According to CBS News, from 2024 through 2027, an estimated 4.1 million U.S. adults will turn 65 yearly. The four-year phenomenon, also known as the “silver tsunami,” will mark the highest increase in retirement-age adults in the country’s history.
If you or a loved one is one of those individuals about to turn or have recently turned 65, now’s the best time to consider transitioning to a senior living community. By becoming a resident, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy engaging and rewarding social activities for seniors.
But what exactly are the activities offered by these communities that help improve senior social life? And how do they benefit older adults?
Join us here at Seaton Springwood in York, PA, as we explore social engagement in senior living and the perks and pros of social activities and events.
Art Programs
According to a systematic review published on Frontiers, arts can help reduce cognitive decline and enhance the quality of life of healthy older people. The researchers found evidence that arts engagement, such as painting, can:
- Improve brain functions by giving participants complex and stimulating experiences
- Reduce stress
- Stimulate the brain
Art programs can also promote socialization. They encourage participants to converse and bond when making and appreciating art.
For those reasons, our senior living social activities at Seaton Springwood include creative pursuits. For instance, we regularly schedule programs like painting and water-coloring.
Social Exercise Programs
As people age, their bodies undergo physical changes that may affect their agility, stamina, and strength. Moreover, the bones and muscles can deteriorate, increasing the risk of frailty and contributing to slips, trips, and falls in older adults. Metabolism also slows, making maintaining optimal weight more challenging.
Fortunately, the U.S. CDC says such issues are preventable through regular physical activity. By staying physically active, seniors can:
- Reduce their weight gain risk
- Improve their bone health
- Minimize their risks of falls
- Lower their risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
- Sleep better
- Feel less anxious or depressed
At Seaton Springwood, we understand the many benefits of leading an active lifestyle for seniors. As such, social morning stretches are always part of our community’s “Celebrations,” our daily calendar of activities and events. We also have regular schedules for our walking clubs and open gym days.
Community Service Programs
Community events for seniors that involve service to the community can help prevent isolation and loneliness. They can also give older adults a way to contribute to the community, giving them a sense of belonging and more purpose in life.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) also says community programs may help promote healthier cognition. Research has found an association between older adults, volunteer work, and better cognitive health.
In our senior living community in York, PA, we give our residents opportunities to engage in community service. For instance, we schedule projects like making lunches for kids’ camps.
Musical Performances
Many studies have shown that music can heal. For instance, an article from The Conversation discussed how musical interventions can help people with chronic pain and depression. The healing power of music can also ease the consequences of stress, such as muscle tension and hypertension.
At the very least, music can help people feel more relaxed and calm. It also provides social benefits for seniors because, as a form of art, it’s an excellent conversation topic.
Listening to music and watching it played live can also stimulate the brain, which can help with older adults’ cognitive function. After all, music is architectural and mathematical; the structure of a song is a complex relationship between notes. You may not be conscious of what’s happening, but the brain works a lot to make sense of this incredible combination of sounds.
At Seaton Springwood, we regularly schedule music activities and live performances. From country music to jazz, guitar, and sing-alongs, we offer them various musical genres to appreciate.
Bingo
Bingo is an exciting game that brings people together, whether young or old. However, it’s not just a fun and social activity; it can also be mentally stimulating for seniors.
When people play bingo, they need to concentrate and listen carefully to the letters and numbers called out. Memory abilities also get put to work because, as the game progresses, they allow players to recall the numbers on their bingo cards better.
Bingo can also help with hand-eye coordination. When players hear the letter and number announced, they must quickly look for the combination on the card and then mark it.
All those steps may sound easy, but they can be highly stimulating for the brain and are helpful for cognition.
In our York, PA, senior living community, our residents have fun socializing and playing bingo at least once weekly.
Social (and Nutritious) Dining
At Seaton Springwood, chef-prepared meals are part of the quality community amenities we provide our residents. Our friendly and talented kitchen and dining staff whip up nutritious, well-balanced meals thrice daily.
Residents can enjoy healthy and delicious food and drinks in our community’s restaurant-style dining room with neighbors and friends. So, every meal is a socialization opportunity here in our senior living community. Moreover, our friendly staff members are attentive to every resident’s needs and offer even more social interaction.
We also make every dish and course as varied as possible because we understand variation is crucial to making them exciting and preventing food boredom. If you or your older loved one has dietary restrictions or specific nutritional needs, let us know, and we’ll account for them when preparing your meals.
Enjoy Seaton Springwood’s Many Engaging Activities for Seniors
At Seaton Springwood in York, PA, our residents can choose from many engaging social activities for seniors. Whether it’s arts, exercise, music, bingo, or food, they can find meaningful connections and interactions in their everyday life here.
If you’re ready to enrich your social life and have more rewarding golden years, we look forward to welcoming you to our senior living community.
Connect with us today to schedule your tour of Seaton Springwood! We’re excited to show you our beautiful, pet-friendly community, exceptional amenities, and personalized care and support.
