Sensory experiences are vital for older adults, even with age-related declines in vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell, as they combat isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.
Benefits include:
- Cognitive Health: Stimulates the brain, aids memory, and reduces dementia risk.
- Emotional Well-being: Pleasant sensory input reduces anxiety, depression, and agitation.
- Social Connection: Encourages interaction and a sense of belonging.
- Physical Health: Promotes movement, balance, and circulation.
Ways to maintain sensory input, even with impairments:
- Vision Loss: Tactile stimulation (weighted blankets, textured objects), aromatherapy, audiobooks, and calming sounds.
- Hearing Loss: Vibration feedback (vibrating objects, Inmu cushions), proprioceptive feedback (weighted lap pads, weighted animals), visual input (sign language, visual timers), and music with low frequencies.
- Limited Mobility: Hand-based activities (knitting, theraputty, fidget items), chair yoga, and temperature sensations (warm towels, scented lotions).
- Low Interest: Personalised sensory kits, social storytelling, nature exposure, and routine sensory activities.
Maintaining sensory engagement significantly enhances an older adult's quality of life by fostering connection, joy, movement, and a sense of purpose.
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