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Month: May 2021

10 Fun Activities for Seniors

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Are you or an older loved one looking for ways to fill your days?

Staying socially, mentally, and physically active can help seniors maintain good mental and emotional health and reduce the risk of disease.

These 10 hobbies are perfect for seniors who like to keep busy and have fun.

 

1. Karaoke

Research shows singing can help with memory and orientation, especially in individuals with mild dementia.

If an outing to a karaoke bar seems a bit overwhelming, there are endless karaoke apps, games, and machines you can use at home. Karaoke is a great activity for all ages – perfect for visits with the grandkids!

 

2. Colour by numbers

Colouring or painting by numbers is an easy way to get creative and bring a picture to life. This can be a relaxing pastime to enjoy with your morning coffee or while watching TV.

Online colouring is another option if you have a computer or tablet.

 

3. Memories scrapbook and family tree

Take a trip down memory lane and put your time and love into a project you and your family can cherish for years to come.

Better yet, get the family involved and work on a memories scrapbook and family tree together – a lovely way to reminisce on good times.

 

4. Swimming

Swimming is an ideal way for seniors to get their daily physical activity in. It’s great for heart health and it’s easy on the joints. Not to mention, it can be incredibly relaxing.

You can enjoy doing some laps at your own pace or join a local water aerobics class – a great way to meet new people.

 

5. Brain games

Crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, word search puzzles and other brain games can help keep your problem-solving skills sharp while promoting mindfulness.

These can be found in book stores, newsagencies, and department stores, or you can do them online.

 

6. Nintendo Ring Fit or Wii Sports

You don’t have to be a tech genius to reap the benefits of gaming consoles. Nintendo Ring Fit and Wii Sports offer fun and easy games and activities that incorporate movement, making them a great way to do some exercise without leaving the living room.

You can set these games to your current exercise level and increase them as you feel stronger if you’d like a challenge.

 

7. Gardening

Several studies over the years have shown the many benefits being outdoors has our mental health.

Gardening is a great way to get some sunshine and fresh air. If your home doesn’t allow for a garden, why not grow some plants or tomatoes in pots?

 

8. Model building

Looking for a hands-on hobby? Plastic and wooden models come in kits of all sizes and assembly levels to suit all ages and abilities.

From vintage vehicles to iconic architecture, there are endless model building kits to get your hands on. This could be another activity to work on with family.

 

9. Birdwatching

Another great way to get outdoors, birdwatching can be enjoyed in national parks or on your local bushwalk. This handy guide lists some of the best spots to birdwatch in Queensland.

Make a day of it and pack a picnic!

 

10. Dance classes

Want to improve your strength and muscle function and have plenty of fun while doing it? Sign up to a dance class! You can join regular dance classes or find classes aimed specifically at older adults.

Dancing increases balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury. It’s also a great way to get out and meet new people.

 

RAQ offers a free Senior Social Connection Program (SSCP) to help older Queenslanders find community support groups and services and improve their social connections. Learn more here or call us on 1300 364 277. 

Worried about an elderly loved one? We list 10 ways you can help lonely seniors in this blog post.

What is PTSD?

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or ongoing traumatic events.

It’s only human to have intense reactions to traumatic incidents that threaten us or others – like death, a car accident, domestic violence, serious injury, or sexual abuse. Everyone responds differently to these shocking and overwhelming events, and some people can develop PTSD.

Research shows about 20% of people who are exposed to traumatic events develop PTSD, and about 12% of people living in Australia will experience PTSD in their lifetime.

We discuss some of the signs and symptoms of PTSD here, as well as where you can get help if you’re struggling.

 

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

It’s important to remember that everyone responds differently to traumatic or unpleasant life events.

Someone with PTSD may encounter some or none of these symptoms, and experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have PTSD.

While everyone’s experience is different, these are some of the common symptoms of PTSD:

  • Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event as if it was happening again)
  • Intrusive thoughts/memories of the traumatic event
  • Dreams/nightmares about the traumatic event
  • Distress response to things that remind them of the traumatic event
  • Avoiding talking or thinking about the traumatic event
  • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
  • Negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships
  • Feeling detached from family and friends
  • Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
  • Emotional numbness
  • Feeling ‘jumpy’ or on guard for danger
  • Being easily startled or frightened
  • Self-destructive behaviours (e.g. drug and alcohol abuse or reckless driving)
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame.

 

Help for PTSD

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, help is available. You can call us on 1300 364 277 to speak to a counsellor or get help finding the right service for you.

Advice for Single Parents

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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1 in 7 families (14.2%) in Australia are one-parent families.

