Occupational Therapy Activities for Adults

APRIL 7, 2020 BY JEREMY RODRIGUEZ IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, THERAPY

Occupational therapists may recommend a variety of activities to

ensure seniors maintain their independence. These can stretch out
your body, enhance your memory, and help you relax. We’ll go over a
few suggestions below but be sure to consult an occupational therapist
before undergoing some of these exercises.

Occupational therapy activities for adults include:

 Range-of-motion exercises
o Neck — Slowly bend your chin toward your chest and turn
your head side to side. Hold each stance for several
seconds.
o Lower back — Lie on your back with your knees bent and
feet together flat on the floor. Keep your knees together
and lower your legs to one side. Twist your torso until you
feel a stretch. Hold for a few seconds and repeat with the
opposite side.
o Hip — Lie on your back with knees bent. Bring one knee out
to the side of your body and rest your foot against the
opposite leg. Gently push down until you feel the stretch.
Hold for several seconds and repeat with the opposite side.
 Memory exercises
o Memory games
o Crossword puzzles
o Arts and crafts
 Relaxation exercises
o Deep-breathing — When you feel anxious, sit on a
comfortable chair and close your eyes. Place your hand on
your stomach and concentrate on your breath. Take a deep
inhale, pause, and slowly exhale.
 o Yoga — Exercises can manage chronic pain, weight, stress,
mood, diabetes, and hypertension.
o Gardening — Getting outside and gardening can improve
motor skills, provide stimulation, and improve physical
activity levels.

Occupational Therapy Group Ideas for Adults

Now that we know more about occupational therapy ideas for older
adults, let’s look specifically at group activities. During the COVID-19
pandemic, make sure you only engage in these activities with those
within your living quarters rather than going out in public.
Furthermore, try to adapt some of these ideas for use via video chat or
phone with those you cannot necessarily meet in person. Safety is of
the utmost importance at this time.

Occupational therapy group activities for the elderly include:

 Read aloud together

 Video chat and call friends and family
 Watch movies and TV shows with friends and family through
screen-sharing platforms (i.e. Kosmi)
 Play indoor games (i.e. cards, board games, tossing a ball around)
 Dance together through a safe distance or video chatting
 Make a craft together
 Put a puzzle together

Any activity can be adapted for use in groups, with or without social
distancing. Speak to your occupational therapist for other fun ideas.

Occupational Therapy in Home Care

Now that we know more about occupational therapy ideas for the
elderly, let’s take a look at occupational therapy at home for adults.
Keep some of these tips in mind while undergoing treatment:
 Set small goals to achieve larger goals: Break your larger goals
down into smaller objectives. For example, rather than aiming to
“drive a car again,” think about the goals that will lead you to that.
This can include things such as choosing to regain the range of
motion to look over your shoulder or to buckle your seatbelt.
 Encourage patience: Do not be hard on yourself.
 Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing to
make occupational therapy easier.
 Celebrate small victories: Celebrate with a special dinner,
bouquet of flowers, ice cream, or whatever makes you happy to
acknowledge each milestone.