Spending time with your grandma is about creating memories you will remember for the rest of your life.

As our grandmothers get older, though, they may find it more difficult to enjoy some activities they used to do. 

That doesn’t mean that aren’t fun things to do – of course there are! Grandmothers love spending quality time with your grandchildren, and that doesn’t mean you have to arrange something that’s elaborate or costly – think through activities that are meaningful.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of activities you can do with your grandma. From baking family recipes to exploring adaptive clothing options to heading out for a small adventure, here are 10 ways to create lasting memories with your grandmother.

Why Spending Time With Your Grandmother Matters

Meaningful interactions with loved ones can significantly boost their emotional and Mental Health and even improve their physical health in some cases.

Additionally, you can learn more about life from your grandmother. Grandparents’ years of experience allow them to gain a wealth of Wisdom and unique perspectives that can help younger generations navigate life’s challenges. 

Activity 1: Organize a Wardrobe Makeover

Organizing a wardrobe makeover is one simple yet enjoyable way to bond with grandma. It does not require her to make long treks, and you can do it in the comfort of Grandma’s home. 

Make this a collaborative effort. If your grandma can no longer carry the clothes, you can include her by asking what items she loves wearing and if there are any she may no longer want to wear.

During this activity, you can also introduce new types of comfortable clothing for your grandma, such as adaptive clothing for women and adaptive nightgowns that are easy to put on and wear throughout the day.

This way, you two can spend time together while grandma can reap the benefits of an organized closet.

How to Introduce Adaptive Clothing with Ease and Fun

We suggest making this wardrobe session light and fun. Introducing adaptive clothing can be a great way to ensure grandma remains comfortable and confident.

Items like easy-on pants or zip-up sweaters are perfect for simplifying her dressing routine. You may even want to show how these items are designed to make her daily life easier.

 For a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift idea, consider gifting her a few adaptive clothing pieces that combine style with functionality. Choose items in her favorite colors or patterns to make it feel even more special. 

 By framing it as a gift that celebrates her style while supporting her comfort, you can create a positive experience that makes her feel loved and valued. 

 Frame this as an exciting and positive development—finally, there are great, stylish clothes that function perfectly for Aging bodies. Remind her that it’s normal (and quite expected!) to get old, and using clothes that assist us as we age is as practical as it gets.

Activity 2: Bake a Family Recipe Together

For this activity, you can bake or cook a family recipe to celebrate family traditions while deepening your bond with your grandmother.

To begin, choose a beloved family recipe and invite grandma to join you in the kitchen. If you do not have a family recipe to follow, you can ask grandma if she has a dish she wants to try so that you can prepare it together.

During the cooking or baking process, let her guide you through the steps, and perhaps ask how the family recipe came to be or why your grandma likes the dish you are making.

Cooking and baking are remarkable ways of bridging the gap between generations, and food helps you connect better with family, especially when a recipe has been passed down through the years.

Food has a remarkable way of connecting us, especially when a recipe has been passed down through the years. 

Adapting Recipes for Different Dietary Needs

If your grandma or other family members have dietary restrictions, you can adjust the family recipe to fit everyone’s tastes.

 You might even experiment with new twists on old favorites, sparking conversations about family history as you create new memories in the kitchen. 

 Approaching cooking thoughtfully allows you to preserve family heritage while embracing each generation’s unique tastes and health needs.

Activity 3: Take a Walk in Nature

A leisurely nature walk is a beautiful way to get some fresh air and spend quality time with grandma.

Walking side by side allows grandma to stay active without overexerting herself. At the same time, you two can have meaningful conversations, thus deepening your connection.

This way, she can still enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking while enjoying her time with you.

The relaxed pace of a nature walk invites casual conversation and reminiscing, creating moments to share favorite memories and stories from the past. 

Finding Accessible Outdoor Spaces

If grandma has mobility challenges, we recommend visiting parks or relatively flat paths for a more accessible outing.

 Additionally, look for areas with smooth pathways or benches so that she can take breaks during long walks.

Another idea is to plan a picnic that coincides with the walk. Bring a blanket, your and grandma’s favorite snacks, and maybe a thermos of tea to enjoy the pleasant outdoors more.

Activity 4: Try a Craft Project Together

If you prefer indoor activities, why not start a craft project with grandma? This can be a fun activity that allows you to create memories while enjoying various crafts.

Whether it is knitting, crocheting, or making simple photo frames, a craft project provides a tangible keepsake that represents time well spent. 

You do not need to be a pro at crafting, either. What matters is that you are having fun while spending time with grandma.

Sharing stories and a few jokes during the process adds to the joy of crafting something, making each creation a little more special.

Craft Ideas for Beginners

If either of you are new to crafting, consider beginner-friendly projects such as painting pottery, decorating picture frames, or making greeting cards. 

You could also try scrapbooking and use photos and memorabilia to create a collection of family memories. 

Simple DIY kits are another great option, as they provide all the materials and guidance needed for a fun, Stress-free project. 

Activity 5: Play a Board Game or Card Game

Board and card games are classic activities that create a fun atmosphere, perfect for conversation and friendly competition. 

They are a great way to share laughter while keeping grandma’s mind sharp and engaged.

Board Games and Card Games Grandma Might Remember

Playing these familiar games can evoke memories of your grandma’s days and provide an opportunity for her to share stories of playing these games in the past:

• Gin Rummy: Try to form sets or runs of cards and be the first to “go gin” or have the lowest deadwood. While playing this, your grandma might even enjoy sharing secret strategies with you.
• Dominoes: Match tiles with the same number of dots to build chains and score points. This game is more casual, perfect for a relaxing day or night in while exchanging stories. 
• Bridge: Partner up, bid on tricks, and play to win with skill and strategy. If you are new, let Grandma guide you through the basics.
• Go Fish or Old Maid: Draw and match pairs or avoid the Old Maid card. These lighthearted games are easy to learn and perfect for shared laughter.

