As we get older, life can feel like it’s slowing down. We might not run as fast, jump as high or take as many risks as someone in their twenties but, getting older doesn’t mean we need to give up on having fun.
In a post-COVID environment, the way we spend time with one another has changed significantly, especially for vulnerable members of our communities. But, there are still plenty of fun (and safe) ways to enjoy time in Perth with the elderly people in your life. Whether you’re planning a fun day out with your friends or a weekend with a grandparent, we’ve listed 15 activities to try with an elderly loved one.
But first, let’s take a look at life as an elderly person in Australia…
In Australia, there are around 4.2 million older Australians aged 65 and over. The number of older Australians has increased with older Australians making up 16% of the total Australian population.
Did you know? In Western Australia, there are over 478,187 adults over the age of 60 in Western Australia.
One in six Austalians are aged 65 or older and the number of older Australians is only going to grow. The ABS predicts that by 2026, older people in Australia will make up almost 23% of the total population.
The importance of physical and social activities for elderly people
Getting active and spending time outdoors with friends and family is crucial to an older person’s health and emotional well-being.
Moderate, low-impact physical activities can protect bone health, regulate blood flow and keep an individual’s weight in balance. For elderly people, regular exercise and activity can prevent deteriorating health and enhance their quality of life.
Social interaction is equally important for elderly people. Our mental health is intrinsically linked to our sense of belonging, family, and social connection. With many older people experiencing isolation later in life, maintaining consistent contact with loved ones and members of the community plays a critical role in preventing depression, enhancing happinesses levels and helping people regulate their emotions.
The benefits of regular contact with people who care is important. Homage Care Professionals provide companionship to elderly loved ones and promote social and community participation. Get in touch today to learn more.
How to spot an elderly-safe and friendly venue in Perth
With a growing number of older people in our communities, there are more elderly-safe and friendly venues and activities to explore. There are a few factors to consider before visiting a venue or pursuing an activity to ensure your time with an elderly loved one is safe and enjoyable. Here are a few things to note:
1. Accessibility and transport
Depending on the needs of your elderly loved one, you may need to consider whether an activity is suitable depending on its accessibility and proximity to transport options.
How we can help: Homage care professionals provide mobility support services to ensure your elderly loved one can move from location-to-location as safely as possible. Learn more about our patient transport services.
2. Noise and air pollution
For elderly people who experience reduced levels of hearing or breathing difficulty, ensuring your activity is not overwhelming will ensure it’s an enjoyable time for everyone.
3. Toilet access
Know where toilets are located in advance. If the closet toilet is a public facility, ensure facilities are safe to avoid hazards such as slips or falls.
4. Food options
From dietary requirements to sensitive palettes, ensure your elderly loved one’s food preferences are considered before an activity. This may involve packing meals and water bottles in advance or asking if menu items are suitable before attending a reservation.
21 things to do in Perth with your elderly loved ones
Some elderly people may have a lower tolerance for loud and fast paced environments such as concerts, rushing through a busy shopping centre or eating in bustling restaurants. With a range of indoor and outdoor activities available in Perth, there’s a ton of safe and fun things to do with your elderly loved one.
Indoor activities for the elderly
1. Get inspired at the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Located in Perth’s Cultural Centre, the Art Gallery of Western Australia provides free and easy access to exhibitions, artworks and cultural events to enjoy at a leisurely pace. The gallery also has a rooftop bar area and a cafe so you can stop and enjoy refreshments along the way.
Tip: The gallery welcomes pencil sketching. If your elderly loved one enjoys sketching, bring along a sketchpad for added fun.
2. Enjoy high tea
Who doesn’t love tea and scones? As a perfect afternoon or morning tea with friends, elderly friends can get together over sandwiches and sweets at one of Perth’s popular high tea spots.
Tip: Choose from the High Tea at Haven Lounge in The Westin, Rochelle Adonis in Highgate or The Harbour Master inside Freo’s Esplanade Hotel for good value.
3. Join a painting class
Encouraging seniors to explore new levels of creativity can be a fun and engaging activity. Art classes can also be a great way to meet other seniors in the area. With a range of workshops and painting classes in Perth, there’s something for every skill level.
Tip: Cambridge Library runs a watercolour painting group every Thursday.
4. Visit an ‘Over 50s’ group
Ranging from lunch groups, and book groups to events where seniors can mingle with singles over 50 years, attending a community group can be a fun way for elderly loved ones to meet other people in similar life stages. It can be daunting to attend on your own, so why not accompany your loved one to a local meet-up? Find a group near you today.
5. Check out the State Theatre Centre
With a wide range of events on the program, the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia is a wonderful indoor option for elderly people to enjoy a ballet, poetry reading, comedy show and more.
6. Get crafty with a knitting session
From knitting beanies to meeting new friends, knitting groups can be a relaxing yet enjoyable way to socialise with other elderly people. A needle and some coloured yarn of your choice is all you need to get started.
Tip: Cambridge Library also runs a knitting group every Wednesday.
7. Try your luck on bingo night
Beloved by all ages, Bingo can be a fun pastime and also a creative way to fundraise for a cause that your elderly loved one cares about. Bingo is also a great way to meet new people.
