7 Benefits of Participating in Assisted Living Activities and Programs for Seniors
Did you know that almost one million people in the United States live in assisted living communities? This means that almost one million people are active in clubs, groups, organizations, and activities, sharing common interests and enjoying the company of others.
Why Assisted Living Activities Are Important
The importance of activities for residents of assisted living communities cannot be overstated. These activities deliver an enormous array of benefits to participants, including the following:
Improved social connections
Better moods
Improved physical health
Improved cardiovascular health
Elevated cognition
Better interpersonal relationships
Less stress and anxiety
In addition, people who participate in assisted living activities suffer less from loneliness and don’t feel as “disconnected” as those who aren’t as active.
Additional Benefits of Assisted Living Activity Programs
Activities and programs at senior living assisted communities can positively impact a person’s life in various ways. Everyone reacts differently to participating in hobbies with others, but some additional benefits are pretty much universal.
Programs and activities give seniors something to look forward to every day or every week, and they also give participants structure for their routines. When seniors belong to a group, they enjoy a sense of security and safety as well.
For many seniors, activities at their assisted living homes give them a sense of purpose, which is vital and connected to their mental and physical health. Some of the best activities for seniors in assisted living communities include the following:
Cardio programs
Flower arranging
Yoga
Bingo and other games
Continuing education courses
Arts and crafts
Board games
Music classes
Going on picnics
Taking a bus or van to a shopping mall
Crossword puzzles
Trivia games
Card games
Dance classes
Movie nights
Discussion groups, such as book clubs, are also very popular activities. Entertainment can also be brought in from outside the community, such as musical groups, comedians, and theater companies.
One of the Most Important Benefits of All: A Sense of Independence
While there are countless benefits that seniors enjoy from activities, perhaps one of the most important is that they can retain their sense of independence.
When people move out of their homes and into assisted living communities or facilities, they almost always feel a sense of loss, like they are losing their independence. This loss can be enough to cause a slew of negative emotions and symptoms, including depression.
However, when there are plenty of excellent activities in which they can participate, they can retain much of their independence and be responsible for making important decisions in their lives, just like they always have. This is vital to the health and happiness of members of senior communities.
Thanks to planned activities and programs, assisted living communities are better places to live.
Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other assisted living Portland, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Laurelhurst provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.