The elderly don’t have to be constantly tied to a rocking chair and watching TV, especially those who live in an assisted facility. You have to be physically active and do things you love to learn something new and improve overall wellness. If you or a loved one want to take part in various engagement activities, consult with your trusted senior living advisor to check if a specific activity is appropriate.
Here are some common activities that you can enjoy:
Walking Clubs
Walking is an easy way to keep seniors active and make them socialize. It requires no special equipment, is accessible, and poses little injury risk, so it’s the perfect way to keep you healthy. Walking groups are usually popular with retirees or people who don’t get their regular daily exercise. Aside from being an enjoyable thing to do, walking can also reduce the risks of having arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Here are other benefits of walking for seniors:
- Fights Diseases: Walking is a natural way to boost your immune system. Even 20 minutes of walking per day can help reduce the chances of getting sick and developing certain chronic illnesses and cancer.
- Promotes Healthy Weight: Regular walking can help avoid obesity and reduce cravings for sweets and other unhealthy food.
- Improves Sleeping Habits: Walking in the early morning will improve your sleep during the night, and you’ll less likely have insomnia.
- Boosts Your Mood: The more steps you take per day, the more positive your outlook and attitude are. Walking naturally releases endorphins which lead to positive emotions and improved mood.
Field Trips and Excursions
Excursions and special trips to museums or nature preserves have physical, cognitive, and spiritual benefits to seniors. You have the chance to learn something new and live a more active life. When you step out of your usual routine to go to new places, it can help slow down mental decline and improve your brain’s neuroplasticity.
Also, you’ll be able to improve your social skills by interacting with people from various places or cultures. Learning new customs, words, and trying fresh food will make you more open-minded to your surroundings and keep your brain sharp as you age.
Music Therapy
Music has healing power, especially for those who are diagnosed with dementia. Music therapists in assisted living communities not only entertain but also help provide cognitive stimulation as it gives an excellent workout to the brain. If you want a more challenging cognitive exercise, you can also try learning a new instrument.
Music also enhances social connections because it creates bonds among people regardless of abilities or generations. When people listen to music together, it results in a feeling of togetherness and connection that uplifts everyone’s spirits.
Active Games and Sports
Sporty activities will give you a chance to improve your mobility and get some exercise in a fun way. Physical activity is vital, especially as you’re getting older, as it’s the key to living a long and healthy life. It’s recommended to do sports at least 30 minutes a day to avoid diseases and work the major muscles in your body.
Moderate physical activities will ease the tension in your body and make you more relaxed. Also, they help enhance your social life, so you’ll be able to make new friends that will eventually raise your motivation to commit to having regular workouts.
Spa Days and Self-care
Self-care is important regardless of your age. Haircuts, manicures, and spa days help foster well-being as you have more time to enjoy your retirement and relax. Physical relaxation, for instance, can improve your body by reducing cortisol levels, muscle rigidity, and increasing blood flow. This can improve your physical balance and overall happiness, so you can walk around and explore easily.
You can also opt for a good massage as it can ease muscle and joint pains that may lead to mobility issues when left untreated. Massages are also known to improve the flow of lymph and blood that are important, especially to those who suffer from poor circulation.
Also, the luxurious oils used in spa treatments have wonderful effects on the skin. They can keep your skin fresh and hydrated, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Some of these oils have lavender or eucalyptus that help promote sleep and relieve pain.
These enjoyable activities build the foundation for promoting senior wellness. Remember that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to susceptibility to injury, so it’s important to regularly have physical activities to lower the risk of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, or dementia. These activities will also enrich your relationship with your friends and family and improve your overall well-being.
