I go hiking on a mountain behind our house every day.
Great question! In the early stages, there are plenty of enjoyable activities that can support brain health, mood, and overall well-being. The key is choosing things that feel meaningful and fun — not overwhelming.
Here are some great options to consider:
Physical Activities
- Walking (especially in sunny weather — it can Show Full Answer
I have been taking my husband to the local senior center for fitness activities 3 days a week where we both participate. He participates in some way to the best of his ability. He follows the directions of the leader and never expresses resistance, though every morning asks the same questions as we get ready to go: where is this? what do we do there? how far away is it?
He loves to play ping-pong and the senior center has table set up one day a week for 1 1/2 hours and he plays the entire time with other people there. (I get to read in the library in the next room, which is a great break for me, but I can still check in on him.)
I always ask after dinner if he would like to take a walk in the park. He almost always does and we walk slowly around the sports fields. He likes to watch the kids playing soccer or baseball. Sometimes he wants to sit for a while and just look around the park. I find he sleeps better on the nights we get in a walk. We have a local minor league ballpark nearby and can get front row seats at a fairly low price and he enjoys sitting there watching the game, though he doesn't always follow it well. Without these activities, he would sit all day and dose off and on.
Go for a walk and get outside. Sunshine is healing.