It’s not easy being blind in a digital age. We are constantly exposed to things online, on social media, and at home. So, what can we do to make life more enjoyable for impaired seniors?
For many seniors, sensory activities are key. Activities like braille reading and playing musical instruments help with our sight loss just as much as anything else. In other words – it’s time to bring new life to their days!
These five sensory activities for blind seniors will help them feel less isolated, and they’re also a lot of fun. Here are five great ways to incorporate them into their day:
Music reading:
Reading music is a great way to expand your braille vocabulary, and it can be a lot of fun too. You can provide your elderly loved one with any music-reading software you have, or you can just use your computer to play something in their favorite format.
With music reading, they’ll be able to read sheet music, which means they can play instruments too. This could be really useful for seniors since they can still read music by holding a note. Music reading is great for those who have low vision.
Different braille music reading software has different levels of support for music, so it’s important you look into the options available before purchasing any software.
Braille table tennis
Table tennis can be a great way to meet new people and stay active. And it’s also a great way to help with your visual impairment. Table tennis is a fun sport to get into, regardless of your age or ability. And it’s especially great if you have low vision. With table tennis, you can play the game in either a sighted way, or in a tactile way. Tactile table tennis means the ball is made out of rubber, which you can hit with a Ping-Pong paddle. There are also portable tables that you can take with you, so you have a tactile surface wherever you go.
Light painting
Art is a great way to express yourself, but it can be particularly helpful if you’re visually impaired. Visual art can be used in many different ways to help those with low vision. For example, you can create art that’s designed for those who are visually impaired. You can also create art that uses symbolic imagery instead of words, so that those who are hearing impaired can still understand what you’re trying to say. Creating art in a group setting can be a great way to socialize and make friends. You can also use art to explore feelings and emotions that you’re experiencing. This can be particularly helpful if you have cognitive difficulties like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Games with tactile sensory fingers
If you’re someone who likes to explore new things, tactile activities are a great way to do so. Tactile activities help with your visual impairment by providing a different sensory experience than looking or reading. You can explore different textures and materials with tactile activities. There are also many tactile activities that are designed for blind people, such as exploring different fabrics, foods, materials, textures, and exploring different weights.
Finger printing
Finger printing is a great way to explore textures and different materials. You can create your own finger-print designs, or you can delve into finger printing designs that are designed for blind people. You can even consider finger printing designs that explore different themes, such as cultures. Finger printing is a great way to expand your senses and help with visual impairment.
Summing up
Sensory activities can be a lot of fun, and they can also help with visual impairment. It’s important to choose the right activities for your needs. If you’re someone who has low vision, it’s especially important to choose activities that don’t rely on your sight. If you can, try to completely remove your sight from the experience. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much more fun it is!
Want to learn more?
ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.