Assisted living can be a great option for seniors who need a little extra help with daily tasks but still want to maintain their independence. But moving into assisted living doesn’t mean you or your loved one has to give up an active lifestyle. And why would you want to? Staying active is a boost physically and mentally at any age!
You can maintain an active lifestyle in assisted living by getting out for walks in nature, joining friends on scheduled outings, volunteering in the community, and doing group exercise classes. Assisted living communities offer residents plenty of services and amenities to get moving and stay active.
The Benefits of Staying Active in Assisted Living
While some might assume that the level of care provided in assisted living communities would keep seniors from participating in physical activity, the truth is that staying active is encouraged. In fact, there are numerous physical and mental benefits to staying active in assisted living, such as:
- Reducing the risk of health problems, including dementia, heart disease, and stroke
- Improved mental health
- Increased physical and mental resilience
- Longer lifespan
- Mental stimulation
- Better memory
Take a Walk Through Nature
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise, with a pace that can be adjusted to fit each person’s needs. Walking has numerous benefits, including improving circulation and relieving stress.
Outdoor walks, especially in nature, are a great way to connect with the environment and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. And if you don’t like walking alone, many senior living communities have nearby outdoor spaces that are perfect for walking groups. Long walks offer plenty of time for interesting conversation. That means you can stay active while making new friends or catching up with old ones.
Join a Group Exercise Class
There’s nothing quite like getting the blood pumping to invigorate your day. Adults over 65 need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity.
Group exercise classes offer an opportunity to participate in fun and engaging activities with peers, and also help maintain physical fitness levels. You don’t have to worry about your level of mobility either. Even if you haven’t taken an exercise class since college, you’ll still probably find something for you.
From chair yoga to Zumba, many assisted living communities offer a wide variety of classes that cater to specific needs and preferences. These classes allow residents to engage socially and participate in routine physical activity.
Schedule Outings with Friends
Living a full independent life means occasionally you need to hit the town. Assisted living communities organize regular outings and trips for residents to explore the community, visit local attractions, or attend exciting events nearby.
You can get out to see the sights you’ve never had the chance to visit before or get new experiences in a safe environment.
Volunteer in the Community
Studies show that volunteering not only benefits the community but also has positive effects on a volunteer’s health. Engaging in meaningful activities promotes cognitive and physical health, increases self-esteem, and reduces the risk of depression. It also provides an opportunity to socialize and meet new people, boosting mental well-being.
Ask yourself what activities you enjoy or have experience in, and what causes are most important to you. Your community might be able to put you in contact with organizations that align with those interests. Otherwise, you could reach out to local organizations or research online to find volunteer opportunities suitable for seniors in assisted living.
There’s no shortage of volunteer activities for seniors. Some of the popular options include:
- Reading to kids at a local school or library
- Visiting patients at a hospital or care center
- Assisting with community events
- Tutoring or mentoring kids
- Volunteering at a local thrift store
Pursue Hobbies & Interests
Engaging the mind with new activities and hobbies can help alleviate boredom while stimulating your brain with an entirely new way of approaching the world, and you can learn new skills.
One of the benefits of assisted living is not having to worry about many of the little things that used to take up the day. This can leave time for creative activities such as arts and crafts, writing, music, and photography that stimulate the brain while providing an outlet to express emotions and thoughts. Consider trying:
- Cooking classes
- Painting
- Learning a new language
- Picking up a musical instrument
- Gardening
- Joining a reading group
Staying Active & Enjoying Life in El Paso
Staying active is a core part of an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle, and assisted living can offer abundant opportunities for seniors to pursue their interests, maintain their physical fitness levels, and foster social connections.
If you or your loved one likes the sound of assisted living and want to experience how we help our residents grow into their new homes, then schedule a tour at The Legacy at Cimarron. We’re ready to show you what senior living can be!