When our senior living residents head to a Book Club gathering, arts and crafts, group exercise class or Game Night, they might just be thinking about having fun and enjoying time with a lively group of friends. In reality, the senior living activities at Peace Village offer so much more than just a good time. These opportunities for social engagement for seniors provide a plethora of physical and mental benefits.
Community activities improve senior wellbeing by lowering the risk of depression and anxiety. The impact of social events on elderly happiness is well documented, as older adults who have a robust social life feel less lonely overall, reporting higher levels of contentment and engagement. Seniors who form and maintain social connections and friendship through classes, groups and gatherings are less likely to develop dementia and cognitive decline. They are more physically fit, as groups, clubs, volunteering and classes discourage unhealthy habits and help seniors stay active, which helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and overall physical decline. Community activities build a sense of neighborhood, of community and of comradery.
Senior activities spark engaging conversations, which improves brain health, flexibility and memory. Game nights stimulate the mind, improve attention and concentration, and speed up brain processing as seniors think critically and make quick decisions. Cognitive functioning and problem-solving skills sharpen as older adults learn new skills. Laughter and conversation relieve stress and create joy. Game nights increase balance and flexibility through gentle movements, even as simple as exchanging places when taking turns.
Arts and crafts improve coordination and small motor skills. They also provide an outlet for creativity and personal expression, helping with cognitive functioning preservation and improvement, memory, and improving mental health. Creative activities build self-esteem, improve self-confidence and promote independence. Arts and crafts can reignite past interests, creating an opportunity for more new experiences. Meaningful friendships build, strengthening social bonds, reducing feelings of social isolation, offering community and connection.
When seniors participate in group exercise classes or work out with friends, their physical health improves, as friends hold each other accountable, help set and achieve goals and motivate each other. Group physical exercise means seniors increase their physical activity levels, which improves balance, strength and overall fitness, which reduces the risk of life-changing falls. More senior exercise means better sleep, less stress, less anxiety and less depression for better mental health. Physical activity helps seniors maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower the risk of certain cancers. Group fitness classes also help seniors develop a feeling of belonging, connections and community. Long-lasting friendships form over stretches, lifts, and steps.
Cultural celebration activities at Peace Village and field trips to area attractions and restaurants introduce seniors to new traditions, new tastes and new perspectives. Encouraging diverse experiences helps enrich the senior living community and promote lifelong learning, vital to slowing cognitive decline. Seniors feel enhanced connections with friends, gain more robust experiences, and improve mental health and well-being.
When seniors give back their time and talents, they experience great benefits, including the satisfying feeling of being useful. Volunteering at Peace Village helps seniors build new friendships with others who have similar passions and interests. Interacting with committees and work groups prevents loneliness and reduces the risk of depression. Working with people of different ages, from peers to teens, can help seniors stay engaged and appreciate what other generations bring to the table. It engages the mind with new ideas and new skills, improving mental health, cognitive functioning and memory.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of becoming involved in game nights, books clubs, volunteering, arts and crafts, exercise and other group activities is the sense of purpose it gives. Experts believe that happiness and having a sense of purpose are strongly related. When community activities give you a goal – to complete a painting, win a game or lift a heavier weight, greater happiness, fulfillment and well-being are created – even if you struggle to meet that goal.
Senior community activities give older adults something to look forward to each day, recognizing the continuing and meaningful significance of life. These clubs, groups, events and celebrations help improve physical health, stave off social isolation, improve mental health and happiness and build friendships and community.
Ready to experience the transformative power of community at Peace Village? Schedule your personal tour today and join us for lunch!