Engaging Activities for Seniors: Ideas for Staying Active and Social
Ranfurly Hospital General Interest
As we age it may be that the things we like to do to stay active and social need to flex and change to meet our shifting priorities. Retirement can be a fantastic time to try new things, and social activities for seniors are generally a major focus of life in a good retirement home.
Ranfurly Hospital knows how important it is to provide facilities that support active senior retirement living, and at our Auckland lifestyle village location we are fortunate to have the space to provide some excellent activities.
We also have a fantastic team on staff that help our residents choose the level of involvement in our social groups for seniors that they feel comfortable with.
The Importance of Staying Active and Social for Seniors
Alongside the obvious physical benefits of ensuring that you continue to move your body within the parameters of what is possible, there are added health benefits to staying active and social.
Getting together with like-minded people in social groups can give you a real boost in your senior years, and it’s definitely good for your mental health to maintain a healthy social life.
Lots of people take up a new activity when they retire and there are many social activities for seniors that don’t require a strenuous physical workout! If you do want to include physical wellness goals in your routine, there are exercise options that won’t put too much strain on your body, even if you have limited mobility.
You may find joining a hydrotherapy class beneficial, or consider trying yoga, there are many different levels of difficulty that are appropriate for all ability levels. Keeping active needn’t be about doing anything strenuous, even enjoying a quiet stroll in the garden can lift the mood.
Quality of life is partly about staying connected, and joining in social activities for seniors is an excellent way to feel like you are part of a community - it’s also a great way to meet new people.
Engaging Activities for Seniors
Along with adding a gentle exercise routine to your day, you could look for a social group for seniors that will put you in touch with people who enjoy the same things you do.
Many retirees have always wanted to have the time to explore artistic pursuits and at Ranfurly Hospital there is a room set aside where you can indulge in a little painting, do some knitting or embroidery - or even work on a craft project with a visiting grandchild.
Checking out the movies is also a fun way to get together with friends, and heading to a cafe afterwards to chat about what you’ve just seen over a coffee and a sweet treat is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
If reading is your passion, you may be revelling in having the time to explore that stack of books you’ve been meaning to get to! Joining a book club may be the perfect option for you when you are looking at social groups for seniors that may suit your interests.
These kinds of activities can be adapted to cater to varying mobility needs and there is no reason to miss out if you are dealing with health conditions that can require you to have a more sedentary approach to life.
The Role of Family and Friends
Another way to lean into social activities for seniors is to stay in touch with friends and family. Setting up a weekly visit can be a real mood booster and staying in touch online with loved ones who live far away is one of the most wonderful features of modern life. Through the likes of Facebook and Skype, a chat or video call can be easy and inexpensive. Keeping abreast of your grandchildren’s achievements and activities can be a breath of fresh air and there are lots of ways to stay in the loop with the right technology.
Seniors who are able to continue to visit local friends, attend meetings of any clubs they enjoy, or join in with something new, will find that the feeling of connection will help them to maintain good mental health.
It’s important to stay involved in family life, and at Ranfurly House we love to welcome visitors for a meal at Poppies Cafe, or for some time visiting in the garden - whatever a family catch up looks like for you.
Keep It Moving
There is a wide range of benefits to seniors in joining in on social activities. For a start, you can elevate your mood and improve your mental health by staying connected to people with shared interests.
The physical benefits of keeping your body moving can include increased mobility, pain relief and a better night’s sleep - plus it can be a lot of fun!
It’s also important to keep the brain active to ensure memory and comprehension are taken care of. Crossword puzzles, quizzes, and learning new skills are especially good for brain function.
Get in Touch
If you are reading this because you have a parent or grandparent who has retired - whether they live at home or at a retirement village - don’t forget to be supportive when it comes to encouraging your loved one to maintain an active and social lifestyle.
If you feel like you or a family member or friend need some help to connect with social activities for seniors, get in touch today to chat with our friendly team.
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