Physical Games for Active Aging Week
Physical games are aptly named for their emphasis on movement and activity. However, their benefits extend beyond just the physical domain. In honor of Active Aging Week (In 2024, Active Aging Week will be held September 30 - October 6.), we’re taking the opportunity to explore how various physical games contribute to wellness across the other five domains. While we'll dedicate a future post to exploring the physical domain in depth, today’s focus is on how these activities support spiritual, intellectual, vocational, emotional, and social wellness.
Spiritual Domain
Tai Chi: This gentle martial art combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and meditation. Tai Chi helps to cultivate inner peace, balance, and a sense of connection with oneself, making it a valuable practice for spiritual wellness. Hampton at Hybrid Calisthenics has a fantastic video for a five minute beginner form where he goes through each step in detail.
Chair Yoga: Designed for those with limited mobility or those who prefer a seated practice, chair yoga integrates breath control, gentle stretches, and mindfulness. It supports spiritual wellness by fostering relaxation, presence, and a deeper connection to one’s body and mind. If you are in the Snohomish area in Washington State we highly recommend Emily at Quiet Thyme Wellness. We’ve seen her work firsthand and she is always a joy. If, however, a live instructor is too expensive, or you cannot find one in your area, there are many YouTube videos that we enjoy, such as Yoga With Adriene.
Intellectual Domain
Giant Jenga: This classic game involves stacking and removing wooden blocks without toppling the tower. It engages cognitive skills like spatial reasoning, strategic planning, and problem-solving, making it a stimulating activity for the mind. We recommend placing the lowest blocks on top of a milk crate or similar, so that your loved one isn’t bending as far to the ground.
Mini Golf: Mini golf requires focus, precision, and creative problem-solving to navigate the course’s various obstacles. It encourages critical thinking and planning, providing intellectual stimulation through its fun and challenging format. Just remember to wear a hat and sunscreen if you are playing outdoors!
Vocational Domain
Relay Race or Obstacle Course: Relay races and obstacle courses can be designed to emphasize teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Participants work together to complete tasks, fostering skills that are valuable in professional settings and enhancing vocational wellness. These can vary a lot but some suggestions we have are; blindfolding one participant while the other gives directions through the obstacle course, having one section of the relay race be a cornhole or dart game where they have to reach a certain number of points before moving forward, or passing a balloon from one participant to another without using their hands.
Fishing: Fishing can be a meditative practice that encourages patience and strategic thinking. It can also provide opportunities for learning new skills and developing a deeper appreciation for nature, which can translate into vocational benefits in fields related to outdoor activities or environmental stewardship. Encourage loved ones who are experienced at fishing to teach others as a way to contribute to their community. If you're considering fishing as a hobby, be sure to check local regulations and obtain the necessary fishing license. If fishing for live fish is not something you’re comfortable doing, there are indoor fishing games that you can play. We adore this one by Call Me Grandma. It is creative, get the kids involved and no fish are harmed in the process.
Emotional Domain
Nature Walk: Taking a walk in nature can have profound emotional benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and fostering a sense of tranquility. Connecting with nature provides emotional healing and relaxation. This can be done solo, especially if your loved one enjoys taking their time or just listening to the sounds of nature, but this can cause some people anxiety so walking groups or clubs are a great way to do this safely while also socializing. Some even walk in fun places like at the local zoo!
Musical Statues: This game involves players freezing in place when the music stops, which can be adapted for those with limited mobility by dancing in a chair. It promotes emotional wellness through fun, laughter, and engagement with others in a low-impact setting. If you prefer a higher impact version you could play musical chairs instead, where participants have to race to a chair when the music stops.
Social Domain
Simon Says: This classic game involves following instructions and reacting quickly, which can be played in group settings to enhance social interaction and cooperation. It’s a fun way to engage with others and promote a lively, supportive social environment. Remember to tailor the instructions to the participants. For example, it would be insensitive to ask a group that includes wheelchair users to hop on one foot. However, asking them to touch their toes might be more appropriate if your group enjoys a challenge.
Zip Zap Boing: This fun and engaging group game involves quick reflexes and coordination. It requires players to pay attention and react to what others are doing, fostering interaction and communication among participants. We played this game in drama class, and can attest that, while the rules seem simple, it is very easy to get confused. GOLD Team Aruba has a simple instructional video. The Drama Coach goes into more detail on how to play this game, with additional rules and reminders. Zip, zap, boing is simple to adapt to the mobility of your participants. For example, this game can be played sitting down, or without sound for those who are hard of hearing. You can alter the movements to be one handed or two, or you could even play using a ball, like this class did. If your group likes a challenge you can add additional movements, such as one for skipping a player.
Bonus Activity
Balance Games: Activities that focus on balance, such as balance boards or beam walking, enhance cognitive function by requiring concentration, coordination, and spatial awareness. These games challenge the mind as well as the body. If you have access to a Virtusense (VST) Balance System be sure to include it in your plans for this week. We especially enjoy the skiing game!
Physical games are simply one way for your older loved ones to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To see the opportunities to participate in Active Aging Week in your area visit the official website.
