People know to expect certain things as they age. Wrinkles will show up overnight, bruises will appear frequently as the skin thins, and people will not get around as easily as they did when they were younger. What many don’t realize is that their motor skills will also deteriorate. They may not be able to enjoy preferred activities any longer. Fortunately, motor sensory activities can prevent this deterioration.
Weak Hands
The first thing a person might notice is that their hands get weaker. While they know they may experience cognitive decline and consider finding memory care services so they are prepared when this happens, they aren’t as ready to deal with the loss of strength. Several things can contribute to weakening hands.
Some seniors struggle with a medical condition that affects their hand strength. Osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in older adults. By age 65, most adults find their hand strength has significantly decreased. People may lose up to 25 percent of their grip strength by retirement, but this loss can be overcome.
Why is Hand Strength Important?
Individuals need hand strength to remain independent and mobile. They must participate in activities that require coordination, balance, and dexterity. Hand-strengthening exercises don’t have to be boring or take up much time. Many people find the following activities delightful.
Learning a Musical Instrument
Learning to play an instrument is an excellent way to strengthen the hands and improve motor skills. Many instruments require the musician to flex their fingers, which helps rebuild strength. For those who can no longer play an instrument, clapping along with music or snapping the fingers to the beat can help build hand strength.
Finger Painting
Pull out the finger paints and paper and get creative. This type of painting requires finger and hand coordination and will improve grip strength. It also increases dexterity because precise movements are needed to control the pain. Muscle control and eye-hand coordination improve when a person engages in this activity regularly, and sensory perception increases.
Arts and Crafts
Many arts and crafts, including sewing and knitting, require eye-hand coordination. When people engage in these activities, their hand strength, motor skills, and dexterity increase. People can gather to engage in these activities and socialize, boosting mental health, and they will have something beautiful to share with others when their project is complete.
Tai Chi
Many people aren’t familiar with tai chi, but they should be. This mind-body practice can help people enhance their motor skills, balance, and coordination. The movements are slow, making it easy for seniors to participate, and people can learn to control how their bodies move, making it easier to do things with their hands.
Household Chores
Most people think of household chores as jobs they must complete, but they are much more than this. When a person does things around the home, they use motor skills. Folding clothes and fastening buttons require a person to focus, which may strengthen the hand and arm muscles. People often put chores off because they dread doing them. They don’t mind completing these tasks as much when they know they benefit their mental and emotional health.
Memory care communities encourage activities like these. They understand the benefits of keeping seniors engaged and using their motor skills. When visiting communities, ask which activities are regularly offered to ensure residents get the best care possible and that no aspect of their health is overlooked.