8 Great Activities for the Blind Elderly

Staying active is important to prevent diseases, and improve mental and physical health as well as cognitive function. When looking for activities for the blind elderly, it may seem like a there aren’t many to choose from. However, there are more than you would think. We’ve prepared a list with eight activities you can choose from if you need some ideas. 

1. Listening to Music or Dancing

One of the easiest and most relaxing activities for blind people would be listening to music. Music is something that can be enjoyed equally by all people who have no hearing loss. With the availability of music online or with CDs, it’s easy to find all kinds of music for entertainment. Since elderly people usually prefer oldies' music to listen to, those can be found in abundance as well. Playing music they enjoyed when they were younger may be an especially enjoyable experience for them.

However, as good as an activity as listening to music can be, it is not an active, physical experience. This is where dancing can help take this activity to the next level. Dancing is a fun activity people enjoy in all age groups. When setting up the dancing area, be sure to remove any obstacles or objects that can cause people to accidentally fall from or to stumble on. There are many dancefloor classics you can choose from for this activity.

2. Exercise

This one may come as a surprise to many of you. Regardless, exercise activities are among the healthiest activities for the blind elderly. Exercising helps to boost morale and to increase positivity. Here are ten great exercises for people with disabilities that will prove helpful if you choose exercising as an activity.

3. Reading Stories and Listening to Audio Books

Everyone loves a good story. Reading is one of the only activities for the blind elderly that you can perform on your own. In addition, being read to is an activity that is personally engaging. You can even add your own personal touch to the storytelling by emphasizing parts of the story or adjusting your voice according to events in the story. Goodreads has prepared a list of books that are popular for elderly people. If you decide to listen to audiobooks, there are many options. TechRadar has listed the best audiobook websites to listen to at home or on the move.

Regardless of whether you choose to read a book or listen to an audiobook, there are plenty of types of books ranging in their length. There are also so many genres to choose from, so you will surely be able to find something for everyone. However, not all books are available via audiobook. This is where assistive devices pick up the slack, allowing for ANY book to become an audiobook.

4. Playing With Pets

Almost everyone enjoys playing with pets. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the best activities for the blind elderly. Petting furry animals and playing with them is something that blind people can enjoy just as much as everyone else. You may think that this activity is only relevant for pet owners. However, even people who do not own pets can facilitate this activity. There are petting zoos in almost every major city or town.

5. Movies

Yes, you read it right. Movies are also among the best activities for the blind elderly. Many movies and TV shows have been adapted with audio descriptions. These descriptions provide additional narration which helps people who are blind or visually impaired enjoy the movie by feeling that they are aware of the events taking place on the screen.  A list of available movies with descriptive narration can be found here.

6. Board Games

Games are also included in the list of activities for the blind elderly. These activities can really set the activity's mood to be playful, exciting, and maybe even competitive. The game you choose needs to be one that can be played without too much physical movement which can lead to physical injury. Therefore, the best options are a board or card game. Many board and card games have been adapted for the blind and visually impaired. For more information please visit our article on games for blind people.

7. Cooking for Your Grandchildren

Cooking is not only a simple everyday activity but also a nice hobby for older people.  You only need to go out and buy some groceries to prepare 5-star dishes. It will encourage you to leave your home and go for a short walk. At any age, but especially a more advanced age, walking is the best physical activity for your body. Baking an amazing cake for your grandchild or cooking a tasty fish with a salad is so much fun to do with your beloved ones.  With a few kitchen tips for the visually impaired, you can compete with the top chefs!

8. Outdoor Activities

As a legally blind or visually impaired person, going out might sound dangerous and frightening. However, with the proper assistive devices, you can explore the world. Outdoor activities keep you fresh and healthy more than you might think. Going to a forest and breathing fresh air will renew your soul. There are some activities you will have so much fun doing, you won’t want to go back home. Hiking, practicing meditation, or picking flowers are just a few of the many outdoor activities perfect for blind old people.

There are many more great activities for the blind elderly that were not included in this list because they require assistive technology. Text reading and identifying colors may be necessary for certain activities, in which case, assistive devices, such as OrCam MyEye 2 can make such activities accessible. To learn more, fill in the form below.