The Power of Recreational Activities in Senior Living
When most of us think about how we want to spend our later years, we all have different things on our bucket list.
The more adventurous may dream of jumping out of a plane, while the family-focused may want to witness a graduation ceremony or wedding.
Nevertheless, there are some things we all have in common. We want to enjoy life and be in beautiful surroundings. We want to have fun and connect with other people.
We've focused on that common ground when designing Lakehouse Manitowoc Senior Living. Read on to discover recreational activities in Senior Living communities and why they are central to our approach.
Community Outings
Leading a full life and exploring the broader community are crucial in later life and can help enhance seniors' overall quality of life. It is more than simply offering a change of scenery.
Carefully planned excursions can enrich their world and help them stay connected with people, embracing a spirit of inclusivity and belonging.
It's also a great way to stimulate the mind and body, helping to support residents' emotional health. Plus, it encourages curiosity and lifelong learning, which is essential for mental agility as we age.
There are many exciting ways for residents to enjoy the wider world, all planned by caring teams who understand the unique support needs of residents.
Senior recreational ideas for outings might include things like musical concerts, trips to parks, museums, or other cultural activities.
Creating a Sense of Community With Social Activities
Social connections are hugely important for our health and well-being. Research from the Drexel University School of Public Health supports this.
When people have "high social capital," which means the number of connections they have with others, they report experiencing better health markers.
The many benefits of senior activities are why we make them central to our community living.
We offer a range of social activities to suit all tastes, allowing people to interact with others as much or as little as they want and choose activities they enjoy.
For a bookworm, that could be something like a reading club. That can encourage a fantastic activity that supports our mental health as we age. Or it could be a fun group fitness program, helping to boost physical health.
All these activities are designed to combat isolation and loneliness. Those can become detrimental to a person's well-being if left unchecked.
Senior Wellness Programs for Holistic Health Support
Aging means taking better care of our physical health. But it also requires something else. Mental and emotional well-being is equally important to everyone's quality of life and longevity.
That's why our senior living community supports activities that boost the well-being of our residents. That may be exercise classes that help retain mobility, like tai chi or yoga.
These classes can also support those suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis.
Mindfulness and meditation are perfect activities for elderly residents as they boost mental health and lower stress levels. Games and workshops are also great ways to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
All this has lots of positive side effects, like improved sleep patterns and lowering the risk of mental health diseases like depression and anxiety.
Creative Activities
Embracing creative pursuits can feed the soul and support an individual's cognitive functions. So, offering seniors a range of creative activities is central to any recreational program.
Pursuits like painting and crafting can be therapeutic and allow seniors to socialize in informal and fun settings.
Music lessons or appreciation societies can be an opportunity to revive old skills and hobbies. They provide a sense of accomplishment to senior residents and are an excellent way to strengthen cognitive skills and prevent decline.
The social aspect of these activities gives residents a chance to share their passions and interests. It helps foster friendships and counters the risk of isolation in old age.
Providing Social Spaces for Residents
Lounges are at the heart of any vibrant community. They are there to create social spaces vital to senior living. It offers all residents an easy and relaxing way to connect with friends and acquaintances or get to know new people.
One of the health aging benefits of social ounges is that they foster a sense of belonging.
There are shared rooms, away from the walls of a single resident, where people can unwind in a spacious and pleasant setting. They can read books, play chess, or enjoy some refreshments.
It's informal, too. So, it places less pressure on residents who may feel uncertain about participating in more organized activities. Nevertheless, it still helps support their social connections.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
Fresh air and gentle outdoor exercise are essential for everyone and are especially vital for senior citizens.
Gardens are a way of enjoying all the health benefits of low-impact exercise, like walking. Simultaneously, a person can experience the mental boost of being surrounded by nature.
That's why we've given our outdoor spaces as much thought as we have to the rest of our community.
Residents need not book themselves into a formal activity to feel an instant health boost. They can get outdoors, listen to birds singing, feel the breeze on their face, or walk with friends for a long conversation.
Enjoying Charming Settings
Recreation is more enjoyable when it's in beautiful surroundings. We've put as much thought and effort into the aesthetics of our communities as we have into planning activities.
Common areas with stylish interiors are the perfect backdrop for a menu of events and hobbies that residents can enjoy.
Beautiful common areas also encourage residents to spend time in them and connect with others. It makes them a natural way to promote more social interaction between residents.
This means residents feel happier and more satisfied with their quality of life at a time when being able to relax matters most.
Recreational Activities in Senior Living
It's a myth that the senior years are a chance to slow down. Maybe that's true with everyday tasks like shopping, cleaning, and going to the office. But it's also a time to embrace a wide variety of activities.
That's why we've put much thought into recreational activities at Senior Living in Lakehouse, Manitowoc.
If you are thinking of senior living communities for a family member, you can book a tour of our beautiful buildings and grounds. Head here to secure your spot now.