Fun Activities for Seniors that are Also Good for Them

There are a number of entertaining activities that are good for seniors’ health, and dancing is certainly one of them. Studies show dancing regularly can help maintain strong bones, work the heart muscle, relieve stress; and is generally safe for all ages. It can improve posture and muscle strength as well as balance, coordination and gait, which all help reduce the risk of a fall. Another thing about dancing is it engages every part of the body from the hands to the head, torso, legs and feet. 

There are lots of low-impact aerobic dances to choose from including ballroom, salsa, jazz, tap and martial arts style of dance; or chair aerobics for those who are not as steady on their feet. Classes can be found at senior centers, community ed. classes, churches or schools. If you live in a senior living community, find out if they hold dances or classes; and if they don’t, try and start one.  

Dancing not only helps people stay fit but provides enjoyment, entertainment and socialization. You may find a certain group of people you enjoy dancing with or love the idea of making lots of new friends. 

If dancing isn’t your thing, how about Tai Chi, which is a gentle, mind-body exercise and combines strength, balance, meditation and self-defense moves. Another plus is it doesn’t worsen existing impairments. Tai Chi is suitable even for seniors managing chronic conditions and offers increased flexibility, muscle strengthening and endurance training. 

Gardening is yet another activity that provides a huge amount of enjoyment as well as light exercise. If you want to reduce stress on your knees and/or garden from a sitting position, raised garden beds, wall trellises and arbors, tall-sized containers and hanging plants are good solutions. There are adaptive tools designed for those with arthritis or reduced hand-grips; color-coded tools for the visually-impaired; and other solutions that make it easier for seniors to continue a hobby they love.   

Obviously these are just a few examples of the fun activities available to older adults to keep them engaged and moving. At the MorningStar of Parker senior living community, we offer a whole range of activities and wellness programs to spark the interest of residents. Our community offers a four-story building featuring 49 suites for independent living and 54 suites for assisted living (as large as 1609 square feet, including three styles of penthouses). For memory care, we provide 43 all-inclusive suites in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Contact us to learn more about the area’s top senior living and set up a tour.