you can always roll back to your childhood memories! Small efforts like these can brighten up their day and bring a smile to their face! 
8. Traveling: Traveling is a wonderful way to take a break. Plan a vacation with your parents and help them explore new places, cultures, and people! If you don’t have the bandwidth for a vacation, Sunday picnics to the city park can work wonders on keeping your parents engaged and happy! 
9. Socializing: Help your parents socialize with other people of their age. Book clubs, and yoga & meditation classes are a magnificent way of keeping your parents interactive and seek support from people of their age. 
10. New Hobbies: Developing and exploring new activities can make your parents energetic. Knitting, pottery, cooking, learning a musical instrument, and solving jigsaw puzzles can instantly produce serotonin in their bodies and make them feel delighted!

The Bottom Line:

Old age tends to become a lonely journey. However, if you engage with your parents and encourage them to try new hobbies and explore new things, it can become a fun process! 

If you’re looking for elderly care services at home, elder care services in Delhi, home nursing services in Gurgaon, Senior Care is a safe place for your parents to feel valued, safe and secure.