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Continue Doing What
You Love
By Kate Granigan |
 Marshfield
- Spring is in the air. As the trees begin to bud and
flowers begin to show signs of rebirth, it is a time when
many of us dust off our gardening tools, golf clubs,
bicycles and other various items that have gathered dust all
winter.
For many, however, a recent change in mobility, illness, or
other factor may limit ability to participate in once loved
activities.
Instead of “writing off” these passages of spring, take a
minute to think about how you can continue to enjoy these
activities with some level of modification. Here are a few
ideas:
Gardening
If Gardening is your passion but mobility or arthritis
limits your ability to reach and bend, have someone assist
in building a raised flower or vegetable garden. This can be
big or small and hold a few flowers or a full vegetable
garden. It can allow for weeding, picking and watering
without bending and can even be built to be accessible from
a wheelchair or the seat of a walker.
Hire a companion that also loves gardening and allow them to
help when needed while still allowing you to enjoy the
process.
Share your gardening knowledge and tips to success by
speaking to a local scout group or other groups in your
community.
Share your gardening tasks with others in a community by
organizing a “group garden” project. Many Senior Housing or
Assisted Living residences can facilitate this. Many hands
make light work and each can participate to the best of
their ability.
Biking
Recumbent bikes have become an alternative for many with
issues that make regular seated biking a problem.
This method of biking can take the strain off back and neck,
while still allowing you to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
Golf
Many golfers that prided themselves on “walking the
course” have difficulties as they age. Rather than skipping
the game all together using a cart or golfing a shorter game
or smaller course may be a solution.
Many golf courses are becoming more user friendly, to allow
those with sight loss and other mobility issues equal
opportunity.
Also, keep in mind that no activity needs to be off limits
despite the experience of memory loss. With careful
planning, activities such as gardening or golf can be a
therapeutic opportunity to engage a loved one in something
that can bring great joy. Activities that were learned long
ago are often retained even when day to day memories are
fading. The key to success is to keep the activity fun and
light, and do not stress “perfection.” Enjoy the process in
the moment. This will guarantee an experience that will
bring pleasure to all involved.
What ever your passion, don’t let a change in circumstances
keep you from enjoying it this spring. With a little
innovation and an open mind almost anything can be
accomplished!
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About The Author
Kate Granigan, LICSW is the Executive Director and
Managing Partner of C.A.R.E., LLC. For more information, you
may call Kate at (781) 837-7444.
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