10 Sensory Activities for Men

Sensory stimulation experiences are often easier to plan for women. However, men can benefit from sensory kits too. Here are some ideas and inspiration to get you started.

9 Benefits of Sensory Stimulation

Sensory stimulation, or engaging more than one of the five senses during the same experience, has been proven to have a wide variety of cognitive and physical health benefits. Some benefits from sensory stimulation groups or 1:1 interactions can include:

• Decreased aggressive behaviors
• Increased relaxation or feelings of peace and calm
• Better sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)
• Increased appetite
• Increased attention span and general attentiveness
• Better overall mood
• Increased capacity for conversation
• Decreased feelings of depression or anxiety
• Less anxious behaviors (pacing, wringing hands, etc.)

How Sensory Stimulation Works

There are five human senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. When you create an experience or interaction that engages more than one of those senses at a time, it is called sensory stimulation. Many Activity Professionals believe that a complete sensory experience needs to engage all five senses at once; however, this can end up being awkward and overstimulating! Try to engage 2-3 senses during an interaction; this approach seems to be the sweet spot for most residents.

Sensory stimulation isn’t just for older adults living with dementia (or just for older adults). In fact, sensory stimulation works for everyone, including on yourself. Think about it: when you have a hard day at work, you might feel more calm if you jump in a lavender scented bubble bath and listen to your favorite music. Or, you might help your child stay focused during virtual school by squeezing a stress ball and diffusing peppermint essential oil.

Almost all of us have sensory experiences multiple times throughout the day without planning it. However, older adults (especially those living with dementia or other cognitive disorders) can struggle with creating these relaxing moments on their own.

Challenges with Male Residents

Many Activity Professionals find it difficult to plan male-centric activity groups, and the same goes for male-centric sensory stimulation groups or interactions. It’s okay if you struggle with engaging male residents in a sensory group. There are plenty of obstacles that can make sensory stimulation with men a bit more challenging:

• Men tend to be less open to touch-based activities
• Men can sometimes resist group activities that are rooted in relaxation or being still (they are used to being on the go)
• Sensory groups are naturally skewed toward women (manicures or hand massages, for example, are a staple on many activity calendars and might not appeal to the majority of male residents)

While it is presumptuous to assume that all men will like the same things or have the same interests, or that most men will not like experiences like hand massages, you can choose to make a targeted effort at trying out male-centric sensory kits during interactions. 

As with all new activities or approaches, remember that you will not hit a home-run during your first attempts. Don’t be discouraged! Keep trying, making sure you are staying as person-centered as possible.

10 Sensory Ideas for Men to Get You Started

Here are some ideas that might change how you and your male residents look at sensory experiences. Try one or a few to see how they work with your current group.

1. Sports can be an excellent theme to start your sensory interaction. Try listening to college fight songs and tossing a football around, or sift through professional team logo photos and listen to audio from a famous game.
2. Men who worked with their hands professionally or as a hobby can benefit from sensory experiences rooted in that history. Try sanding blocks of wood while listening to nature sounds or match nuts and bolts while listening to a soundtrack of favorite tunes.
3. For men who worked in an office, bring in a briefcase full of papers to sort and sip coffee in between batches. Sorting through and tying neckties, as well as shining dress shoes, are also excellent activities to pair with coffee.
4. Look through photos of vintage cars or motorcycles while listening to favorite music. If it’s nice outside, plan for a sensory experience of washing or waxing a family member or staff member automobile. (My residents used to genuinely love that activity!)
5. Tie sailor knots and listen to ocean sounds.
6. Sort through trail maps or photos and listen to nature sounds.
7. Sift through travel brochures while enjoying a regional treat together.
8. Listen to old comedy shows or radio shows while snacking on popcorn.
9. Toss bottle caps into a bucket while drinking a bottle of rootbeer.
10. Play frisbee or another tailgating game outside where you can feel the sunshine on your skin and listen to sounds outside.

When you get to know your residents, you can plan sensory experiences based on their previous history and preferences. It won’t matter if they are male or female! However, it can be helpful to have supplies and experiences on hand that a small group of male residents may enjoy to do together. This way, you won’t be scrambling to give them a sensory experience.

I’d love to hear about any male-centric sensory experiences that work in your community, or about any sensory experience that was a surprising hit among your male residents!