Activity 6: Watch a Classic Movie or TV Show

We recommend setting aside time to watch a classic movie or TV show from your grandma’s era. This activity gets better if you choose a film that she loves or one that sparks memories of her past. 

Watching something nostalgic can be an enjoyable way to connect, allowing you to see the world through her eyes.

Creating a “Movie Night” Atmosphere

To make the experience even more unique, set up a cozy area with comfortable seating, prepare some favorite snacks, and turn off the lights to make it feel like a real movie night. 

Consider cozying up the setting with a few blankets and pillows or even designing and printing out “tickets” for fun. For an extra fun touch, you can even prepare snacks or drinks that match the era of the move.

Movie nights with grand can easily become a cherished tradition, especially when the two of you slowly go through a collection of your favorite films and shows.

Activity 7: Do a Puzzle Together

Puzzles are engaging and relaxing activities that you and grandma can also enjoy together while indoors. 

Aside from being mentally stimulating, working on a puzzle allows for casual conversation, giving you a chance to share life updates, jokes, or even new experiences. 

Not only that, but puzzles can be a continued event, given that many puzzles can be completed over time. With each visit, you can put more pieces into place while making more memories with your grandma.

Benefits of Puzzles for Memory and Brain Health

Completing puzzles together has several benefits, such as:

• Cognitive Stimulation: Puzzles engage multiple parts of the brain, promoting mental activity that helps maintain cognitive functions like memory, problem-solving, and reasoning skills.
• Memory Enhancement: Working on puzzles can improve short-term memory by requiring participants to remember shapes, colors, and pieces, strengthening recall over time.
• Reduced Stress: The focused, mindful nature of puzzle-solving can reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it a calming activity that provides mental Clarity.
• Improved Focus and Patience: Completing puzzles requires patience and attention to detail, skills that enhance concentration and perseverance, which are especially beneficial for maintaining focus over time.
• Social Connection: Doing puzzles together provides a fun, interactive way to bond, allowing for conversation, laughter, and teamwork while stimulating the brain.

Activity 8: Go Out for Afternoon Tea or a Favorite Meal

Treating grandma to afternoon tea or her favorite meal is a lovely day-out plan to make her feel special.

This outing gives you both a chance to dress up and create a memorable experience centered around good food and meaningful conversation. 

If you opt for this activity, why not choose a cozy cafe or restaurant she enjoys or try a new spot together for some adventure?

On the other hand, if going out is not possible, you can recreate the experience at home by setting up a tea station with a variety of teas, scones, and small sandwiches or by preparing her favorite meal together.

Activity 9: Plant Flowers or Start a Small Garden

Gardening is a therapeutic activity that brings people together and allows for quality time spent outdoors. 

Start small by planting flowers or creating an herb garden – something manageable yet rewarding and easy to maintain. 

Consider choosing easy-to-care-for plants, such as colorful annuals, or fragrant herbs like basil and mint, which can be enjoyed throughout the season.

If grandma has a favorite flower, planting it together can be a meaningful way to nurture something special. Watching the plants grow over time also provides a lasting reminder of your shared experience.

Activity 10: Listen to Her Favorite Music Together

Create a playlist featuring your grandma’s favorite songs, or help her find them on a Streaming service. 

Listening to music together can be a delightful way to hear her stories and memories connected to each song, thus allowing you to take a glimpse into her past. 

Exploring New Music Together

Sharing your favorite music with grandma is also a fantastic activity to try when spending time with her. 

This exchange creates a balanced experience of nostalgia and novelty, allowing you both to learn about each other’s musical tastes and broaden your playlists.

During this activity, Introduce her to songs or genres she might not have heard before and ask for her thoughts. You never know; she may even discover new favorites! 

You may also want to consider making a shared playlist that includes both of your favorite tracks, creating a blend of the old and new that represents both of you. 

Additional Ideas to Keep the Connection Going

To keep the bond strong, consider incorporating smaller activities such as:

• Setting up consistent calls or video chats to stay connected, especially if you cannot visit often.
• Sending her handwritten notes or small gifts that show you are thinking of her.
• Helping her with small tasks around the house can also be an opportunity for conversation.
• Asking her to teach you something she enjoys to learn from her skills and experiences.

Simple gestures, done consistently, go a long way in nurturing your relationship with your grandma.

Final Words on Things To Do With Your Grandma

Spending time with your grandmother is one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting memories. 

The activities don’t have to be elaborate; what truly matters are the moments shared, the laughter exchanged, and the bonds that grow stronger with each experience. 

These simple, heartfelt interactions are irreplaceable, building stories and memories to be cherished for years to come.

At Joe and Bella, we offer a range of products designed with comfort, style, and accessibility in mind. These are perfect for keeping your grandma comfortable while adding warmth to your shared moments.

Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news

Ben Graham Joe & Bella VP of Marketing

Ben Graham is the Vice President of Marketing at Joe & Bella, an adaptive-apparel company for older adults that focuses on creating innovative and fashionable apparel. Joe & Bella was recently awarded the “Most Innovative Older Adult Clothing Brand: 2022” by Global Health and “2022 Best New Apparel Brand” by Boomer Venture Summit. Joe & Bella’s first adaptive clothing line, CareZips, won the 2022 "Best New Product”award by Today’s Caregiver Magazine and Caregiver.com. Ben was previously Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Collaborata, an innovative marketing-research firm that brought corporate partners together to find solutions to business problems. Collaborata focuses on topics including caregiving, aging, diversity, and equity with clients such as AARP, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Target, and Nike. Ben spent many years, together with his family, providing care for his two grandparents who lived for nearly a decade in assisted living and memory care.