Are you looking for activities that your older loved one will enjoy? As people age, activities become more important than ever in maintaining overall health and well-being. At Summer’s Landing, we know how important it is to keep seniors engaged and active. Part of our senior living services includes planning senior activities for our residents. If your older loved one is not residing in a community that offers this service, you can also come up with ideas for senior activities that the whole family will enjoy. Call 850.265.9829 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate staff at Summer’s Landing about how we prioritize planning senior activities for our residents in Florida.
What Are Senior Activities?
Senior activities are any type of activity or program designed specifically with older adults in mind. These activities can range from physical fitness classes to educational seminars, and more. The important thing to remember is that senior activities should be tailored to the individual needs and interests of each senior citizen.
Senior activities don’t exist simply to keep older adults from being bored. Constant activities can help seniors stay healthy both mentally and physically. Studies have shown that staying active with daily exercise can help with the following:
- Reduce stress levels
- Improve balance and coordination
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Improve moods and sleep patterns
Furthermore, mental engagement through social programs like book clubs or Scrabble tournaments helps stimulate cognitive thinking processes which can delay the onset of dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment.
3 Great Ideas for Senior Activities
There are countless ideas when it comes to engaging in senior activities. You can start with hobbies and interests you already know your older loved one enjoys. Or, you can involve the whole family in a group activity like engaging in holiday-themed arts and crafts. Be careful to not ask too much of an older adult in terms of energy and stamina—sometimes seniors may be ready and willing, but their bodies and minds may not.
1. Gardening
Whether indoors or outdoors, gardening provides an enjoyable way to get some exercise while also helping seniors connect with nature. Moreover, it is a great opportunity for intergenerational bonding if you’re able to involve younger family members in the project. Even very young grandchildren can participate by playing in a sandbox while their older loved one does gardening.
2. Cooking Classes
Learning new recipes gives seniors something fun to look forward to while simultaneously teaching them valuable kitchen skills they may not have had before. This is a great idea for seniors that have to adjust their diet for health reasons. They can learn how to cook vegetarian or low-sodium meals while still feeling like they’re having a delicious, gourmet experience. Social aspects like eating together can also be a great bonding experience.
3. Trips and Tours
Visiting museums or taking day trips makes for a great way for seniors to explore their community. For those who tire easily, virtual tours of historical sites or scenic attractions can be just as rewarding. While going on trips with family is fun, seniors may go on day trips with friends and fellow residents to socialize and make new memories.
Find an Assisted Living Community for Seniors in Florida at Summer’s Landing
Keeping older adults engaged with meaningful activities is essential for their overall health and well-being. At Summer’s Landing in Florida, our caring and compassionate staff provides engaging senior activities every day so your older loved one never has reason to be bored. Contact Summer’s Landing today at 850.265.9829 if you’re interested in learning more about our services and our assisted living community for seniors.
