Senior living communities provide comfortable, safe living environments for older adults, but they also offer an opportunity for an active, vibrant lifestyle. In fact, one of the BEST reasons to reside in a senior living community is the life enrichment programming. And while some retirees may feel like they have more free time on their hands than they know what to do with, older adults living in a community have a calendar filled with activities to keep them lively and connected. In this blog, we will explore senior living activities.
The Importance of Activities in Senior Living
Senior living activities play a more vital role in healthy aging than we even fully realize. From activities like water aerobics or other low-impact fitness classes to day trips and local outings, today’s wellness activities blend fun with real health benefits. This creates opportunities for seniors to thrive and the social aspect has even been associated with better cognitive health.
While most senior living communities have life enrichment teams, some involve their residents directly through committees. An added bonus, this gives older adults a purpose and a voice within their community, which helps foster a sense of ownership and pride.
Types of Activities Offered
While individual activities vary between communities, most offer similar types of programming. These activities can be broken down into three groups: senior living activities appropriate for independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Independent Living Activities
Independent living is designed for older adults who are still self-sufficient, but want to enjoy an active, maintenance-free lifestyle. The activities offered to independent living residents should reflect that. Because these residents are generally more active and mobile, activities are primarily focused on fun, personal growth, and maintaining independence. Some common activities for independent living residents can include:
- Fitness & wellness programs – this might look like fitness classes that promote improving or maintaining balance and enhancing overall wellbeing, while taking into consideration the need for low-impact exercises. Some examples include water aerobics, yoga & gentle stretching, and walking clubs.
- Educational & intellectual activities – keeping the mind sharp is as important as maintaining physical health. Many senior living communities encourage their residents to be lifelong learners and partner with local colleges or universities to bring the classroom right to their community. Other great examples of educational activities are book clubs and lecture series.
- Social & cultural activities – the primary focus of social activities is to build connections. Socialization is essential for both physical and mental health. It helps prevent isolation and reduces the risk of depression. Examples of social & cultural activities include themed parties & dinners and outings with entertainment, like plays & musicals.
Assisted Living Activities
Assisted living is designed for residents who may no longer be able to physically care for themselves and need help accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs). Activities in assisted living are primarily focused on engagement and resident interests. They also provide structure and opportunities to maintain a sense of purpose and identity. In assisted living, you will see activities like:
- Arts & crafts – creative activities allow residents to express themselves and promotes the use of fine motor skills, which decline as we age.
- Activities in nature & outdoors – most assisted living communities have beautiful grounds, equipped with gardens and outdoor seating. Gardening is a great example of an activity that will have you completely immersed in nature. Being responsible for a garden also provides a sense of purpose and will even give you some light exercise. Other examples of activities involving nature can include bird watching and fall color tours.
- Games & fun activities – YES, we do still play bingo in senior living! Board games, card games, puzzles, and even bingo are all enjoyable ways to spend time socializing while also challenging your brain and memory. And how many times have you hosted a game night and spent most of the evening laughing? Regardless of your age, laughter is always the best medicine!
Memory Care Activities
Senior living activities in memory care are similar to those in assisted living but focus more on lessening the symptoms of memory loss, while ensuring residents are comfortable and safe.
- Musical programs & concerts – we are still learning of all of the benefits that music has on the aging brain, but oftentimes music evokes positive memories and emotions. It also encourages residents to interact with others and express themselves.
- Faith & spiritual activities – being one of the largest Christian nonprofit organizations in West Michigan, our activities oftentimes include something faith-based. Whether that be a Bible study or hymn sing, these activities bring like-minded people together and give older adults, especially those experiencing memory loss, a sense of comfort.
- SAIDO Learning – a nonpharmacological intervention for older adults with dementia, SAIDO Learning is an activity offered to residents throughout our communities. Originating in Japan, SAIDO Learning has been shown to dramatically improve quality of life for older adults and even help those experiencing memory loss regain confidence and rebuild connections.
Are you ready?
Each day of retirement can be an opportunity for fun, learning, and connection. And at Sunset Senior Communities, we offer a variety of senior living activities to enhance your retirement years. Contact us today, so you can experience the vibrancy of life at a Sunset community!