Learning how to spend quality time with aging parents is essential to treasure them while they’re here. 

While it may initially feel awkward to hang out with your parents, especially when there’s a significant age gap, they’ve known you the longest and have been there through thick and thin. Discover the unique benefits of spending time with aging parents as you try these creative quality time ideas.

1. Talk With Them

Talking is how we connect, and though conversations can be frustrating if they are hard of hearing, remember they had patience when you were speaking baby babble while in diapers. Try to pick a topic they feel excited about — even if it’s the weather — and listen to them.  

Benefits: 

• Feeling heard is a powerful experience, and it can improve their mental health, so listen to them.
• When you talk with your parent, it creates a sense of belonging and compassion. 

2. Cook Together 

Even if you must do most of the work while your parents keep you company, it’s a fantastic opportunity to create fond memories while you roll out cookie dough or make Sunday dinner together. Your cooking styles may differ, but you can always learn something new — creating a fond memory. 

Benefits: 

• Sharing childhood recipes helps your parent feel like they still matter and that their lives continue each time you make this recipe.
• It’s an excellent way to connect your children to their grandparents by encouraging them to cook together and continue a valuable family tradition. 

3. Put Together a Scrapbook 

Family photos come to life when you create a scrapbook together. Your parents will love telling you about their memories, adventures, family, friends and the places they’ve visited. The scrapbook can easily turn into a journal. 

Benefits: 

• Increased mental vitality and a sense of belonging for them.
• You learn about the context of your parents’ lives and gain perspective.

4. Take a Stroll Together

A quiet stroll through a beautiful park or even down the street creates harmony with you and your parents. The relaxed walk encourages casual, natural conversation.

Walking can also help their stress, with an average of 7.5 nature walks increasing happiness.  

Benefits: 

• They’ll enjoy gentle exercise and increased mobility.
• You get to see them in a stress-free environment, possibly letting them reveal a side you don’t usually see. 

5. Have a Weekly Game Night

Life gets busy, and while you want to spend time with your elders, visiting and having nothing to discuss or do together may feel forced. A weekly game night is perfect for reconnecting and spending quality time together. Choose a different game each week, introduce them to something new or let them teach you a beloved childhood game. 

Benefits: 

• Gaming together brings laughter and fond memories. 
• This tradition can carry over to your core family with a weekly get-together that includes your kids. 

6. Take a Class Together

A hobby is a fabulous way to connect and see each other anew. Invite your parents to attend a class or club with you once a week. They may love learning a new skill like pottery or art, and you’ll both have fun together. 

Benefits: 

• Learning a new skill is vital for sustained mental health, helping them stay alert for longer.
• The neutral ground of an outside-the-home hobby helps you bridge the gap between child and parent as they learn to accept you’re now a grownup. 

7. Watch Iconic Movies

Your parents grew up watching classics like The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. They’ll enjoy revisiting these films, sharing their memories with you and maybe even singing along with familiar songs. 

While these movies are long — thank goodness for the pause button — it’s a wonderful time for forming a friendship with your parents. 

Benefits: 

• They’ll relax, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to relive their childhood memories and dive into nostalgia. 
• Focusing on the plot, characters and themes will allow you to have a deeper conversation with them. 

8. Swim With Them 

Swimming is an excellent exercise for everyone, but especially for seniors. It’s a low-impact activity that’s fun, social and dynamic. Water-based exercise and activities reduce lower back pain and improve body composition, such as increasing bone density. 

Benefits: 

• Water-based activities are less tiring than other forms of exercise, and it’s a fun way for them to hang out with you. 
• You’ll enjoy being able to build a healthy routine with them.

9. Volunteer Together

Volunteering is one of the best ways to improve your self-esteem and connect to a cause close to your heart. Many elders don’t feel needed, and rekindling this in them with volunteer work can alleviate depression and reduce their mortality rates while giving you a meaningful way to spend quality time with them. 

Benefits: 

• They’ll enjoy a weekly or monthly social opportunity with you while volunteering. 
• You get to give back to your community and show your parents they raised you right. 

10. Indulge in Self-Care

Your parent may have given up a lot to care for you when you were young, and it’s your chance to give back. Create an at-home spa night with luxurious bath goodies. Your mom may love a foot rub, while your dad could enjoy a facial to ease tired muscles. 

Benefits: 

• They’ll benefit from a reduction in stress, depression and anxiety.
• You’ll feel a self-esteem boost because you can care for them so intimately. 

Quality Time Starts Now

Quality time with your parents matters to them, so prevent future regrets and make the most of it while you can. Every small act together or moment spent in happy fellowship helps you connect and form memories you’ll cherish. The benefits outweigh any effort to find time for your elders — one day could be tomorrow.