Helping your loved one stay physically, mentally, and socially active can improve their quality of life at any age.
As our loved ones age, staying active becomes more important than ever—but it can also become more challenging. Whether your parent or grandparent lives independently, with family, or in a skilled nursing facility, maintaining physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connections plays a vital role in their overall health and happiness.
At Southwood at Norwell Nursing Center, we’ve been helping South Shore families care for their loved ones for more than 70 years. Our team has seen firsthand how regular activity and engagement can transform a senior’s outlook and well-being. Here are our top tips for keeping the senior in your life active and thriving.
1. Start with What They Love
The best exercise program is one your loved one will actually enjoy. Think about what they’ve always loved doing. Were they an avid gardener? Did they enjoy dancing, swimming, or taking long walks? Finding activities that connect to their interests and history makes participation feel less like a chore and more like a return to something meaningful.
For seniors in Norwell and the South Shore area, there are wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors—from the peaceful trails at Wompatuck State Park to the scenic views along the coast in Scituate and Cohasset.
2. Focus on Low-Impact Physical Activities
High-intensity workouts aren’t necessary for seniors to experience the benefits of exercise. Low-impact activities can improve strength, balance, and flexibility while reducing the risk of injury. Consider:
- Walking – Even short, daily walks around the neighborhood or through a local park can boost cardiovascular health and mood
- Chair exercises – Perfect for seniors with limited mobility, these seated workouts can strengthen muscles and improve circulation
- Water aerobics – The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints while providing resistance for a gentle workout
- Tai Chi – This ancient practice improves balance, reduces fall risk, and promotes relaxation
- Gentle yoga – Modified poses can increase flexibility and help with chronic pain management
Many senior centers throughout Plymouth County and the South Shore offer group classes specifically designed for older adults.
3. Make It Social
Isolation is one of the greatest challenges facing seniors today, and it can have serious consequences for both mental and physical health. Combining activity with social interaction addresses both needs at once.
Encourage your loved one to:
- Join a walking group or exercise class
- Participate in group outings or day trips
- Attend community events at local senior centers
- Connect with old friends for regular coffee dates or lunch
- Engage in group activities if they’re in a care facility
At Southwood at Norwell, our activities program is designed to bring residents together for everything from fitness classes to social gatherings, helping combat loneliness while keeping bodies and minds active.
4. Prioritize Brain Health with Mental Stimulation
Physical activity is only part of the equation. Keeping the mind sharp is equally important for overall well-being. Cognitive activities can help maintain memory, improve focus, and may even slow the progression of conditions like dementia.
Encourage activities such as:
- Puzzles and games – Crosswords, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and card games all challenge the brain
- Reading – Books, magazines, or audiobooks keep the mind engaged
- Learning something new – Whether it’s a language, instrument, or craft, learning stimulates neural pathways
- Reminiscence activities – Looking through photo albums or discussing family history exercises long-term memory
- Technology – Tablets and smartphones can connect seniors to brain-training apps, video calls with family, and endless learning opportunities
5. Create a Consistent Routine
Seniors often thrive with structure. Establishing a regular schedule for activities helps build healthy habits and gives your loved one something to look forward to each day.
Try to incorporate:
- Morning stretches or light exercise
- A mid-day walk or outdoor time
- Afternoon activities like puzzles, crafts, or reading
- Evening social time with family or friends
Consistency is especially important for seniors with memory challenges, as routine can provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
6. Adapt Activities to Their Abilities
As health conditions change, activities may need to be modified—but that doesn’t mean they need to stop. The key is meeting your loved one where they are and finding creative adaptations.
For example:
- If walking becomes difficult, try seated exercises or wheelchair-accessible activities
- If vision is declining, switch to large-print books or audiobooks
- If fine motor skills are affected, choose crafts with larger materials
- If hearing loss is an issue, opt for activities that don’t rely heavily on verbal communication
Our team at Southwood works with each resident to develop personalized activity plans that account for their unique abilities, preferences, and care needs.
7. Get Outside When Possible
Fresh air and natural sunlight offer tremendous benefits for seniors. Exposure to sunlight helps regulate sleep patterns, boosts vitamin D levels, and can improve mood. Even seniors with limited mobility can benefit from time spent outdoors.
Ideas for outdoor activities include:
- Sitting in a garden or on a patio
- Bird watching
- Gentle gardening or potting plants
- Picnics with family
- Scenic drives through the South Shore
Southwood at Norwell is situated on a beautiful eight-acre wooded campus in Norwell, Massachusetts, providing residents with a peaceful, natural setting to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
8. Involve the Whole Family
Keeping seniors active works best when the whole family participates. Intergenerational activities benefit everyone—grandchildren learn from their elders, and seniors feel valued and connected to younger generations.
Consider:
- Regular family visits that include an activity (not just sitting and chatting)
- Teaching grandchildren a skill or hobby
- Attending grandchildren’s events and activities together
- Holiday traditions that involve participation from seniors
- Video calls for families who live farther away
9. Monitor Health and Safety
While staying active is important, safety must always come first. Before starting any new exercise program, consult with your loved one’s physician, especially if they have chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis.
Watch for signs of overexertion, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or pressure
- Unusual fatigue
For seniors at risk of falls, ensure activities take place in safe environments with proper support and supervision when needed.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Progress looks different for everyone, especially as we age. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small it may seem. Walked an extra few steps today? That’s worth acknowledging. Completed a puzzle? Time to celebrate. Tried a new activity? That took courage.
Positive reinforcement encourages continued participation and helps your loved one feel proud of their efforts.
How Southwood at Norwell Supports Active, Engaged Living
At Southwood at Norwell Nursing Center, we believe that every resident deserves opportunities to stay active, engaged, and connected—regardless of their care needs. Our comprehensive activities program includes:
- Daily fitness and movement classes adapted for all ability levels
- Social events and group activities
- Creative arts and crafts programs
- Music therapy and entertainment
- Outdoor activities on our scenic Norwell campus
- Cognitive stimulation programs
- Holiday celebrations and special events
As a family-owned facility serving the South Shore since 1954, we understand that quality care goes far beyond medical needs. Our dedicated, all in-house staff builds genuine relationships with residents and families, creating a warm community where seniors can thrive.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re caring for an aging loved one in Norwell, Hingham, Hanover, Rockland, Scituate, or anywhere in Plymouth County, we invite you to learn more about Southwood at Norwell. Whether you’re exploring long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, or respite care options, our team is here to answer your questions.
Contact us today at (781) 749-4982 to schedule a tour or speak with our admissions team. Located just 5 miles from South Shore Hospital at 501 Cordwainer Drive in Norwell, we’re proud to be a trusted care partner for South Shore families.
Southwood at Norwell Nursing Center is a CMS 5-Star rated, U.S. News & World Report “High Performing” skilled nursing facility. We’ve been family-owned and operated for more than 70 years.