Playing is not just for children. In fact, playing is an excellent way for people of any age to have fun and laugh – two things that are important for our health and wellbeing. Playing positively impacts the mind, body, and soul – improving mood, attitude, and even health. Unfortunately, many adults have lost their sense of play. That’s why we decided to help with ideas on how to rediscover play and lighthearted fun.

assisted living activities The Villages

Being a senior citizen doesn’t mean you have to be serious all the time. Let’s reignite your sense of play with these tips. These are great ways to engage with your loved one and help you relax and find moments of joy as well.

10 Activities to Inspire a Sense of Play

  1. Board Games: Board games represent one of the easiest ways to take a break and have some fun. Most people know classic board games such as Scrabble, Yahtzee, or Monopoly, and many still enjoy a strategic chess game. These games are not only fun, but they promote brain health and mental health. If you have a regular game night with a senior loved one, concentrate on games that require reasoning, strategy, or skill rather than just luck.
  2. Card Games: Many seniors grew up playing cards games with their parents and friends and continued to do so throughout their lives. Whether bridge, gin rummy, or poker, card games are social and build rapport. Not only that, but research has shown that playing cards can improve motor skills, build cognitive capability and even fight against dementia. A deck of cards is nearly always close at hand and easy to employ – so get a deck and have some fun. Remember: a senior can also use a deck of cards for solitaire when no one is around, providing brain-building benefits.
  3.  Video Games: Okay, we admit this suggestion may seem a little strange, but it is estimated that 10% of seniors currently play video games. This number is bound to rise as boomers who are computer-savvy move into retirement. If your loved one is not intimidated by the thought of gaming, give it a try! Video games can be played with grandchildren who are miles away and offer significant social and cognitive benefits.
  4. Musical Instruments:  Music is known to be uplifting for the human spirit. Music can boost your mood, reduce anxiety and stress, help with coordination, and even build brain function. Research has proven that even those who are living with dementia uniquely respond to music. If your loved one played a musical instrument in the past, help them start playing again. If they never have, suggest that they begin to take lessons! If your assisted living facility has the resources, get together to listen to music and play along with tom-toms, tambourines, and bells.
  5.  Dance: Associated with the benefits of music are those of dance. Dancing is not only a fantastic low-impact workout, but it is also great for memory. In fact, many seniors who have difficulty remembering details of their life will automatically remember how to waltz, foxtrot or hustle! Dancing is physically and mentally beneficial and is one of our favorite ways to engage our lost sense of play.
  6. Sports and Competition: You may think that sports are out of the question after a certain age, but that is not true. Seniors can golf, play shuffleboard or ping-pong, go bowling or play badminton. There are many ways to engage in a little friendly competition with friends while strengthening hand-to-eye coordination, manual dexterity, cardiovascular strength, and muscle toning.
  7. Outdoor Activities: Being outside in nature is a more freeing way to inspire a sense of play and lightheartedness. Whether walking a trail or at the beach, bird watching, or strolling the botanical gardens, going outside is therapeutic – and in Florida, easy to do year-round. If your senior loves the beach, but the sand is too difficult for walking, many beaches have installed boardwalks or provide sand wheelchairs to get those toes in the water.
  8. Arts and Crafts: We all remember the sense of joy and creativity, when as a child, we sat in front of paper, scissors, paint and pipe cleaners. Whether you like to draw, paint, build or knit – arts and crafts bring a sense of freedom and accomplishment. Creating in this way also is known to inspire a sense of calm and serenity. Look for arts and crafts opportunities at your assisted living facility, from simple projects to learning to oil paint. Invite friends for a fun and socially engaging activity.
  9. Go to the Experts: There is no doubt, no one knows how to play quite like a child. If you have small children in the family, have play dates and let them take the lead. Some assisted living facilities have offered programs bringing daycare children in to play with the seniors. While those programs are on hold right now, they proved that you are never too old – or too young – to play. 
  10. Puppies and Kittens: Playing with and caring for animals can profoundly affect the cognitive health of a senior citizen. There is a unique, non-judgemental bond between pets and their owners, and they are a constant source of unconditional love. Some facilities allow pets, while others have animal therapy days when foster pets are brought in to play with seniors.

Some older adults may think their days of play are behind them, but there are numerous opportunities to embrace this concept every day. An assisted living community is a wonderful place to rediscover your sense of play – be sure to ask about the social activities available at your residence.

A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care facility located in The Villages.