Whether we’re talking about assisted living, independent senior living, or skilled nursing facilities, these communities all involve helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. However, they also focus on bringing residents and community members together through special events and activities. Not only do these activities help improve the social lives of residents, but they also help to keep minds sharp and spirits high.
Senior Communities Help Residents Stay Active
As we age, our bodies don’t work as they once did. That said, we may spend more time relaxing and taking it easy. While rest can be good for us, too much can be problematic for our mental and physical health. Participating in community activities is a great way to stay active. These communities frequently hold sporting events, like pickleball, badminton, volleyball, swimming, and more.
Senior communities also provide less physically-demanding activities, including board games, checkers, chess, cards, and knitting. No matter your ability level, these communities are very inclusive, helping to find activities for everyone to enjoy! Furthermore, senior communities will often hold events, such as special dinners, musical performances, and karaoke!
Activities Improve Physical Health
Participating in these events and activities can drastically improve your physical and mental health. Since you’ll be more active while playing sports and moving your body, this can lead to several health benefits. One of which is disease prevention. Even if you participate in light exercise within your community, this can help prevent common diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Another key benefit is the reduced risk of falling. As older adults have a more challenging time with balance and mobility, this makes walking more dangerous. This is especially true when walking down stairs or on slippery surfaces. If you continue to participate in senior activities routinely, this can improve your flexibility and strength—leading to better coordination and greater balance!
Activities Engage the Mind
No matter your age, it’s important to keep your mind engaged. However, this may be more essential for seniors. As these older adults typically don’t work and have more free time, their brains can become less active. Unfortunately, this can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive issues. Whether you participate in physical or mental activities, they all work to engage the mind, leading to better brain health. If you participate in regular physical activity, this can improve fine motor skills and even lower the risk of dementia! Exercise also causes the release of endorphins, helping to lower stress and improve mood. Regular exercise can also create better sleep habits, which provides more brain-boosting benefits!
Activities Create Community
Many older adults join assisted living, or a similar establishment, to experience a sense of community. These communities are full of vibrant, fun, and like-minded individuals. That said, building friendships is easy! But to improve the sense of community even further, senior communities provide exciting events and activities. When everyone comes together to play a game or experience an event, residents are closer.
That said, many friendships begin as a result of these engaging activities. If these activities didn’t take place, seniors might feel more alone and depressed, possibly leading to health concerns. By having this social connection through activities and events, residents feel more connected with the people around them. This fights off social isolation and gives residents a sense of purpose.
Activities Prevent Isolation
Unfortunately, many seniors experience social isolation at some point. This is especially true when seniors live alone. As these older adults typically don’t work and can’t experience all the activities they once did, this can lead to feelings of depression and social isolation.
Without a good support system, breaking out of this shell can be challenging. This is another area where senior communities can help! By having events and fun activities for residents, this keeps seniors engaged and provides a sense of belonging. In fact, even getting a senior out of their room and out of their own head can do wonders for their well-being. If you’re a senior who experiences feelings of loneliness, joining one of these communities can be a step in the right direction.
Consider Joining a Senior Community Today!
Whether it’s assisted living or another type of senior community, these all help to improve the lives of seniors. While these establishments provide assistance with everyday tasks and even medical care, they offer engaging activities for their residents. These activities can be anything from playing basketball to painting a mural. No matter the activity, they all work to engage the mind, keep seniors active, and provide a sense of belonging.
