How to Keep Seniors Active and Engaged While Living in an Assisted Living Facility
One of the best ways to keep seniors happy while living in an assisted living facility is to help them stay active.
Research has shown that seniors who are physically active and have healthy social lives show lower rates of memory decline, further validating the importance of activity for seniors in assisted living communities.
Tips for Keeping Residents in Assisted Living Homes Active
Socialization is at the heart of keeping seniors active. As such, facilities need to provide residents with a safe and stimulating environment. Isolation frequently leads to depression for seniors, negatively impacting their happiness and health.
Every outstanding assisted living facility keeps its residents engaged with plenty of programs, shows, social events, games, and contests that promote socialization. Assisted living facilities are excellent alternatives for seniors who would otherwise be alone at home.
Enjoying the Outdoors
One of the best things seniors (and people of any age) can do for their health is to spend time outdoors. However, it isn’t always easy for them to leave their homes, which is why assisted living facilities are so important — they’re designed to help seniors do more, not less.
Studies indicate that getting fresh air and sunshine can lower stress and anxiety levels, improve one’s mood, and ease the kind of restlessness that residents can begin to feel if they stay indoors too long.
Participating in Programs
Being active in group settings can serve seniors not only mentally but also physically. For example, staying physically active can boost the immune system and reduce or even prevent the effects of arthritis. Seniors should get some physical activity daily to improve mobility, mood, and strength.
These types of physical activity programs can also help residents stay socially mobile and connected, as they offer opportunities for socialization during walks, group classes, and other activities.
Intellectual Stimulation
Mental stimulation is also crucial for keeping seniors happy and engaged in assisted living. Research demonstrates that keeping the mind sharp through problem-solving exercises can help ward off Alzheimer’s disease and age-related memory loss.
The best types of intellectual activities for seniors include:
Crossword puzzles
Memory games
Board games
Card games
Bingo
Sudoku
Puzzles
Trivia games
Arts and crafts projects afford opportunities for intellectual stimulation, too. Thinking, speaking, reading, writing, and learning are examples of cognitive skills that can improve with regular intellectual stimulation.
Reach the Outer Community
There are also lots of excellent outreach programs and non-profit organizations that can help seniors stay active in numerous ways. Many specifically encourage residents to stay involved in their communities outside assisted living, helping residents feel like they’re making a difference in the world.
Encouragement Goes a Long Way
One of the best things anyone can do to keep seniors active, engaged, and healthy is simply offer them encouragement. Words of motivation and support can go a long way — sometimes, people just need a little boost to find the desire to participate in activities and pastimes that bring them joy and preserve their well-being.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Portland has to offer.