With a rise in age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, visual complications due to diabetes, and age-related cataracts, vision loss is becoming more common, affecting 1 in 4 seniors over 80. This gradual loss of vision can cause seniors to abandon activities they once loved. But with a little adaptation, many hobbies can be adjusted to suit low vision. Read on to find safe activities for vision-impaired seniors.

Reading

Vision-impaired seniors may think reading is the first activity to go when beginning to lose their eyesight. However, today’s technology allows for reading in many new and exciting ways. Large-print books, newspapers, and magazines are available for those with low vision. Zoom functions are available if reading online or using an e-reader like a Kindle.

Audiobooks are the perfect way to keep the story alive for those with advanced vision loss. Subscription-based services like Audible offer access to more than 200,000 audiobooks for one low monthly price. There are also resources like LibriVox that offer free audiobook options. Be sure to also check your local library – they likely have audiobooks you can borrow!

Tactile Games

Many tactile games are available for vision-impaired seniors, including chess, checkers, tic-tac-toe, Connect 4, dominoes, and more. These games are specially made so those with low or no vision can enjoy them. Large print or braille card games like Uno, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, and more are also available to increase the fun!

Arts & Crafts

Artistic expression isn’t limited to painting and drawing – there are many crafts that vision-impaired seniors can participate in, too. Pottery, ceramics, beadwork, knitting, crocheting, and making collages are just a few ways to express yourself in a fun and creative way.

Social Groups

Joining a social group with other vision-impaired seniors can be an excellent opportunity to connect with people with similar experiences. You can lean on each other for support and share tips, resources, and information. Plus, any excuse to socialize is a good one!

Exercise

There are many physical activities you can participate in that don’t require perfect eyesight. For example, yoga, chair exercises, and tai chi are safe options that offer verbal instructions. If you want to venture outside, try gardening or walking with a loved one’s guidance.

Music & Podcasts

Listen to your favorite artists, songs, or albums from the past. It’s a great way to boost your mood and help you reminisce on happy memories. Podcasts are also a great form of entertainment – and they’re everywhere! No matter your interests, whether they involve history, art, true crime, current events, pop culture, or anything else, you can be confident that there’s a podcast dedicated to it.

Spend Time Outside

Even if you’re simply sitting on a bench, being outside is a great activity and a change of scenery. You can feel the sunshine on your skin, listen to the sounds of local birds, and breathe in the fresh air. Embracing nature allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.

How Grand Oaks Can Help

Grand Oaks Senior Living provides safety features for vision-impaired seniors, including non-skid rugs, color-contrasting friction tape on the bathtub and shower floor base, and a contrasting-colored toilet seat. Resident apartments may also feature a larger TV remote, an enlarged thermostat, and talking clocks. Additionally, residents can access an electronic magnifier reading machine to assist with reading small print and viewing photos.

Learn more by scheduling a tour today!