When deciding if assisted living is the right choice for your loved one, you may feel many conflicting emotions. With all the potential benefits, you are likely to also have some reservations. One of the most common objections to assisted living is that the senior feels that they will be lonely and isolated. However, this is one fear you can put behind you – today’s assisted living facilities are vibrant communities offering residents many options to stay engaged and active.
Activities that Keep Residents Engaged
Every assisted living facility has its own calendar of events to keep residents engaged and involved. These activities vary by facility, but some are common to most area communities.
- Walking Paths or Trails: Florida assisted living facilities have a distinct advantage when it comes to maintaining lovely grounds year-round. Most will feature outdoor areas that residents can use to take daily walks safely and are surrounded by nature. Walking has been proven to improve both mental and physical health, and sunshine (enjoyed responsibly) is also beneficial to seniors’ health. Some facilities offer walking clubs or schedule daily strolls; if not, your senior can arrange outings with friends.
- Fitness Classes: Staying physically active is vital for seniors who want to maintain mobility and flexibility. Many older adults are also recovering from surgery or injury, so the fitness classes offered are essential for good health. However, these classes also provide the opportunity for residents to enjoy an age-appropriate fitness activity with their friends and neighbors. Many seniors love daily classes and value the health benefits they gain while having fun with friends.
- Movies and Concerts: Most assisted living facilities offer opportunities for residents to enjoy movies – both current and classics they remember from their youth. Concerts are also popular, especially those that feature songs they recognize and can sing along with. These events allow seniors to join with their peers and remember days gone by in a fun way that keeps them engaged. Preserving fond memories is important to senior citizens; these venues allow for lively nostalgia.
- Worship Services: Many seniors have been involved with their church for their entire lives, and moving to assisted living can remove them from a faith environment that they cherish. While most facilities do not offer services for every religion or denomination, they do tend to offer worship services for like-minded residents to gather.
- Art and Music: There is a reason that art, craft and music activities are a staple of assisted living facilities. These types of classes are essential for seniors to preserve cognitive function, improve mood, and cultivate serenity and peace. Creative outlets are vital for seniors and can significantly enhance their quality of life – not to mention provide a fun and expressive activity to enjoy with friends. These activities are also important in a memory care setting.
- Card Games and Book Clubs: Senior assisted living residents come to the facility with a lifetime of interests and pastimes. Their passion for reading or playing bridge doesn’t just disappear when they move in, so staff will encourage clubs and groups to form so like-minded friends can continue to engage in the activities they have always loved.
- Socials, Dances, and Excursions: Whether a barbecue on the patio, an ice cream social, or an excursion to a local theater, every assisted living facility maintains a full calendar of events to keep residents engaged in a vibrant lifestyle. These events may be recurring or one-time, but they are sure to be fun.
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