Assisted living facilities are an excellent option for many seniors who are still basically independent but require limited daily assistance and support. These residences are also wonderful for making new friends and staying engaged, trying new things, and continuing to thrive and grow. Most assisted living communities (like A Banyan Residence) offer a full calendar of events, classes, social opportunities, and ways to have fun with other residents. These activities are considered an essential aspect of any senior living option, as participating in meaningful activities has been proven to promote better health outcomes both mentally and physically.

Senior communities provide numerous options for residents to choose from, but here are some of our favorites.
activities at assisted living

7 Excellent Activities For Seniors

While individuals in an assisted living facility may have various mobility or cognitive impairments, staying active and engaged is vital. The following list of activities is appropriate for everyone and can be especially meaningful if family and friends join them.

  1. Daily Walks: Walking is great for everyone, as it is low-stress and can be taken at any pace. Being outdoors on the grounds or at a nearby park provides needed physical activity to enhance overall health. Walking can strengthen muscles, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and protect against bone loss. Seniors can enjoy the benefits even if they just engage in a brief walk every day.
  2. Enjoying Music: Music is a powerful form of therapy that anyone can participate in. The right song can boost mood, dispel depression, and increase confidence. Communities often offer concerts or singalongs to engage seniors in this activity. Familiar songs can bring comfort to memory care patients and spark happy memories.
  3. Animal Therapy: Many assisted living facilities encourage pet visitation, and some even allow seniors to have their own cat or small dog. The presence of animals can significantly improve the health of seniors, as they experience less stress, lower blood pressure, and more meaningful social connections. Petting a cat or dog is an excellent way to relieve anxiety, and many senior residences have regularly scheduled animal visits. Read more about how the interaction between seniors and animals helps promote well-being.
  4. Gardening: Being outside in the garden was often a favorite pastime before residents entered the community, and the ability to continue this pastime is important for many. Gardening is a great way to destress and connect with nature. Plants promote peace and serenity and can also help with exercise and mobility. While seniors may have limited access to gardening at an assisted living facility, container gardens are a wonderful option.
  5. Art And Crafts: For some, crats are a hobby, while others have a true talent for art. Regardless of skill level, activities that involve art are often ideal for developing fine motor skills. However, even seniors with mobility and motor skill challenges can enjoy more abstract activities such as painting, and expressing creativity is beneficial for cognitive health.
  6. Board and Card Games: Board and card games provide an excellent opportunity to get to know new people, have some fun, and improve cognitive abilities. Those who engage in these activities also have lower stress levels, healthier blood pressure, and an enhanced sense of overall well-being. For those seniors who experience fear or anxiety, a game provides a welcome distraction.
  7. Scrapbooking: One of the best ways to support memory and interact with a dementia patient is to engage in scrapbooking or create a photo album. Whether preserving specific events (like important weddings) or just organizing old letters and photos, scrapbooking is a fun way to take a walk down memory lane and allow your senior to tell their stories. The photos act as a visual aid to help them to remember people, places, and events, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity.

If you live in The Villages and are looking for an assisted living facility with an active activities calendar, we invite you to call A Banyan Residence. Schedule a visit to learn more about how your senior can live an active and fulfilled life in our community.