Not Your Grandma’s Bingo Night: Modern Activities for Seniors
When you think of senior living activities, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Movies and TV shows have given us plenty of images of older adults gathered around a television set in a common room, or sitting through an uninspired bingo night. But these stereotypes couldn’t be further from reality in the best senior living communities. Today’s senior care options are full of unexpected programs and activities that inspire people to live their best lives.
When you’re searching for a senior community for yourself or a loved one, don’t overlook the schedule of events and activities that are offered. From advanced technology classes to gourmet food & wine tasting events, these amazing options will offer something that speaks to each resident’s passions and goals. Here are some of the latest trends sweeping the senior care landscape.
Personalized Activities
Gone are the days of the same rotating schedule of one-size-fits-all events. The best senior communities take feedback from their residents and craft schedules that include activities they’re actually interested in. It is the perfect chance for residents to resume a hobby that they enjoy or to explore a new activity they’ve wanted to try.
That might mean offering both a video game night and a cooking class, hosting a book club and a chess club, and leading both strength training and yoga fitness groups. That way, there’s something for everyone—and the residents have a say in how they spend their time.
Learning Rather than Maintaining
There has always been a misconception that older adults may not be tech savvy. But research is proving that the biggest hurdle to gaining knowledge might just be our belief that we’re too old to learn new tricks. Learning new things isn’t just possible—our brains may actually be better suited for certain challenges and skills after middle age.
Look for a senior care option that prioritizes not just maintaining mental sharpness but actively improving it. Some communities offer classes and events on par with introductory college courses, offering new skills and ways of looking at the world. Whether you become a world-record-holding DJ in your 80s or simply find yourself excited about something new, the results will be well worth it.
Sports & Fitness Beyond Step Aerobics
Physical activity is critically important to everyone’s health and mental well-being. That doesn’t change when we get older, even when our bodies face new challenges to staying fit. As people of all ages have come to realize, committing to a healthy routine requires finding a type of exercise you actually enjoy. So while step aerobics are great for some, they’re not for everyone.
Check out a potential community’s athletic amenities to see if they have a variety of accessible options. Bone-bolstering strength training classes, high-energy but low-impact sports like pickleball, and meditative activities like yoga and tai chi are all fun and effective ways of staying active.
Access is especially important for patients with disabilities that can make traditional physical fitness difficult. In one study, survey participants with dementia, disabilities, or depression said their top two favorite activities were physical. Having to miss out on beloved activities can make a major impact on a person’s quality of life, so choosing a senior living option that can accommodate is crucial.
Fewer Pastimes, More Engaging Experiences
It’s not that everything has to be go-go-go—sometimes, all of us need a relaxing activity that can help us tune out and unwind. Historically, though, too many senior living communities have relied on activities that merely helped pass the time. Today we know that genuinely engaging programming is the key to helping older adults enjoy their retirement and make meaningful connections with the people around them.
This philosophy applies to memory care as well. Though people living with dementia may not be able to participate in some of the more physically involved activities offered in assisted living communities, they can benefit greatly from other forms of meaningful engagement. Research shows that personalized, stimulating activities can help people with dementia feel a sense of purpose, ease depression, and improve challenging behaviors.
Thinking Outside of the Box with Activities for Seniors
For too long, the prevailing image of a senior living community has been a misconception. But senior living communities are vibrant places that are ideal places to call home. In your search for the perfect senior care option, the calendar of events can tell you a lot about the quality of life—the more personalized, stereotype-busting, and engaging the list, the better.
Of course, an activities list is just one piece of the whole senior living puzzle. There are a lot of amenities, features, and other important factors to consider that can make the choice feel overwhelming. For help navigating these complex waters, call CarePatrol!
Our senior care advisors have vetted thousands of communities in hundreds of locations across the country. We won’t just hand you a list: we help you schedule tours, narrow down the right options for your preferences and budget, and even assist on move-in day. Best of all, we do it at no charge to you! Call your local CarePatrol advisor today to get personalized recommendations.
Senior Living Advisors: Helping Families Find Senior Care Options
CarePatrol is a Best Life Brands company committed to helping senior citizens live their best lives. Whether you or your loved one are seeking a retirement community, independent living, assisted living, or nursing home, we’re here to be your advocate and guide through every step of the process. We can even help you determine the level of necessary care to ensure a perfect match.