Research shows that maintaining regular social activity has social, physical, and cognitive benefits. From helping you feel more connected to challenging your brain through stimulating conversations, interacting with others in meaningful ways is important - especially as we age.
One of the most common challenges seniors face after retirement is deciding how to spend their newly found free time. This can often lead to isolation, as the options feel so overwhelming that it becomes easier to not choose and just stay home. However, staying socially active is one of the best ways to stay healthy and happy over time.
How Do Seniors Stay Active in an Assisted Living Community?
Senior living communities provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy activities and events focused on creating an environment that fosters social, physical, and mental engagement. Read on to find out how assisted living in Lanham, MD helps seniors remain active in retirement.
Staying Socially Engaged in the Community
Living in a neighborhood with dozens of other seniors who are experiencing similar life circumstances can bring a sense of comfort and camaraderie as you navigate retirement. Having neighbors who just get it and enjoy many of the same hobbies you do can help you feel connected, too.
Monthly engagement calendars at an assisted living community facilitate a mix of structured and unstructured activities for residents to spend time with others in both small and large group settings. This helps build meaningful friendships and keeps seniors involved in their community.
Providing Options for Physical Activity
As we age, our physical abilities change over time. Hobbies like basketball or kayaking become challenging as balance and joint pain make certain movements less attainable. However, other activities such as yoga, water aerobics, or walking trails can still provide the physically challenging activity you seek in a safer way.
Assisted living neighborhoods often offer a choice of group and individual activities on-site and within the local community. This provides residents the chance to work on their wellness and physical fitness in ways that are adapted to their current abilities alongside their peers.
Stimulating the Brain
Similar to the muscles throughout our bodies, our brain needs to be utilized and challenged in order to stay in top-notch shape. To prevent cognitive decline, it’s important to keep our minds thinking in new, innovative ways and asking questions according to Harvard Medical School.
With this in mind, assisted living communities have an Engagement Coordinators who intentionally plans a range of activities to keep senior minds actively challenged. This may look like opportunities to try a new skill, learn a new language, or play strategic games.
At Arbor Terrace Senior Living, we create meaningful connections to help our residents feel cared for and engaged in their daily lives. If you are soon-to-be or recently retired and are looking to maintain a healthy balance of rest and recreation with your new free time, we've created a free resource for you.
Download our guide, The Busy Person's Guide to Recreation in Retirement to take the next step towards truly feeling healthy and happy in your next season of life!
