Wellness Resolutions for Scranton Seniors & Caregivers
Wanting to improve physical and emotional wellness is a great goal to have, however, for many of us, the thought of improving body and mind often remains a concept. Many resolutions support your well-being, like wanting to eat better, incorporating more physical activity into your schedule, carving out time for mindfulness and meditation, and the list goes on.
But often, we forget to consider the uncommon resolutions. The ones that incorporate more moments of joy in our day-to-day lives. In this article, we’ll go over some unique wellness goals that caregivers and their senior loved ones can do together to bring more joy to their day, and a stronger personal connection to their relationship.
Wellness Activities for Seniors & Caregivers To Do Together
When considering resolutions that support your well-being, consider a holistic perspective - improving your wellness from the outside, in. From being mentally present in the small moments to incorporating your local favorites, here are a few community-specific ideas and unexpected angles to consider.
Adopt a Scranton Trail - Scranton, PA, is home to so many beautiful parks and walking trails, like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and Nay Aug Park. Caregivers and their senior clients or loved ones can resolve to explore a new park or trail each month together. If mobility allows for it, consider signing up to volunteer together as a Trail Tender or for the Adopt-A-Trail program with Lackawanna Heritage Valley.
Turn Errand Running into a Mini Adventure - Running errands isn’t particularly exciting, although everyone needs to do it. Try turning a boring task into a mini adventure by finding joy in these small trips. If you’re a caregiver who shares a love for coffee with your senior client, visit a new coffee shop each time you run an errand together. Or, each time you buy groceries, add a grocery item neither of you have tried before. Maybe this is an exotic fruit or an international item. Trying new things together can be a fun and exciting way to bond and experience more of what life has to offer.
Get a Breath of Fresh Air - Getting outdoors and into nature is beneficial for our health. Commit to going outside together at least twice a week. Even if your outside time is simply 15 minutes on the porch together, the fresh air will do you both good.
The ‘One Social Call a Week’ Rule - Staying social is so crucial to a senior’s well-being, as it helps ward off loneliness and isolation. Older adults might be hesitant to reach out to family and friends often if they feel like a burden in the midst of everyone’s busy schedules. A bit of coaxing and a resolution to socialize at least once a week can help them overcome this. Whether it’s a phone call, a video chat, or an in-person visit, caregivers can assist seniors with contacting someone they love weekly.
The Weekly Indulgence Ritual - It’s often the little things that make us happy as humans. Indulging ourselves in something small, yet meaningful, can go a long way to overall wellness. Caregivers and their senior clients can incorporate a weekly ritual where they enjoy something together. If you both love movies, take turns sharing a favorite movie together in the evening. Do you both have sweet tooths? Treat yourselves to a small bakery item each week (if it’s within dietary restrictions), like from Scranton’s Lynn Sandy's Bakery from Home National Bakery.
Places to Visit with Older Adults in Lackawanna County
As much as our caregivers are there to help your loved one stay safe, our caregivers also serve as companions. Your loved one’s emotional and social well-being is important to us, so of course, we love embracing their hobbies and passions and seeing them enjoy their surroundings.
For example, a few additional places caregivers can consider taking their senior clients or loved ones include nearby senior centers and the local library. Both options offer vibrant communities with so much to do, like classes, workshops, games, activities, and clubs. Lackawanna County has several senior centers, including Fallbrook Senior Community Center, Dunmore Senior Community Center, and Hillside Senior Community Center. The Lackawanna County Library System has multiple branches throughout the county. You can find your nearest one on their website.
Related Reading: Benefits of Local Senior Centers for Scranton Seniors
Achieving Wellness Goals with Help from Visiting Angels
Our in-home caregivers can set achievable goals with their senior clients, building routines that support their well-being and stronger relationships. Visiting Angels of Scranton, PA, provides companion care services to seniors throughout Lackawanna and parts of Wyoming counties. Our caregivers provide the socialization and emotional support seniors need and deserve. Spending time with seniors helps our Angel caregivers feel fulfilled, knowing they brightened a client’s day. They take the support they give to heart, helping each client live their best life.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your wellness goals in 2025.