Creative Ways Senior Living Communities Help Seniors Stay Active

Seniors need to stay active to achieve the highest quality of life. Doing so allows them to remain independent longer while enhancing their cognitive function. Men and women who are active in their later years are happier and healthier, and their physical and emotional well-being improves. 

An active living community is ideal for these individuals. These communities encourage residents to get up and do things that make their lives fulfilling. What are some creative ways senior living communities can help residents stay active?

Group Exercise Classes

Group fitness classes are an excellent way to keep seniors active. When discussing these classes, people often think of yoga or low-impact aerobics. Why not try a drum cardio class or a dance class? While the exercises may need to be modified for some residents, they can have fun and get a workout without even realizing it. These activities help them build strength, boost heart health, and connect with others, improving their physical and emotional health. 

Bocce Tournaments

Bocce is an activity seniors can easily engage in to get exercise. Each person gets a turn to throw a ball at a smaller target ball. This game differs from lawn bowling in several ways and can be modified to meet the needs of each participant. Strategy and precision help determine the winner, and seniors enjoy playing. 

Volunteering

Seniors love to feel needed, and volunteering is an excellent opportunity to socialize, exercise, and feel valued. Volunteer opportunities are endless, so every senior can find something they love to do and want to engage in regularly. They are giving back to the community and getting something in return. 

Hobbies

When people engage in a hobby they love, they often don’t realize they are getting exercise. For example, a senior might join a walking club and view it as an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and socialize with friends. They don’t realize the health benefits of walking; they focus on socializing. Gardening and biking are other hobbies that combine socialization opportunities with exercise. 

Laughter Yoga

Laughter yoga is a way to get exercise while having fun. Participants perform a series of movements and breathing exercises designed to induce laughter. In addition to improving a person’s physical health, laughter yoga also boosts their psychological and spiritual health. Laughter yoga was introduced in India in 1995, and people worldwide use it as exercise. After a session, seniors find their mood improves, they aren’t as stressed, and they have more energy. 

Ladder Ball

Ladder ball, also known as ladder toss or ladder golf, is an excellent game for seniors. Players face off and try to get their bolas onto ladder rungs. When they do, they earn points. The first person or team to 21 wins the game. Seniors with mobility issues can play this game sitting down, and those who have trouble bending can play without difficulty. 

Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard isn’t just for cruise ships. Seniors can play it anytime and have fun. The goal is to move a weighted puck across a board to score the highest points. Reflexes and reaction time improve when seniors play this game, and there is little physical exertion. 

Think outside the box when coming up with activities to keep seniors active. The ideas are endless, but many people fall into a rut. When they do, the seniors get bored and no longer want to be physically active. Try these activities today, as they are sure to be a hit.