Studies show that spending time with grandparents increases success and self-assurance.
Seeking out a stronger relationship with older family members isn’t just a fun way to connect with loved ones. It also creates memories to cherish and hold dear.
Here, we’ll tell you some things to do with Grandma when visiting her in a senior living community. Read on to increase the quality of both your lives!
Games and Puzzles
Many older adults like card games. They’re nostalgic and easy to play. They also don’t require anything other than a single deck of cards, which is readily available at a top-notch assisted living community.
Try out games like:
- Go Fish
- Old Maid
- Crazy Eights
- Rummy
- Poker (without money-related gambling)
Fun board games to try include:
- Scrabble
- Boggle
- Yahtzee
- Monopoly
- Sorry!
All of these build critical thinking skills and cognitive processing. Trying to find words quickly or engage in problem-solving can keep your grandparents sharp.
Plus, board games are a fun way to boost grandparent involvement with larger families. Most board games accommodate 4+ people, which is ideal for those trying to bond with multiple grandparents and other family members.
Finally, puzzles are a great way to spend time with grandparents while keeping them sharp. Jigsaw puzzles form a picture and provide a sense of accomplishment after your grandparent finishes them.
Arts and Crafts
Studies from the National Institute on Aging cite several ways that crafting promotes healthy aging. Some benefits include:
- Better cognitive function
- Improved memory
- Opportunities for self-expression
- Better self-esteem
- Higher instances of well-being
- Lower chances of stress and agitation
Completing crafts also provides seniors with a tangible goal. Finishing them provides a sense of satisfaction and completion. This is only magnified when they create things alongside a loved one, like a grandchild.
Seniors can keep the end product and remember the time you spent together. Ask your grandparent what their favorite crafts are and try them out.
If they’re not sure, suggest a few options like:
- Crochet
- Knitting
- Embroidery
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
When your grandparent chooses from the list, you can get started. Grandparent involvement in the decision-making process is more likely to make them an active participant in the activity.
Spend Time Outdoors
Top senior living communities in Charlotte, NC, have a wide range of outdoor amenities. At TerraBella Little Avenue, you’ll find:
- Private courtyard space for relaxation
- Community gardens for tending to plants
- Scenic walking paths within the commumity
Spending time outside is one of the best things to do with Grandma when you visit. You’ll both reap the benefits of fresh air and sunshine, which can decrease instances of depression while reducing stress.
Plus, moving around outside with your grandparent can improve their mobility and get them some much-needed exercise.
Gardening together is a great creative activity. Tending to flowers and vegetables:
- Offers a chance for shared experiences
- Boosts motor skills
- Improves confidence
- Offers learning opportunities for grandchildren about how older generations solve problems and create landscapes
- Offers a sense of purpose for grandparents who want to nurture living plants
- Creates fresh-grown fruits and veggies for healthy eating
Think about cooking the vegetables you grow with your grandparents. This is a great opportunity to learn some family recipes!
Share Stories
Seniors frequently like to connect with young people by sharing stories of their own youth. They get the chance to share their own life experiences.
The grandchildren that they share these stories with can get some perspective on the time that their older loved ones lived. This can help listeners understand their family member better.
Seniors tell stories to:
- Teach life lessons with family wisdom
- Create stronger bonds
- Talk about interesting events in their life
- Offer cultural insight from times past
- Keep the family history alive
- Create a lasting legacy with unique memories
Telling stories to grandchildren can keep seniors feeling young. They provide a great opportunity for nostalgia and reminiscing.
To get your grandparents to open up, make sure to have fun and interact with what they say. Ask open-ended questions for more involved and interesting answers.
This lets your elderly loved one know that you’re listening actively and are interested in what they have to say.
Create a Memory Book
Hearing stories verbally is a great way for young people to keep their grandparent’s stories alive. Generational support is easy when you cherish stories that your loved ones pass down.
But recording the stories is a great way to remember every detail, and memory books are an amazing way to keep everything organized.
These keepsakes serve as a physical and tangible reminder of all the stories your grandparents have told. They hold family wisdom and help you appreciate the role of grandparents in your life.
These books also offer prompts that you can ask your grandparents about. You won’t draw a blank when it comes time to ask questions. Instead, you can keep talking for hours and connecting on a deeper level all day.
Try Technology
Because of the importance of grandparents in our lives, teaching them new skills is a great way to say thank you. Many older adults struggle to use smartphones and tablets, and you can thank them by showing them these skills.
They may want to learn how to take and organize notes. They may also want to learn how to use technology like Microsoft Office so they can create digital documents and images.
Install some games onto these devices that you can play together. Competitive games are great because you can interact and engage while enjoying playing together.
Beyond Basic Things to Do With Grandma in Charlotte, NC
Now that you know some things to do with Grandma when visiting her, it’s time to choose a senior living community where she can thrive.
TerraBella Little Avenue’s Senior Living Community offers a wide range of calendar events where residents can discover new hobbies to share with grandchildren.
We also have more common areas than other Charlotte communities, so contact us to schedule a tour of our amenities and learn where families can relax together.
