If your parents desire to join activities many senior centers offer free activities and classes as well as peer support. If they like to volunteer many elementary schools love having elder volunteers read with children .It all depends on your parents own personal preferences, personalities, and abilities. They may prefer some hard earned peace and quiet, or be social butterflies wanting to join a new club.
My Mum at 85 is an active volunteer, belongs to social groups, Dragon Boats etc. My former MIL is 84, have lived in this town about 18 years and has only met the people that live in her 9 unit townhouse complex. She refused to get involved in any community activities and is a home body.
If someone wanted to get my former MIL involved in activities, she would have been traumatized. If Mum had to stay home she would whither and die.
If they want to do activities, then others have posted some great ones. What are their interests, abilities and areas of expertise?
I saw a post on Facebook this morning about a 91 year old man who has made 900 bird houses out of reclaimed lumber. There was another one I saw recently about a woman who is 100 who makes quilts for charity.
There is a man who cuddles babies in the infant ICU at BC Children's hospital. He gives the babies the cuddles and affection they need when the parents cannot be there.
There are so many possibilities, but only if they want to do something.
You might want to research "volunteerism" in your area then try to match your parents' interests with opportunities.
At this time of the year, I'm guessing that food pantries could use help in packaging food for the needy.
Are they still driving, safely? They could deliver Meals on Wheels. Not only would they have a chance to interact with MOW staff, but they would be delivering food and cheer to people who may be shut-ins.
Senior Centers are good sources for interactive events; check yours and see if there's a newsletter with a calendar of events, especially at this time of the year. Not only could they attend, they could participate in planning and organization for events. Larger communities may have more opportunities.
I've read that animal shelters need volunteers to interact with the animals. If your parents like animals, that's a good opportunity as it benefits both humans and animals. A similar opportunity is one my niece chose: her children read to pets. I believe that service dogs were part of the canine audience, and that these events took place at libraries.
Apparently animals need respite care as well, and not only did children (or adults, I would think) relax from reading and interaction with the animals, the latter benefited as well.
I LOVE NeedHelpWithMom's suggestion of working in museums, especially historical ones! She reminded me that docents are needed in museums, and in our area, the Henry Ford Museum is one. It's a massive museum focused on history, especially of transportation. Massive steam engines, old model Ts, drive-in restaurants that featured "car hops" and other displays attract large crowds.
There would most likely be training for any kind of docent position, but that expands the interaction - with staff, then with a changing group of visitors. And I would imagine there are opportunities to participate in planning for events.
NHWM, that was such a great suggestion! You've given me ideas for my own volunteer activities. Geaton, your suggestions as well are not only helpful but exciting. You both have given ME suggestions on opportunities to explore!
Also, are there any senior centers in your town? My mom in her 80's was the senior lunch check-in person at our little senior center. She so enjoyed the social exposure and it was fun for her.
When my son was in preschool they had a volunteer reader come in once a week (Gramma Pat) who was well loved. You don't say how old your parents are, if they drive and if they are cognitively intact but they can volunteer at NHs, schools, community events, local historical society, etc. Volunteerism is better than just "activities" as it gives them purpose, and they have much to contribute still.
Yes, Geaton is correct. Council on Aging has senior lunches, community meetings, fund raisers, bingo, exercise groups, craft classes and more.
Churches often have senior groups too. They do meals, picnics, bible study, field trips to museums and more.
Libraries do more than reading these days. They have exhibits of all kinds.
There are youth groups that ask the elderly to be surrogate grandparents to children who don’t have grandparents.
Do your parents have any talents that they enjoy sharing? They can volunteer. In our city we have a top notch WW11 museum where veterans volunteer their time. It’s wonderful! They make the best tour guides.
Do they play music? They can visit nursing homes and volunteer to play a few tunes for the residents. I had an elderly aunt who loved playing the piano and singing in nursing homes.
My Mum at 85 is an active volunteer, belongs to social groups, Dragon Boats etc. My former MIL is 84, have lived in this town about 18 years and has only met the people that live in her 9 unit townhouse complex. She refused to get involved in any community activities and is a home body.
If someone wanted to get my former MIL involved in activities, she would have been traumatized. If Mum had to stay home she would whither and die.
If they want to do activities, then others have posted some great ones. What are their interests, abilities and areas of expertise?
I saw a post on Facebook this morning about a 91 year old man who has made 900 bird houses out of reclaimed lumber. There was another one I saw recently about a woman who is 100 who makes quilts for charity.
There is a man who cuddles babies in the infant ICU at BC Children's hospital. He gives the babies the cuddles and affection they need when the parents cannot be there.
There are so many possibilities, but only if they want to do something.
At this time of the year, I'm guessing that food pantries could use help in packaging food for the needy.
Are they still driving, safely? They could deliver Meals on Wheels. Not only would they have a chance to interact with MOW staff, but they would be delivering food and cheer to people who may be shut-ins.
Senior Centers are good sources for interactive events; check yours and see if there's a newsletter with a calendar of events, especially at this time of the year. Not only could they attend, they could participate in planning and organization for events. Larger communities may have more opportunities.
I've read that animal shelters need volunteers to interact with the animals. If your parents like animals, that's a good opportunity as it benefits both humans and animals. A similar opportunity is one my niece chose: her children read to pets. I believe that service dogs were part of the canine audience, and that these events took place at libraries.
Apparently animals need respite care as well, and not only did children (or adults, I would think) relax from reading and interaction with the animals, the latter benefited as well.
I LOVE NeedHelpWithMom's suggestion of working in museums, especially historical ones! She reminded me that docents are needed in museums, and in our area, the Henry Ford Museum is one. It's a massive museum focused on history, especially of transportation. Massive steam engines, old model Ts, drive-in restaurants that featured "car hops" and other displays attract large crowds.
There would most likely be training for any kind of docent position, but that expands the interaction - with staff, then with a changing group of visitors. And I would imagine there are opportunities to participate in planning for events.
NHWM, that was such a great suggestion! You've given me ideas for my own volunteer activities. Geaton, your suggestions as well are not only helpful but exciting. You both have given ME suggestions on opportunities to explore!
When my son was in preschool they had a volunteer reader come in once a week (Gramma Pat) who was well loved. You don't say how old your parents are, if they drive and if they are cognitively intact but they can volunteer at NHs, schools, community events, local historical society, etc. Volunteerism is better than just "activities" as it gives them purpose, and they have much to contribute still.
Churches often have senior groups too. They do meals, picnics, bible study, field trips to museums and more.
Libraries do more than reading these days. They have exhibits of all kinds.
There are youth groups that ask the elderly to be surrogate grandparents to children who don’t have grandparents.
Do your parents have any talents that they enjoy sharing? They can volunteer. In our city we have a top notch WW11 museum where veterans volunteer their time. It’s wonderful! They make the best tour guides.
Do they play music? They can visit nursing homes and volunteer to play a few tunes for the residents. I had an elderly aunt who loved playing the piano and singing in nursing homes.
Best wishes to you and your family.