Hobbies And Interests
Musical Bingo
Using songs popular in the youth of the elderly group, musical bingo is an activity that requires little physical exertion, but is rich in nostalgia. A compilation of musical clips from different eras of the 20th century through the 1960s is made. Bingo cards listing various song titles are given to the group. Pieces to cover the songs as they are played are given out to the seniors with instructions to cover the free space at the center of the card. The bingo caller is in charge of playing each clip. After the clips are played, the music is stopped and the players must identify the tune and mark it on their bingo card. The first player to fill a line is the winner. Even for those who do not win the game, the experience can provide enjoyment and reminiscing of days past.
Potted Gardening Club
Whether on a shared windowsill or outdoor area, a potted garden club provides green-thumbed, low-level seniors an opportunity to enjoy and share their love of gardening. Using store-bought kits or cuttings from family or friends, a variety of plants can be sown and tended without the physical exertion required in regular gardening. Plant selections can range from herbs, such as thyme, parsley, mint, and lavender, to decorative plants such as philodendron or cactus.
Fishing
While low-level seniors face limitations due to physical ailments, outdoor activities are not off-limits. A group-fishing trip requires little physical exertion while allowing for social interaction and a connection with nature. Equipped with fishing poles and bait, the elderly group can be taken to a local fishing spot that has seating and is easily accessible for those in the group who may be wheelchair-bound. To keep the fun going, a party or picnic can be arranged to follow the fishing by cooking and serving the caught fish to the group as an afternoon meal.
Themed Day Trips
Day trips to visit local attractions allow low-level elderly groups to interact with the community and like-minded peers in a controlled setting. Groups interested in art may choose to visit various nearby art museums and galleries, while the culinary inclined may enjoy a tour of local eateries. With the help of an activities coordinator, transportation can be prearranged to provide easy accessibility to these attractions. Funding for such trips can be raised through fund-raising activities performed by the interested group or personal funds.