If your aging relative is looking for a new hobby, they might want to look at birdwatching. There are plenty of reasons why birdwatching is a fast-growing and popular hobby for people of all ages. For many people, birdwatching blends the best of nature, community and environmental responsibility. Plus, its stimulating physically and mentally, especially for elderly adults that may not be able to do other hobbies due to limitations from age, illness or other challenge.
Here are 5 benefits of birdwatching that may entice your less-mobile elderly relative to give it a try. Once they get started, it’s likely they will be hooked for life.
-Birdwatching is Fun
The reason why more than 46 million Americans enjoy birdwatching activities each year is because it’s a fun hobby. It brings together the best parts of a picnic, nature walk, zoo and social event all in one. Birdwatching can bring people closer to nature and to friends and family, too. Even less-mobile seniors can fully participate in this entertaining hobby.
-Birdwatching is Inexpensive
Some hobbies take a lot of money and resources to sustain, such as collections and crafts. However, birdwatching only requires a good pair of binoculars and some regular outdoor clothing such as good shoes and a hat. Many birdwatchers also invest in some good guides to local birds to help them with their hobby. Less-mobile seniors can also set up bird feeders in their yard to attract new feathered friends.
-Birdwatching is Active
From filling up bird feeders in the yard to taking a walk through the park, birdwatching is an activity that motivates less-mobile elderly adults to get up and get moving. Even elderly adults that are confined to a wheelchair can participate if a family member or senior care aide comes along. Lots of seniors don’t even realize they are exercising when they are involved with birdwatching.
-Birdwatching is Inspiring
Too many seniors sit inside all day, watching television and feeling every one of their aches and pains. Birdwatching gets them outdoors and into nature, which is both inspirational and restorative. Focusing on beautiful things in the outdoors helps seniors appreciate the small things in life and gives them a special connection to their community.
-Birdwatching is Helpful
Birdwatching is inherently helpful to the environment because it teaches awareness about the needs of wildlife in an area. Putting up bird feeders helps the bird populations in a neighborhood and birdwatching groups help educate members and others about habitat and care. Less-mobile seniors can do their part by participating in city environmental activities as well.
Now that you’ve learned more about birdwatching, it is easy to see why it is such a popular hobby, especially for less-mobile seniors. In fact, don’t be surprised if you, your family, the home care assistant and neighbors all get involved in your elderly relative’s new hobby. After all, birdwatching means spending time outdoors appreciating nature and making new friends, both bird and human, along the way.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Anaheim Hills, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266.
Source:
Becausebirds.com
Nichd.nih.gov
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.
