Anyone that has ever gone through physical or occupational therapy knows that these can be very unpleasant experiences. Not only can this be quite painful (I went through some intensive therapy in college for a torn tendon in my ankle–it was incredibly painful recovering from this!), the activities that therapists recommend can also be tedious.
Making these kinds of activities fun might seem like one of those dreams that is too good to be true, but when it comes to fine motor skills, this really doesn’t need to be the case. Fine motor activities focus on building strength and coordination in smaller body parts, like the fingers and the hands. There are a lot of things that we can do with our hands that are enjoyable, and using these activities to help can make therapy a lot more enjoyable.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of a few of the many fine motor skills that are senior friendly. You are bound to find something that is ideal for your interests and needs.
Knitting: Knitting is a great pastime for some people. Not only is it relaxing, but it’s a great way to be creative. This can be a tough skill for some to acquire especially for those with arthritis, but if there is already a knowledge of how to knit or crochet, this can be a good way to keep fingers nimble.
Puzzles or Board Games: Puzzles can be fun and relaxing, especially for more sedentary individuals, but they’re certainly not for everyone. Board games like Monopoly, chess, checkers, and similar games can often accomplish some of the same finger motions that a puzzle would accomplish. These activities give seniors enough freedom to look around and choose something that is fun. They are also social activities, which can be another area that seniors might need some assistance with.
Drawing or Coloring: Not everyone is artistically inclined, but the vast majority of people enjoy these kinds of activities. For those that aren’t sure where to start, things like coloring books or paint by number books can be an easy way to get started and make something beautiful–even if there is experience in this area. Pretty soon, even those that have never considered themselves artistic will be creating beautiful pieces.
Using Safe Tools: For those that are more mechanically minded, working with tools like wrenches and screwdrivers can be a good way to keep fingers and hands moving. If there are safety concerns in this area, lightweight plastic tools can be used to the same purpose. Be cautious here as you don’t want anyone getting hurt!
Fine motor skills can become difficult as someone ages for a variety of reasons. Stroke, arthritis, and bone density loss can all put an individual at risk of injury and inhibit motor skills that once were automatic. Physical and occupational therapy can all help to improve these skills, but that doesn’t mean that these professional treatments are the only methods available. Hopefully, this list can help you get started.
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