8 Activities for Senior Adults with Vision Impairment

While vision loss may be common among people over the age of 65, vision loss should be addressed as soon as any changes are noticed to avoid further complications. While vision impairment doesn’t always mean complete loss of sight, it may hamper your day-to-day activities, making everyday life harder.

It’s possible to live life to the fullest despite having vision impairment! There are various pursuits one can do to keep occupied and feel enriched. This article highlights some activities for seniors with vision impairment.

What Causes Vision Impairment in Seniors?

The following factors may be responsible for vision changes in seniors:

• ●      Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudy lens. It develops over time and leads to blurry vision.
• ●      Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that leads to loss of peripheral vision.
• ●      Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs due to poorly managed blood sugar levels. It causes blurriness, floaters, difficulty recognizing colors, and spotty vision.
• ●      Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration causes blurry or distorted vision.

Vision loss may significantly affect the life of many seniors. However, with care, support, and the right activities, older adults can lead an active and fulfilling life. It may take a little planning and some adjustments to ensure they don’t find these activities too difficult. Here’s a list of some activities that vision-impaired seniors would enjoy; activities that will ensure their physical and mental well-being and perhaps bring a smile to their faces.

8 Activities for Older Adults with Vision Impairment

1. Listening to Music

Music is therapeutic and works wonders for the mind and body. Listening to music is a relaxing activity as it reduces stress and anxiety. It is the perfect activity for seniors, who can even dance to their favorite tunes and fully experience the simple joys in life. Dancing will also help elder folks get some physical exercise, further boosting their moods.

To help them enjoy their dancing and music sessions, clear the living room of furniture, rugs, or other objects that could cause trips or falls. Then let them sing and dance around to their heart’s content! There’s a variety of music available online, and even an hour spent listening and dancing to music can help them feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

2. Reading or Listening to Audiobooks and Podcasts

Listening to stories is an enjoyable activity for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. Stories that are engaging and enthralling can trigger the imagination of every listener. Reading their favorite books to them will help seniors feel personally involved with their caregivers or family members.

Apart from books, audiobooks are available in every genre that elders can listen to and enjoy. It’s another activity that can help elder adults feel happy and de-stressed. Podcasts on a wide variety of subjects are also available online (at no cost). These are not only interesting but also increase positivity among listeners. Podcasts can bring news from around the world or provide much-needed inspiration or education, and a chance to de-stress.

3. Doing Exercise

Light exercises, such as yoga and walking, can boost one’s mood and refresh physically and emotionally. Exercising improves blood circulation, strengthens the muscles, and keeps the joints flexible and the heart healthy. Exercise boosts physical health and increases positivity and is ideal for elder adults with vision impairment. Walking alongside, or giving simple instructions for yoga poses, will provide them with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

4. Watching Movies

Movies created with audio descriptions for those who have visual impairment can make for interesting activities for seniors. These descriptions provide narrations that make movies watching a fun activity from within the comforts of their homes. Many TV shows also offer audio descriptions and are available for viewing.

5. Playing Board Games

Board games and card games are activities that give older folks a chance to feel playful. These activities do not require any physical movement and can be played in the comfort of their home. Several board games and card games are created especially for people with visually impairments, such as dominoes, scrabble, and playing cards with large print that can be purchased online.

6. Playing with Pets

Playing with pets can be quite therapeutic. Petting or playing with furry animals helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. It drives away feelings of loneliness and calms the mind. Interacting with pets leaves one feeling happy and peaceful. Seniors with vision impairment benefit from spending time with pets, as it diverts their attention from stressful thoughts and soothes their nerves.

7. Doing Household Chores

Household chores may seem mundane, such as washing dishes, folding laundry, and sorting through clothes, silverware, and old belongings. But these activities can help relieve stress and foster relaxation. For seniors with vision impairment, performing simple household activities can feel meditative. The sensory stimulation these activities provide can calm the mind and leave them feeling satisfied.

8. Participating in Outdoor Activities

Walking, gardening, hiking, and socializing are all outdoor activities that seniors with visual impairment can indulge in to stay active. Meeting their peers can provide mental stimulation and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Activities such as walking and hiking can also give them much-needed exercise to help they stay physically and emotionally fit.

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Contact Visiting Angels of Mercer and Burlington Counties for compassionate senior assistance for a family member with vision impairment. Our care providers are carefully screened and selected to match the needs of every client. Contact us today to learn more.