The Best Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living

A group of seniors enjoying their outdoor activity. | Bahama Bay Resort.

There’s a certain point in the lives of seniors when their favorite routine eventually becomes tedious. It’s not that they’re losing interest, but their age catches up with them quickly.

However, it’s not too late to explore new activities and learn new things. Seniors have the opportunity to live a life that they once enjoyed or actually find a better one.

Assisted living communities are well-known for their line-up of activities that renew the optimism and happiness of seniors. It’s a place where seniors can renew their vigor & enthusiasm by engaging in activities that are more than just a pastime.

Assisted living communities are run by healthcare professionals that specialize in senior care. Thus, they have the knowledge, tools, and facilities to provide expert care to seniors.

This haven for seniors provides activities that suit best their interests.These activities help improve their motor skills and overall health, and promote independence, sense of accomplishment, and self-expression. These activities are also effective in reducing depression and agitation.

To give you an idea, here is a list of engaging activities that are offered in an assisted living community.

Arts & Crafts

A senior using a brush to paint something. | Bahama Bay Resort

Seniors appreciate the kind of relaxation and peace of mind they experience when doing arts and crafts. They can spend their time channeling their creativity. It’s also an excellent way to connect with fellow seniors in their group.

Their masterpieces, be it painting, knitting, or accessory making, can somehow give them a sense of accomplishment. Here are some arts and crafts ideas that are perfect for seniors who aren’t physically fit anymore to join other activities or those living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Exercising

A senior holding two dumbbells to exercise. | Bahama Bay Club.

Stretching their muscles won’t just put away their back pains. It also releases endorphins into their system that makes them feel happier and energized.

Exercising for seniors does not require a lot of movement and effort. A simple walk and stretching will suffice. While some seniors can go further by using gym equipment, jogging, Zumba, taichi, spin class, yoga, or swimming lessons, others can keep it light. Here are some basic stretching exercises seniors can do.

Gardening

A senior couple enjoying Gardening. | Bahama Bay Club.

Most seniors love gardening. This is not surprising since it’s a very relaxing activity. Gardening is commonly included in assisted living communities’ scheduled activities.

Seniors can start their day tending to ornamental plants and flowers at their community’s garden. They can do basic gardening chores like watering, raking, harvesting fruit-bearing plants, and a lot more. Aside from having fun, they’re also benefiting themselves a dose of Vitamin D from being outdoors.

Reading & Writing

A senior focuses herself while reading a book. | Bahama Bay Resort.

Seniors can also keep themselves busy by spending their time reading and writing. Assisted living communities also have a mini-library packed with books, magazines, as well as other reading materials.

Some seniors spend time writing to express their emotions. It can be about poetry, essay, short stories, or their autobiography.

Reading and writing keep their minds sharp and help improve their creativity. Here are some must-read books that enhance a senior’s mindset.

Culinary

A senior looking very proud of her baked goodies. | Bahama Bay Resort.

Seniors who have a passion to cook can channel their culinary excellence through cooking classes. This also gives them the chance to serve their fellow seniors with their signature dishes. They can also prepare special cuisine during special occasions that they can partake in.

They can even learn new cooking techniques and recipes from in-house chefs. There’s a lot of potential and fun in doing culinary activities that usually satisfy their taste buds as a result.

Entertainment

A group of seniors enjoys while listening to music from a piano. | Bahama Bay Resort.

Music and other forms of entertainment help seniors with cognitive impairments focus and relax. There is a strong scientific evidence that music and other forms of entertainment are therapeutic for seniors who suffer from this condition.

This is why assisted living communities make it a priority to schedule entertainment activities like attending concerts, plays, and orchestra. In-house activities like karaoke nights, dance lessons, and movie nights are also common activities lined-up each week in assisted living facilities.

Pampering

Elderly Men Enjoying Facial Spa Treatment. | Bahama Bay Club

Seniors also want to make themselves look great that is why pampering is an essential activity in an assisted living community. Most institutions nowadays are equipped with salons, spas, and barbershops that service seniors regularly.

They can get their grey hair colored again, have a good haircut, get their nails done, enjoy a massage, and a lot more. Doing all these doesn’t just make them look great, but also feel great!

Final Thoughts

Regular activities like the ones we’ve listed above are beneficial for seniors. It stimulates both their minds and bodies Ultimately, it breathes a new life and optimism at this point in their lives.

Bahama Bay Club offers more than that. Senior experience luxury living coupled with exciting activities in a resort-style setting that they can’t find anywhere else. To know more, click here.