Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living
Seniors in assisted living facilities require as many or perhaps more recreational activities to keep them occupied and relaxed at the same time, than youngsters. It makes a whole world of a difference to their lives and makes them forget about their worries, illnesses and fears. So what are some activities that seniors can enjoy? Take a look.
WellnessKeen Staff
Assisted living facilities are set up for individuals who require assistance with daily activities such as grooming, taking medicine, cooking, and the like. These facilities do not provide 24-hour assistance, but allow individuals who use them to remain independent while helping them perform certain basic activities. These facilities are available to the young and the old who require such assistance. Now, assisted living can be kind of stressful and emotionally disturbing for individuals who have to leave their homes and be a part of this facility. As such, activities are essential for seniors who belong here, to get rid of the stress, the loneliness, to encourage socialization, and to make them enjoy every day of their time. What kind of activities can seniors be engaged in? Let's find out.
Activities that Seniors in Assisted Living will Enjoy
When proposing any activity idea, you have to understand that every individual has different abilities. Therefore, not only is a variety in the type of activities needed, what is also needed is the understanding that not every senior may want to participate in every activity. Seniors should be given the freedom to decide what they want to do and when they want to do it. This will make the entire process more enjoyable. However, it is the job of the facility to encourage seniors to participate in one activity or the other so that they are occupied. So here are some great ideas that can keep seniors in assisted living facilities engaged.
Nintendo Wii Games
The biggest rage, even among seniors these days, is the Nintendo Wii that allows them to enjoy educational games, fun games, as well as games such as golf. These games do not require them to exert themselves too much, and can be enjoyed comfortably alone or even in large groups. With the choice of games that they can enjoy on this gaming console, there may never be one moment of boredom among them.
Old Movie Night
Who doesn't love reliving those 'good ol' days' every once in a while? A common consensus among seniors regarding their movie choices can allow you to find and screen these once or twice every week with snacks, et al, to give them a great experience and take them back to old times with their favorite movies. This is probably one of those activities that will receive widespread appreciation and participation.
Spiritual Activities
This activity has not been mentioned here because of the association of old age and spirituality. It has been mentioned here because discovering one's spiritual needs and abilities is something that every individual should experience, and the same is the case with seniors. Activities such as meditation, healing, and the like can be organized for seniors to calm themselves and even help them deal with their emotional or physical problems (if any) with a clearer state of mind.
Book Readings
Story narration and story reading are widely different, and the former is sometimes more interesting than having to read a book oneself. Just like movie night, classic book readings may be organized for seniors. To take it a step further, classic plays may be enacted within the facility as a part of entertainment night. In fact, you may find a lot of volunteers for such activities who wish to do their bit for seniors in assisted living. How can such an evening not be enjoyable?
Nature Walks or Picnics
Exposure to the outdoors is as necessary for seniors, and activities such as nature trails may be a great choice for them. Yes, there may be some who may not be able to walk, but areas may be chosen where wheelchairs can move around easily, so that they don't miss out on these beautiful experiences. It should be ensured that these walks are not very long so that the participants do not tire quickly. Apart from nature walks, even picnics are great choices among outdoor activities for seniors. It brings everyone together, lets them bask in the beauty of the outdoors, and allows each individual to have a unique experience.
Apart from these activities, seniors may be engaged in a game of bingo or cards (which they seem to enjoy the most), musical evenings with karaoke nights, gardening (indoor or outdoor), and arts and crafts. The idea of these activities is to have the seniors involved and include as many of them in one activity as possible, by getting volunteers who will help conduct these activities so that they are thoroughly enjoyable. It should be ensured that the health and safety concerns of seniors is always kept in mind when such activities are organized. Yes, some of these activities may increase the cost of assisted living but may be completely worth it when gratitude and serenity is visible in a senior's demeanor.
