The Role of Activities in Retirement Communities
Did you know that combating boredom is essential for senior citizens? As you grow older and age out of the workforce, it may be more difficult to find activities that stimulate your mind and body.
That is where retirement communities come in. These types of communities offer many senior living activities tailored specifically to their residents.
Read on to learn about all of the retirement community events and engaging activities for retirees that you can experience.
Exposure to New Cultures
Cultural events are a cornerstone of broadening your perspective of the world. This doesn't stop once you exit the workforce and enter your golden years.
Some of the most prevalent cultural activities include respectfully celebrating holidays that are important to other cultures. For instance, you can craft ofrendas for the Day of the Dead or do winter activities for Winter Solstice.
However, it doesn't have to be a holiday for you to learn about new cultures. Find ways to engage with the cultures in your community. Ask other residents what they value about their cultures and what you can learn.
Help Seniors Stay Active
It is more important than ever to keep your body fit as you age. When you cease to be as mobile, your muscles may stiffen or your bones may grow weak.
The best way to combat general fatigue is through senior wellness programs. Wellness programs can include activities such as:
- Group walks or hikes
- Yoga or pilates
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
- Water aerobics
Since there are so many different types of exercise to choose from, you can change up your workout to avoid boredom. Try a harder cardio exercise one day and slow down the following day with a lower-impact workout.
Ultimately, the wellness programs for seniors that you choose depend on your lifestyle and activity needs.
Create a Sense of Community
Along with amenities such as our shared friendship suites, living in a retirement community can foster togetherness.
The importance of social activities cannot be understated. Maintaining social skills is essential as you age because it's important to find people who are in the same stage of life as you are.
Discover New Hobbies
When you retire, you will find yourself with more time on your hands. It is the perfect opportunity to learn hobbies you may have always wanted to try.
Learning something new can also do wonders for your mental health. With an ongoing project or activity, you will have something to look forward to.
Some of the best hobbies and engaging activities for retirees include:
- Needlework (knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitching)
- Bird watching
- Puzzles and word searches
- Photography
- Reading
- Writing
If you want to do a hobby in a group setting, see if your retirement community offers a class or meetup. If they don't, consider starting your own. You may find a great number of people who have the same interests as you.
Keep a Busy Routine
Although the idea of a blissful retirement with no set routine may seem idyllic, it can quickly grow boring. Waking up with no structure to your day means you probably will not use your time effectively.
Depending on your energy level and abilities, aim for a certain number of activities every week. Consider finding an exercise, a craft, and something involving group socialization that you enjoy.
Regularly check the community calendar and schedules to see if there are new activities. There may be retirement community events that pique your interest.
Enhance Cognitive Skills
You may hear all the time that you need to keep your body in good shape as you grow older. The same principle applies to your mind.
Try finding activities that keep your brain active and sharp. The inability to focus and brain fog are both common issues that seniors face, and you can avoid them with the right steps.
Puzzles and memory games are some easy activities you can do daily to train your brain. Even physical activity promotes better cognitive function, as it increases blood flow to the brain.
Even games such as Bingo serve a cognitive purpose. Bingo keeps your motor reflexes sharp by forcing you to scan numbers and choose quickly to keep up with the game.
Boost Serotonin
Happiness is one of the keys to a fulfilled life. The best way to achieve happiness is by intentionally or unintentionally boosting your serotonin.
Exercise is a common method for achieving that amazing feeling. Ever heard of a "runner's high?" That is the euphoria experienced after a good workout.
Any activity that keeps you happy and engaged is guaranteed to increase the serotonin levels in your brain.
Lifelong Education and Learning
Education doesn't stop once you graduate from college. In fact, lifelong learning is still beneficial, even in retirement communities.
Consider joining or starting a book club. Most of these types of groups meet around once a month to discuss a work of literature.
See if your local community center or college offers classes for seniors. You may be able to audit courses that interest you, without having to pay the full price of tuition.
Outdoor Activities
It may be tempting to stay indoors and relax, and that is all right some of the time. However, it is imperative to get outside and experience fresh air and sunlight.
Even going on a walk does wonders for your mental and physical health. Get a group together to take walks or hikes regularly. You can benefit from companionship, good conversation, and enjoying the beauty of nature together.
Some activities, such as yoga, are better outdoors. It is easy to bring your yoga mat onto a patch of grass and connect with nature while you get your workout in.
So Many Activities in Retirement Communities
You shouldn't have to worry about boredom and monotony when you enter your golden years. With these options, you will never have to worry about finding the next thing to do.
At Preston Greens Senior Living, you can experience all of these activities and more. We're considered the best senior living community in Lexington because of our person-centered care and thoughtfully designed community.
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey to find retirement communities? Get in touch with us today to learn more or schedule a tour.