Engaging in diverse activities is essential to maintain overall well-being and quality of life for seniors. Fun and recreational activities for seniors provide numerous physical, mental and emotional benefits. Having fun with various activities not only enhances seniors’ physical health but also contributes to their mental and emotional resilience, promoting a happier and more fulfilling life in their golden years.
Many seniors report feeling bored in retirement, and it makes sense: they’ve gone from full days taking care of other people, work and themselves; now it’s time to relax. But where do you start when you’re retired and bored? We’ve got your answer: read below for unique activities for seniors and how to join the fun.
Whether you’re a senior looking for new adventures or a caregiver seeking inspiration to enhance the lives of your loved ones, read on about ways that seniors can put endless joy back into their lives through senior activities.
Tutera’s mission is to nurture a positive and encouraging atmosphere where seniors can uncover new interests, forge connections and sustain vibrant, purposeful lifestyles. Our team members work every day toward this goal of promoting social wellness and life enrichment for our residents.
The guiding principle at Tutera is the YOUNITE philosophy, placing residents at the core of all we do. Upon move-in, residents fill out a personal history form detailing preferences, life stories and more, creating a tailored experience in their new environment.
Tutera’s mission is to embody the YOUNITE philosophy in every daily decision, fostering residents’ autonomy and independence. This ensures they remain in charge of their daily lives and experiences.
Creative Outlets
Who doesn’t love art? In our communities, you can paint, draw, sing, dance or create any which way that you desire. From scheduled resident workshops to DIY creations, there’s always something that needs a little flair!
Physical Activity
Working out in the gym, stretching in a yoga class or doing water aerobics are all great physical exercises that can improve your health, promote an active lifestyle and boost social wellness. Tutera communities have state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centers that host group fitness sessions, dance therapy and strength training with our on-site physical therapists.
Community Gardening
Whether or not you have a green thumb, being outside and cultivating colorful plants is a great way to relax and socialize with neighbors. Many of our communities have collaborative community gardens where residents can dig into the soil and watch the plants grow. Communities utilize this fresh food for use in our culinary experiences, so it truly is “garden to table.”
Live Entertainment & Music Therapy
Community events for seniors often include live musical performances that pique the interest of residents. Communities bring in nostalgic Elvis impersonators, barbershop quartets and other musicians, many of whom celebrate with sing-alongs and karaoke! These lively events are definitely one of the best perks of senior activities.
We also utilize music therapy in Thrive in the Courtyard, our memory care program, to help those with cognitive impairments connect with music, which has been shown to improve mood and morale and decrease agitation.
Themed Parties, Happy Hours and Community Events
It wouldn’t be a celebration without a theme! Our residents love themed dress-up parties and spirit weeks, happy hours with fruity libations and events for seniors where residents get to interact with the local community. Many communities have hosted Back to School supply drives or Halloween Trick or Treat events for the local community’s children. The residents love to form these intergenerational bonds with their new friends!
Educational Seminars
Tutera Senior Living is committed to encouraging a thirst for knowledge in our communities. Our team members go through extensive training through our Tutera University to hone their skills and become experts in the services we offer. Likewise, our passion for continuing education is created in the communities with access to resources like live educational seminars about topics important to seniors, such as elderly fraud protection and retirement planning.
Things to Do for Seniors at Home
Many of the activities offered at senior living communities can be enjoyed at home. When seniors fall out of touch with the hobbies they once loved, it can be a momentous occasion to rediscover them. This is an especially meaningful activity that seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia should incorporate into their daily routines.
For a few of the best low-maintenance and cost-effective hobbies for seniors, check out the list below.
Organize family pictures into albums. Pull out the bins and go through the memories! This is a meaningful activity that seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can do with their loved ones.
Get an adult coloring book. Adult coloring books are all the rage right now and for good reason: Coloring before bed can help gradually increase melatonin levels, which help you sleep better. During the day, simply spending 20 minutes a day coloring can:
- Relieve stress
- Improve motor skills
- Sharpen brain function
- Increase meditative state
There are limitless opportunities for seniors to have fun every day. Helping seniors identify what brings them joy helps aid exploration and self-discovery. It’s about more than just finding a pastime; it’s about unlocking a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their daily lives.
So, whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park, joining the local book club or pursuing creative outlets, the journey of discovering joy-filled hobbies for seniors is as diverse as it is rewarding.
Interested in hearing more about Tutera Senior Living? Take a look at our communities here and find the one closest to you.
