There are about 61 million disabled adult people in the USA. This is equivalent to about one in every four people of the population living with a disability. The term disability defines the impairments that result from injury and disease, mental, physical, or emotional, functional limitations a person has as a result of the impairments. Due to these limitations, people with disabilities are prone to health problems, including diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and many more.
Decades ago, people with disabilities had limited opportunities for recreational activities and were more prone to various diseases. However, thanks to multiple advances in recent years, everyone, including people with disabilities, has access to healthy and recreational activities.
For people with disabilities, you may not be sure which activity suits them best. This is also the case for those living with or helping people with disabilities. This article sheds light on some useful motivational activities you can engage with people living with disabilities and the benefits of such activities to them.
Benefits of Physical Activities for People Living with Disability
As mentioned earlier, people with disabilities are less likely to engage in physical activity and yet, have similar health and social needs as other people around them. Therefore, the importance of physical activity for people with disabilities is paramount.
Some benefits of physical activity include:
- Health benefits include lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases and others, such as blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
- Physical activity in cancer treatment also affects treatment decisions and the ability to withstand the treatments.
- Physical activity also helps to reduce anxiety and depression. Other than that, it helps control joint swelling, pain associated with arthritis and also improves muscle strength.
- It helps in a social setting by reducing the stigma and stereotypes associated with the condition. By engaging in physical activity, people with disabilities are likely to be perceived positively and increase social integration and friendships.
- Physical activity is also fun and a great way to elevate their mood.
Below are five activities that can work wonders, physically and mentally, for disabled people:
1. Swimming
Water has been a therapeutic tool for ages, linked to many health benefits. It is especially useful in the treatment of neurologically related conditions such as head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, spinal cord injuries, neurological system conditions, and much more. For this reason, swimming is one of the most commonly adapted sports for disabled people.
Swimming enhances the functional ability, psychomotor skills, and physical condition of the participants. It motivates people with disabilities to see beyond the disability and live an active life.
2. Music
Music is good for both physical and psychological health, especially when practiced in a group. It helps people with disabilities to enhance their self-esteem. Also, as music involves movement such as instrument playing, body expression, singing, etc. the exercise helps to keep the motor functions in good shape.
Music is also a great mood booster, capable of lifting the lowest of the spirits. By engaging in music, people with disabilities can relieve some of the stress and have a positive mood.
3. Gardening
Therapeutic gardens and allotments are helpful for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. They are especially useful for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. By actively participating in the care and conservation of a garden or allotment, people with these disabilities create an emotional bond with the plants and the natural environment.
This kind of caring and bonding brings about extensive physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that help to relieve tension and stress.
4. Art
Art is an excellent way of expressing feelings and emotions. People with disabilities can also express themselves through art. Art therapy encourages creativity and can be used to motivate and encourage them.
A few art ideas include beading, crafting with clay, decorating with paint, and drawing.
5. Special Olympics
The Special Olympics is an excellent opportunity to increase social inclusion for people with various disabilities hence regarded as the largest combined humanitarian and sporting event globally. This program prides itself on ensuring that anyone can participate in sports regardless of their disability.
By engaging in this event, people with disabilities feel included and part of the larger group irrespective of their physical abilities.
Conclusion
Activities for people with disabilities are vital for their well-being. Not only do they have health benefits, but they also serve as the backbone of social relationships, allowing these people to feel they are part of society. Buy them right pride lift chairs to make their life easier. This would give them the freedom to do this according to them.
The people living with disabilities should be engaged in the right kind of activity and at the right level. The activity should benefit the person without causing too much emotional or physical strain on them.
