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Phone: 847-425-9708 | Email: info@itachicago.org
Phone: 847-425-9708
Email: info@itachicago.org

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8 Creative Ways to Stay Active with Aging Parents

February 4, 2020 by ITA Staff

Growing old doesn’t mean that life needs to get boring. Adult children may find that as their parents age, they aren’t able to do the same activities that they used to enjoy, and they may start becoming less active. It can be challenging to find new ways to spend time together that are fun and allow everyone to participate. Using the arts can be a great way to explore new creative activities that everyone can enjoy and share together.

an older woman and younger woman smiling at each other and playing hand instruments

Here are 8 creative things to try out:

  1. Using Music
    Listening to music is a great way to spend time with your parents. Music can spark a person’s memory, helping them to remember long-forgotten events. Spend some time listening to songs from when your parents were growing up and see what they remember from when they first heard the song – you’d be surprised what they may recall! Start with music from their late teens and early twenties. These transformative years are typically filled with lots of emotions, making memories from that time stronger.
  2. Dive into art
    Art comes in all forms and can be very accessible for people of all skill levels. Paint kits, and especially paint-by-number kits, can provide all the things you’ll need to get started on your own masterpieces and set you up for success. For people with arthritis, tremors, or other difficulty using their hands, large paint brushes and watercolors can provide an alternative way to put color on paper without worrying about boundaries and fine lines.
  3. Culinary Creations
    Bring the family together to make favorite recipes from your childhood. Recreating mom’s famous pie or dad’s unbeatable barbeque chicken can bring the whole family together in a fun and delicious way.
  4. Memory Cafés
    Take some time to visit a local Memory Café! These Cafés are a welcoming place for older adults who may have memory loss or dementia and their loved ones are invited to join. Offerings include music, crafting, dancing, and receiving education on a wide variety of topics related to aging adults. Visit the Memory Café Directory to find one near you!
  5. Take a Tour
    Museums of all types have recently begun to provide more programming specifically for older adults. These types of programs encourage curiosity &engagement and provide guided tours or presentations about the museum’s displays. To top it off, research has found that older adults who attend these types of events are healthier and can support a healthy mind.
  6. Attend a concert
    Instead of staying at home listening to music, head to a local venue for a small concert or dress up for a night at the symphony! Concerts can be a great opportunity to connect with new local bands or hear favorite bands perform their greatest hits.
  7. Horticulture
    The art of gardening can be a relaxing and fun way to spend time with each other. Potting favorite flowers, working in a small garden, or planting herbs can be fun activities for summer months that leave you with beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables.
  8. Game Nights
    Bring out that old pack of cards and see who can score the highest! Cards or other tabletop games can be a fun and easy going way to spend an afternoon. Find out what games your parents used to play when they were younger. This can also be a great way to involve grandchildren by helping to teach them a new game.

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ITA Chicago

Institute for Therapy through the Arts

2130 Green Bay Rd
Evanston, IL 60201

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