Tip: Leisurelife in Victoria Park runs weekly Bingo nights on Saturdays.
8. Swing by a ballroom class
Ballroom dancing can be an enjoyable form of exercise for elderly people. Moving at a gentle pace with low-impact routines, ballroom dancing can encourage seniors to grow in their confidence and coordination, as well as making new friends.
Tip: South Perth Senior Citizens Club hosts a range of activities for seniors including dance classes, chess, bingo, yoga, indoor bowls and more.
9. Dive into a swimming class
Swimming has a ton of health benefits for older people, improving cardiovascular health and endurance, blood pressure and circulation. Also easy on the joints, swimming is a great way to keep fit.
10. Cooking class
Exploring new cuisines and trying new dishes can be a creative indoor activity for your loved one in Perth. There’s no shortage of cooking classes on offer in Perth so start by choosing a cuisine that your elderly loved one will enjoy.
Outdoor activities for the elderly
11. Stroll through Kings Park
There’s no doubt about why Kings Park is a popular tourist attraction. With wheel-chair access and plenty of space to stroll, Kings Park in Perth is a beautiful place to enjoy an outdoor stroll with your elderly loved one.
12. Picnic at Hyde Park
Pack a picnic hamper and welcome your elderly loved one to a lovely picnic at Hyde Park. With plenty of shade, gentle pathways, toilets and parking opportunities, a picnic at Hyde Park is a lovely weekend activity for the whole family to enjoy.
13. Afternoon sailing
Suited for active seniors, kayaking, canoeing or sailing can be enjoyable outdoor activities in Perth.
Tip: Take in beautiful views and soak in the sun at the Swan Yacht Club.
14. Visit a weekend market
From artisan markets to fresh produce at a farmer’s market, visiting a weekend market can be an enjoyable and low intensity activity for your elderly loved one. Whether the senior in your life loves crafts, paintings or plants, there’s something for everyone to admire at a local market.
15. Weekend markets in Perth
- Local artisan products at the City Artisan Market at East Perth (every third Saturday)
- Fresh fruit and veggies at the Byford Country Market at Perth Hills (every third Saturday)
- Local art and crafts products and live performances at Canning Bridge Arts Market at Applecross (first Sunday of the month)
- Over 150 stalls of fresh produce at the Fremantle Market at Fremantle (Friday-Sunday)
16. Take a road trip
Choose your adventure and make life-long memories on a road trip with your elderly loved one to a nearby beach location or farm.
Places to visit:
- Cottesloe Beach (25 minutes from Perth)
- Canola fields and historic town of York in the Wheatbelt Region (1.5 hours from Perth)
- Picnic at Rottnest Island (90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty)
- Wineries at Ferguson Valley (2 hours from Perth)
- Swan Valley wine region (30 minutes from Perth)
17. Lawn Bowls
On a balmy afternoon, lawn bowls are an ideal way to enjoy time with family or other seniors in the area. Also building hand-eye-coordination, lawn bowls is a low-impact way to get fresh air and socialise with loved ones.
18. Golf course
Golf is a great way to improve your fitness and socialise at the same time. Perth locals are fortunate to have plenty of golf courses to choose from. Most golf clubs will hold social competitions and regular events where you can meet new people and improve your golf skills.
Tip: For beginners, The Vines Golf and Country Club and Pickering Brook Golf Club offers beginner classes for seniors.
19. Take a cruise
From dolphin watching to a sunset cruise, get out on the water by booking your elderly loved one a scenic cruise. It’ll be a great way to get fresh air, see new sights and enjoy some fish n chips.
20. Outdoor Tai Chi or Yoga
Find some zen in life with an outdoor Tai Chi or Yoga session. Gentle on the joints and an effective way to boost flexibility, joining an outdoor Tai Chi or Yoga session at the local park or health centre can be a wonderful activity for a senior in Perth.
Tip: Check out Seniors Yoga and Pilates in Wangara or join the South Perth Senior Citizens Club to explore the range of programs available.
21. Try gardening
Does your elderly loved one enjoy the outdoors? Adding new seedlings to a garden or working on a new veggie patch is a creative and active project for an elderly person in your life to get involved with.
Tip: Take it one step further by trying a recipe with one of the home grown veggies in your garden.
How Homage can help your elderly loved one
Our care professionals provide professional support, care and assistance to elderly people in our community. From transport needs to providing invaluable companionship and friendship, our care professional can improve the quality of life for an elderly loved one.
The services we provide for your elderly loved one can include:
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- Companionship Support: Our Care Professionals help the elderly participate in activities such as group gatherings, sports and exercise or community events.
- Personal care: Our Care Professionals assist your loved one’s activities during daily living. From eating to getting dressed, we help your loved one enjoy a safe and independent living at home.
- Transport services: Homage helps with an elderly person’s transport needs by accompanying them on public transport and helping organise private transport to appointments or access to an elderly-friendly activity and venue in Perth.
Provide the best care to your loved one today!
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Housing WA (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2022, from https://www.housing.wa.gov.au/aboutus/publications/researchandreports/Documents/Older-Adults-In-Western-Australia.pdf
- Older Australians, Summary. (2021, November 30). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved October 6, 2022, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/summary
