Although there are many things to love about senior living communities – comfortable and secure housing, medical assistance and transportation, delicious meals served restaurant-style – I think most would agree that the best thing about assisted living is the community itself. Making new friends is a cinch, and the staff encourages camaraderie through a variety of group activities and events. If you would like to introduce some new activities for seniors in retirement communities to your retirement community, scroll down for dozens of helpful ideas.
Activities for Seniors in Retirement Communities
FIELD TRIPS
Before we dig into activities for seniors in retirement communities, let’s explore a few field trip ideas. Consider scheduling outings to beloved places around town or pinpoint specific events, like a concert or a musical. Here are some places you might consider going on your field trips:
- Museums
- Parks
- Concerts
- Sports games
- Movie theaters
- Lectures
- Restaurants
- Ballets
- Plays and musicals
- Shopping centers
EXERCISE
No matter what your age, exercise is important. It can strengthen your heart, improve your mood, increase your flexibility, and even help you live longer (amongst many, many other benefits). Plus, working out in a group is always more fun than solo exercise. Consider scheduling the following group exercise classes and events at your retirement community:
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Zumba
- Tai Chi
- Aerobics
- Strength training
- Walking club
- Senior Olympics
- Golf tournament
ENTERTAINMENT
Are you a film enthusiast? A trivia buff? An expert bridge player? A terrible singer with a penchant for karaoke? Wherever your passions lie, create a group or an event that celebrates the activity. You might also consider putting the word out to local schools and activity centers (dance studios, comedy clubs, music schools) that local talent is always invited to rehearse and perform at your retirement community.
- Karaoke
- Video games
- Talent shows
- Invite local talent (musicians, dancers, impersonators, comedians)
- Put on a musical
- Hold a carnival (with games, dunk tanks, cotton candy, photo booth, etc.)
- Movie clubs
- Trivia night
- Bingo
- Game clubs (cards, chess, mahjong, etc.)
- Puzzles
- Game show event (Family Feud, Password, etc.)
- Themed parties (luau, barbecue, fiesta, Parisian cafe, Oscar night, etc.)
ART
Whether you’re a talented artist or an eager amateur, consider scheduling activities that allow you to embrace and explore the arts. This includes all sorts of artistic pursuits: fine arts, sewing, literature, writing, music, crafts, etc.
- Painting or drawing classes
- Sculpture or ceramic classes
- Quilting groups
- Book clubs
- Creative writing classes
- Music lessons
- Meet-ups for musicians
- Arts and crafts
A FEW MORE
Finally, we have a few activity ideas that don’t quite fit within the categories listed above. For example, many seniors are interested in technology but don’t quite know how to use a computer, so consider scheduling computer classes. In the spring, residents might be interested in planning and planting a garden. And for fun surprises on otherwise ordinary days, consider celebrating odd and delicious national days like National Pizza Day (February 9), National Hat Day (January 15), and National Cookie Day (December 4).
- Volunteering
- Computer classes
- Discussion groups (perhaps for discussing current events, philosophy, etc.)
- Gardening
- Holiday events (for smaller holidays too, like St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras)
- Celebrations of minor national days
- Cooking classes
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Which of these activities most appeals to you? Whether you’re a staff member, a resident, or a resident’s loved one, don’t be afraid to initiate one of these fun-filled events. Plus, because many of these activities can be enjoyed with the retirement community’s visitors, they are a great way for residents to spend time with their friends and family.
If you’re interested in assisted living in Collierville, Tennessee, be sure to check out Hearthside Senior Living of Collierville. We have spacious apartments and convenient services and amenities, like exercise classes, a beautiful dining room, and group activities. If you’re interested in learning more about the community or scheduling a tour, please give us a call at 901-651-2503 or click here. We look forward to hearing from you!