Getting the heart pumping and blood flowing is necessary for the health and happiness of seniors in adult day care. People responsible for providing senior care should make sure their elderly charges have plenty of opportunities to get moving throughout the day. To keep seniors in adult day care engaged, here are three ways to inspire movement:

• Group Chair Exercise: Exercising while sitting down is an excellent way for seniors to participate in physical activity with a low risk of getting injured. Group chair exercise is also an inclusive way to include seniors who can’t walk or stand. Adult day care staff should encourage seniors to repeat movements, such as reaching for the sky, gently twisting in the chair and touching their toes or knees. These moments also promote flexibility.
• Walking Bingo: This activity gives seniors a chance to liven up routine walks. A caregiver should provide seniors with a laminated sheet of paper with different items to spot during their walk, like a red bird, a bench or a child in a stroller. Whoever is the first person to get bingo wins a small prize. This activity will get seniors excited about walking.  
• Ice Breaker Games: Another way to encourage seniors to accumulate more steps inside an adult day care is to play ice breaker games that require walking. For example, group leaders can ask seniors their favorite ice cream flavors, then direct them to stand in a certain corner of the room, depending on which flavor they prefer. Activities such as these ice breaker games not only inspire seniors to be more physically active, but they also help seniors connect with others participants.

People providing senior care should be patient and engaging. Those are the types of staff members you’ll find at Hale Makua Health Services in Kahului, HI. They offer an array of senior care services, including adult day care, in a welcoming, professional environment. Call the center at (808) 877-2761 or visit the website to see a full list of services available.