Assisted living facilities have developed exponentially in recent years, and now moving to one is starting a whole new and exciting chapter in life. There is no need for seniors to resign themselves boredom. There are all kinds of activities for senior citizens in assisted living, and it may surprise you just how fun and exciting the next stage of life can be.
Activities for Senior Citizens in Assisted Living: How to Find What’s Available
Getting involved in activities is the best way to find out what’s available and what you enjoy; as well as to make friends! Different assisted living facilities will each have their own set of options and amenities for seniors to select from. Luxury senior living and high-quality assisted living establishments may have greater selections of activities, but any good facility will have plenty for you to do both on and off-site.
Classes
Get to know your neighbors and learn something new by taking the educational or recreation classes your assisted living facility offers. Most will have a schedule you can view in common areas, or you can usually request one at the front desk or from your facility’s manager.
Classes may be health and lifestyle-related, academic, or purely for fun. Sometimes, volunteers from the community may offer courses. A local singing coach may offer to direct a choir, or an astronomy professor may visit regularly to teach about the stars, answer questions, and take people outside to look at the constellations. If you didn’t even know these options existed, look around for what’s at home. Many centers have extensive schedules, recreation rooms, and some even boast their own theaters and regular movie nights.
Field Trips
Some centers may organize trips to go shopping, see a film in a theater, attend a public event like a play, or visit local sites. You may find you have the option to go on excursions to many more places than you’d expect.
3 Great Activities for Seniors With a Lust for Life
1. Dance
If you loved dancing or have fond memories of dancing with your spouse, don’t kick off your dancing shoes just yet. Or dust them off, because there are tons of dance classes for seniors. Styles include solo dancing such as ballet and plenty of partner ballroom dancing just like you remember. Make friends while you learn.
There’s no such thing as “too old to dance.” Some dance teachers even lead special courses specifically for active seniors. Get your feet moving and both your body and social calendar will thank you.
2. Cards
Who doesn’t love a good card game? Cards are a great equalizer. Anyone can play or learn, and you can even make things “interesting” with playful bets. One trick if you are new and don’t yet have friends to make up a game: sit and play Solitaire publicly. You’ll find a poker or Blackjack buddy quickly! People love to show off with cards; so let them.
3. Community Events
Your assisted living community likely holds special events. Many have special holiday celebrations, talent shows, dance activities, and even excursions into town for special occasions like the symphony or a theatrical performance. Day-to-day activities may be no less enticing: book clubs, volunteering, knitting groups, gardening and even clubs and spiritual services may be just the thing your schedule needs.
If you don’t see something you like, you can ask about starting your own activity club. Most facilities will happily accommodate such requests.
If you’re wondering which activities await you or the senior you love, get more lifestyle tips and news from the Senior Life News Blog. It’s chock full of reading for seniors like you.