Raising a child is one of the most difficult and rewarding things a person can do – and raising a child as a single parent can bring its own unique challenges. Without the support of a partner, single parents generally have a lot more to take on.

“There are many challenges parents face – and single parents do it all alone,” explains RAQ Regional Manager, Val Holden. “There’s often no one there to back them up on a difficult decision or what may be needed to discipline their child. A single parent can feel overwhelmed and very alone.”

Val offers some tips for single parents to help make the journey a little easier.

 

Respect your Co-Parent

If you have a co-parent or ex who is still in your child’s life, remember to keep any negative personal feelings aside. Keep your child’s best interests top of mind in every interaction.

“Always try to be respectful to your co-parent,” says Val. “Don’t put each other down, and support what the other parent says and needs. Honour the fact that your child needs a good relationship with both parents, and allow this to happen.”

Things may not have worked out between the two of you, but maintaining a civil co-parenting relationship is essential for your child’s wellbeing and stability.

We have more tips to co-parent in our article How to Make Joint Custody Work.

 

Look after Yourself

As a single parent, it can be easy to feel like your entire world and identity revolves around your child – but this can quickly lead to burnout.

Val reminds single parents to prioritise their self-care.

“Have down time, have your own friends, and do something good for yourself when you can,” she says.

“It’s like when you go on a plane and the air hostess says to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you attend to your child or anyone else. The same rule applies here; you need to look after yourself so you can look after your children.”

If you’re having a hard time, talking to a professional counsellor can help. You can learn more about our counselling service here, or call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment.

 

Ask for Help

“Always seek help when you need it,” Val urges. “You’re the most important person in your child’s life, and you need to be in a safe and good space, too – so seek help for yourself when you need to.”

Don’t be afraid to accept help when offered, and actively seek help from friends, family, parenting groups, and counselling.

You can learn more about our counselling service here, or call 1300 364 277 to book an appointment in person, over the phone, or via Zoom video call.

What to do When Your Relationship is in a Rut

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There can come a time in even the happiest relationships where things feel a little… meh.

Whether you’ve been together for a while or you’re simply stuck in the same old routine, it’s normal to feel the excitement slip away from time to time.

The good news is that with just a little effort, you can reignite that spark and add some fun back to your relationship.

Try these tips if your relationship or marriage is in a rut.

 

Plan something exciting together

Sometimes the planning and anticipation of something can be just as fun as the thing itself!

Planning something like a holiday, party, or renovations will provide an opportunity to collaborate and spend more time together. It’ll also give you something positive to look forward to and share excitement in.

Top tip: Ask your partner plenty of questions and allow them to share their big ideas – and don’t be shy to share yours! This is a great chance to learn more about each other and yourself.

 

Book an extra special date night

Forget dinner and a movie; a relationship rut calls for a bit of novelty to mix things up.

Go the extra mile and surprise your partner with something a little out of the ordinary. Some original date ideas might include:

  • Go horse riding
  • Visit a games arcade
  • Rock out at a concert
  • Race at a go-kart track
  • Catch a stand-up comedy show
  • Enjoy a winery or brewery tour
  • Take a cooking or dancing lesson.

Top tip: On a budget? No worries! Try one of our fun and affordable date ideas (think backyard picnic, games night, and silent disco) in this blog post.

 

Create a bucket list together

Sometimes we can be so focused on our day-to-day responsibilities that we forget to daydream about the future.

Creating a bucket list together is a great way to look at the big picture and inspire some deep conversations about your hopes and dreams in life. It’s also a great way to confirm you’re on the same page about what’s important for your future.

Top tip: It can help with brainstorming to break your bucket list into categories (e.g. travel, career, creativity, relationships).

 

Compete against each other

There’s nothing like some friendly competition to add some excitement to your dynamic. Some couples even say playing against each other in videogames and sports can be a fun form of flirting!

Some sports or activities to compete in might include:

  • Tennis
  • Mini golf
  • Darts
  • Bowling
  • Videogames
  • Board games.

Top tip: Mix things up and invite friends to play doubles/teams!

 

Kick screens out of the bedroom

Pillow talk and intimacy can take a backseat when Netflix rules the room.

If you get stuck bingeing your favourite series or scrolling on your phone at night, it might be worth implementing a no-screens rule in the bedroom.

You might find you have more time for each other at the end of the day than you thought.

Top tip: If you simply can’t live without your TV and devices in the bedroom, introduce a time limit instead. For example, you might agree to switch off your screens at 8pm.

For more ideas, check out our article 10 Ways to Add Excitement to a Long-Term Relationship.