Spending quality time with elderly parents or loved ones is one of the most meaningful ways to show care and appreciation. Whether your loved one is living at home or receiving aged care support, engaging in enjoyable activities together can promote emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and improve quality of life.
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we’ve seen how a strong social connection can make a significant difference in the lives of older Australians. Our free care finding service is designed to help families across Melbourne find the right aged care provider — but we also know that care goes beyond services. It’s about connection, joy, and shared experiences.
In this guide, we’ve compiled 30 thoughtful and fun activities you can enjoy with your elderly loved ones, including a wide mix of relaxing, creative, outdoor, and social ideas. Whether your parent is highly active or has limited mobility, you’ll find something that works.
Why Activities Matter in Aged Care
Meaningful activities are more than just ways to pass time — they contribute to physical health, mental stimulation, emotional connection, and even better sleep. For elderly individuals, especially those who may be experiencing isolation, regular engagement in activities can:
- Improve mood and reduce depression or anxiety
- Stimulate memory and cognition
- Maintain physical strength and coordination
- Offer a sense of purpose and achievement
And most importantly, activities help reinforce relationships — especially with family members and carers.
Let’s explore 30 enjoyable ways to create meaningful memories together.
30 Fun and Meaningful Activities to Enjoy with Elderly Loved Ones
- Create a Family Recipe Book Together
Cook old family favourites, write down the recipes, and create a personalised keepsake.
- Visit a Botanical Garden
Take a stroll and enjoy the colours, scents, and serenity of Melbourne’s many green spaces.
- Watch a Theatre Performance or Musical
Live performances can be both entertaining and emotionally enriching.
- Scrapbooking Old Memories
Use photos, letters, and souvenirs to create a scrapbook. It’s a great way to revisit the past together.
- Attend a Community Art Workshop
Melbourne has many council-funded art classes suitable for all levels.
- Try Chair Yoga or Gentle Tai Chi
Great for those with mobility limitations. Many community centres offer age-friendly classes.
- Play Word Games or Crosswords
Fun and excellent for maintaining cognitive health.
- Enjoy Afternoon Tea at a Local Café
Turn it into a regular ritual — a time to chat and relax.
- Do a Puzzle Together
Jigsaw puzzles help with problem-solving and offer a calm, shared experience.
- Take a Tram Ride Around the City
Enjoy Melbourne’s iconic trams for a relaxed sightseeing experience.
- Visit a Petting Zoo or Animal Farm
Many elderly people love interacting with animals — it can be very therapeutic.
- Do Indoor Gardening or Pot Plant Arranging
Use herbs, succulents, or flowers. Easy to maintain and visually rewarding.
- Try Watercolour Painting
Simple, meditative, and expressive — art knows no age.
- Join a Local Choir or Singing Group
Music brings joy and encourages deep breathing and memory recall.
- Explore a New Suburb Together
Choose a Melbourne neighbourhood and explore its cafes and parks.
- Share and Record Life Stories
Interview your loved one about their past and record it. A legacy gift for future generations.
- Attend a Library Event or Book Club
Most libraries offer senior-friendly programs including reading groups and guest talks.
- Enjoy Armchair Travel with Documentaries
Watch travel shows or nature documentaries and talk about places you’d love to visit.
- Take a Walk Along the Beach
Wheelchair-accessible beach paths are available at some Melbourne locations.
- Make a Family Tree
Use online ancestry tools or do it by hand with pen and paper.
- Visit a Weekend Farmers’ Market
Enjoy fresh food, local produce, and lively conversation.
- Play Simple Musical Instruments
Try percussion instruments like tambourines or shakers together.
- Watch Old Home Videos
Take a nostalgic journey and relive shared memories.
- Volunteer for a Local Cause
Some charities welcome intergenerational volunteering — great for bonding.
- Build a Puzzle of Australia
Make it educational and fun — great for geography and history chats.
- Try Origami or Paper Craft
Simple, inexpensive, and enjoyable for the hands and the mind.
- Decorate for the Seasons or Holidays
Create centrepieces, hang garlands, or decorate cookies.
- Look at the Stars Together
Take a night drive (or sit in the garden) and stargaze.
- Visit a Local Historical Society or Museum
Discover more about Melbourne’s past and spark meaningful conversation.
- Celebrate Their Achievements
Have a “life milestones” celebration — reflect on what they’ve done and achieved.
How SSCA Can Help
At Support Services Connect Australia, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the aged care system. Our free care finding service helps Melbourne families match their loved ones with a home care provider that meets their specific needs, preferences, and location — at no cost.
Whether your parent needs more social connection, mobility support, or daily care, our team works with you to:
- Simplify provider comparisons
- Clarify provider’s costs and service flexibility
- Our Care Finding Service is free
- Shortlist quality providers with high satisfaction ratings
We know every older person is different — and we believe in empowering you to choose what’s best for your family.
If you’re planning activities or support for your ageing loved one, and you’re unsure where to start with aged care, contact us for free guidance.
Final Thoughts
Fun, connection, and care go hand in hand. By making time for shared experiences — whether it’s painting, walking, cooking, or simply talking — you’re giving your elderly loved ones something more valuable than anything else: your time and attention.
And when the time comes for more formal support, SSCA is here to guide you through the process of finding a trusted, suitable provider in Melbourne.
Start today — and bring more joy to every chapter of life.
Need help finding an aged care provider in Melbourne?
Contact SSCA for free, personalised care finding advice.