It’s been said time and time again that life is a journey, not a destination. And that journey can be a lot more fun and adventurous at active adult communities! Research has proven time and time again that participating in leisure activities is important to enhance quality of life and life satisfaction for seniors. At retirement communities, robust activity curriculums offer numerous opportunities for older adults to improve physical functions, enhance positive feelings and emotions and enjoy social interactions.
Leisure activities in retirement communities
Active adult communities strategize to provide activities which deliver many benefits including:
Enhancing the immune system.
Physical activity can help prevent or improve living with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Retirement communities offer schedules filled with fun fitness opportunities to cash in on these benefits.
Improving memory.
Retirement communities have professionals who research activities to improve physical and mental health for seniors. Many activities such as puzzles and card games challenge mental abilities and enhance problem solving skills.
Reducing stress.
Residents at active adult communities enjoy common interests, which they can easily share with neighbors who become friends. Participating in and sharing hobbies helps relieve stress by creating a calm atmosphere through cooking, gardening, walking or taking in entertainment.
Improving self-esteem.
Gathering with others at retirement communities helps to provide a sense of purpose and meaning which contributes to improved self-esteem.
Preventing isolation and loneliness.
Loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety in older adults, especially among individuals who live alone. When seniors interact and connect with other residents in retirement communities, it helps provide a positive, happy mood helping with emotional stability and strength.
Improving sleep.
At every age, being active throughout the day helps individuals get a more restful night’s sleep, especially residents at retirement communities.
The best active adult communities employ staff to research, book and lead numerous opportunities for older adults to enjoy life.
At Country Meadows, residents are offered Vibe – a robust calendar of activities which includes social events, fitness classes, spiritual enrichment programs, entertainment and lifelong learning courses. Dynamic Living co-workers strategize with campus leadership and residents to create a “vibe” for residents to enjoy throughout every day and week
Vibe programming benefits the entire person at active adult communities by offering physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and intergenerational benefits to purposeful service, educational and art classes and engagement with pets and nature-for all levels of care.
Vibe is based on program categories including:
- Vitality through Variety: Opportunities for conversation and community and to keep residents’ days and minds busy.
- Inspiration and Information: Expand knowledge, interests and skills through interactive lifelong learning and creative classes at retirement communities.
- Body Benefits: Individual or group wellness programs led by dedicated fitness and clinical teams at retirement communities to get residents moving, increase energy and help maintain healthy lifestyles.
- Engagement & Entertainment: Filling residents’ social calendars, spirit and sense of purpose with events, entertainment and excursions.
Country Meadows welcomes community members to visit our active adult communities to participate in activities and other Vibe opportunities to find out, first-hand, how an active lifestyle can make life better.
Country Meadows operates nine retirement communities in Pennsylvania and one campus in Frederick, Maryland. Country Meadows offers a variety of services from independent living, personal care, assisted living, memory support and restorative care. If you would like more information about how we can support you or a loved one, contact us today. Our co-workers can answer questions and provide information on our services.
Country Meadows
I would like to know more about activities in independent living, i.e. book clubs, bus trips, clubs, volunteering, classes, learning opportunities.
Thank you for asking. Our activities vary by campus. For which campus are you interested in receiving information? We would be happy to connect you with information regarding that campus or connect you with the campus activities director.