There are many reasons to consider moving to an assisted living community as your healthcare needs begin to change. Taking the caregiving burden off family members, for one, is a very important way to maintain positive relationships with loved ones. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’ll get the assistance you need with any daily life tasks while still maintaining the level of independence you desire.
Another great reason to consider an assisted living community is all of the great opportunities for social interaction with other residents and the staff. Studies have shown that staying socially active provides numerous benefits to seniors and can be as important as staying physically active. Seniors who have an active and engaged social life tend to be healthier than isolated seniors, with reduced risks for chronic conditions like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Socially active seniors also have less risk for depression and have sharper minds.
Social Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living
There’s no shortage of social activities for seniors in assisted living! Most communities make social events and activities a priority, and offer a wide range of ways to keep residents engaged with others in the community.
Some of the ways seniors can stay socially active in their assisted living communities include:
- Scheduled events. Seniors will find a whole new world through the assisted living events and activities scheduled weekly. Everything from movie nights and theme or holiday parties, to scheduled outings to the theater or shopping will keep residents busy and engaged in life.
- Fitness classes. Because staying physically active is also critical as we age, many assisted living communities offer a variety of fitness classes or programs to improve residents’ health and well-being. Everything from senior yoga or tai chi classes, to working out with others in the community gym can not only keep you physically healthy, but socially active, too!
- Lifelong learning opportunities. The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” does not apply at today’s assisted living communities. Many communities offer opportunities for residents to stay intellectually stimulated, through guest speaking engagements, art and music classes or book clubs and discussion groups.
- Communal dining. Seniors who eat in a group setting generally have better nutrition habits than those who are isolated in their homes. Residents in assisted living communities don’t need to worry about cooking large, healthy meals for themselves, as most communities offer three nutritious meals a day served in a beautiful dining room.
- Visits from family members. Moving to assisted living doesn’t mean you’ll never see your family members again! Families are encouraged to visit often, and are usually welcome to join in on many of the scheduled social events and activities. Or, your loved ones can join you for dinner to interact with you and the other residents.
When you’re looking for an assisted living community, choosing one that offers various interesting social activities is vital to improve your overall quality of life. It’s important to develop and nurture the relationships you build with other residents and the staff to stay engaged in your community.
For more information about American Senior Communities, please visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com.
