Why is Recreational Therapy important for seniors?

By Medha Saraiya, RPN and CEO of ConnexHealth

February 2nd, 2021

Recreational therapy is a process that uses activities and other activity-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with illness and/or disabling conditions. Recreational Therapists help improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning.

Why is this important for seniors?

🏋️‍♀️Improves physical health – Therapy can be provided in one-on-one or group setting. Seniors benefit from activities that involve light exercise, such as going for walks, swimming, or perhaps completing seated chair exercises. Such activities can help improve mobility, joint flexibility, agility, balance and much more.

🧠Improves Emotional Wellbeing & Cognitive Benefits – By engaging in activities generate positive emotions and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Most of these activities are designed to make seniors think and retain information. Scheduled recreational therapy sessions give seniors a sense of purpose and something to look forward to, helping them age gracefully and live positively.

👬👭Socializing – Recreation therapy can be provided to a group of seniors, encouraging them to socialize and interact. This helps improve their physical and emotional health as well as boost self-esteem.