Only a small percentage of seniors get enough physical activity in their lives: around 15% of elderly men and 10% of elderly women. This leaves seniors with weaker muscles and worsening conditions. Mental activity is also a concern since it can lower the risk of stress and depression, and even improve memory.
This is why you must find a community that offers a variety of activities for seniors in assisted living.
We're here to show you which activities you should require from your assisted living community and why they're so crucial to your overall health. Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Physical activity is a vital way to live a healthy life. When you ignore the need for physical activity, you leave yourself unprotected. Your best defense against stroke, diabetes, and heart disease is to get regular physical activity.
Your chosen senior community should offer fitness classes for its residents. These classes are led by an instructor who can keep an eye on each person's form. This enables you to get the benefits of the activity without the risk of harming yourself.
Plus, with the addition of nearby staff, you'll be safe in case of an accidental fall or other mishap.
Joining wellness and fitness classes lets you get your physical activity in, while also interacting with other residents. It's an excellent way to get both physical and mental stimulation in one activity.
Does your chosen community offer assisted living events? Does your assisted living keep up with local Chippewa Falls events and bring its residents to enjoy them?
Taking the time to get out of the community area and engage in local events is a key part of increasing socialization. It removes the feeling of being 'cooped up' and keeps residents connected with their city.
Events can also be held within the community itself. A dance with live music, for instance, can add excitement to a Saturday night.
Make sure you look for a community that has fun activities for seniors who think outside the box.
There's something freeing about going for a walk around a beautiful community. You breathe in fresh air and take in the curated landscape while getting some exercise.
Bring other residents with you to make this one of your routine senior living activities that also builds friendships.
If your assisted living community allows pets, these walks are even better. Your pet's need for a walk coincides with your own, and you can find extra happiness in your pet's excitement. It's an easy way to bring smiles to your community and it keeps both you and your pet healthy.
Sometimes the idea of physical activity can feel too daunting. Energy levels fluctuate every day, so it's vital to have other engaging senior activities on standby.
Learning a new hobby or skill keeps your brain active and your hands busy without draining your energy.
The best part is that these hobbies give you the chance to learn from fellow residents. You can create gifts for friends and family. You can also spend time teaching others the skills or hobbies you've already mastered.
New hobbies to try could include:
Nothing can quite beat the excitement of finishing an exciting new book. You get to transport yourself to fantastical worlds or learn about an admirable historical figure.
To make reading even better, why not engage in a community book club?
This gives you the chance to rant or rave about the recent book. It encourages you to keep reading daily, which aids in cognition and memory retention.
You'll also get the chance to read outside your normal genre, which can open new perspectives you never considered.
When it comes to social activities in senior homes, gaming reigns supreme. No matter the type of game, participation gets you to chat with others while strategizing. You'll need to think creatively or work together as a team to win.
Don't forget to look for a variety of different games to enjoy. While you might not love all of them, there's bound to be a favorite in the selection somewhere.
Not only does trying new games get you to think about things differently, but these games are also great at helping you meet new members of the community. Don't be nervous about losing - that's the only way to get better.
We all need the chance to spend some time thinking about ourselves and our desires. Shopping sprees are a unique way to improve your day while also getting some easy walking in.
Shopping for new clothes, books, or supplies, brings a spark of inspiration to your life. A new painting to hang on your apartment wall could bring a smile to your face every time you look at it.
These kinds of shopping sprees also let you find gifts to send to your friends and family when you don't feel like shopping for yourself.
Looking for a laidback activity that still keeps your mind going and gives you the opportunity for socialization? Community movie nights are the way to go.
It doesn't matter if you're watching an old classic or a new blockbuster. Each time you engage in watching a movie with other people, you're bound to have a grand time.
After the movie finishes, feel free to chat about your favorite parts or argue the moral message. It helps you pay attention, assess the plot, and test your memory as you socialize with other residents.
When you join a thriving community with so many activities for seniors in assisted living, you ensure that each day is more exciting and enjoyable than the last. Make sure to choose an assisted living community that helps you meet your activity goals.
LakeHouse Chippewa Falls is a Wisconsin assisted living community that can offer you all of the above activities, and more. We want each resident to have variety in their life so they maintain a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
Contact us today and schedule a tour to see our community in action!