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Elderly Living: What Entertaining Activities Can Seniors Do in a Retirement Community?

Gideon Anderson

As we age, many things happen as we settle into our place in this world. Our personal evolution continues, and life changes us, whether we like it or not. By the time we get to our golden years, we generally have a clear picture of what kind of lifestyle we want. For many, living in a retirement community is one of those.

Nowadays, being in a retirement community no longer means being tied to your rocking chair to watch TV. Many are now offering swimming, yoga, clubs, fitness and educational classes, golf, and happy hours. In addition to your current activities, consider these fun and exciting pastimes to keep you entertained:

1. Gardening

Gardening makes you relax and unwind and stay active. It helps you exercise your upper and lower body muscles when you’re digging in the dirt, planting, watering your plants, and removing weeds. Also, you will reap the benefits of your hard work when you taste your fresh vegetables or look at your beautiful flowers.

Other benefits of gardening are:

  • Encourages the use of your motor skills
  • Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
  • Provides stimulation and encourages your interest in nature and the outdoors
  • Improves endurance and strength

2. Taking Care of Pets

These days, many retirement communities allow their residents to have pets that they can take care of by themselves without the help of caregivers. If you currently have pets at home, you can bring them to your chosen retirement community. You can have a walk with them to keep you active, especially when you’re not motivated.

Though it’s a matter of personal preference, vets suggest Poodle, Maltese, French Bulldog, and Schipperke as best companions. When taking care of pets in your golden years, these are its benefits as follows:

  • It helps you stay active
  • It helps ward off depression
  • It makes you gain new friends
  • As a protection
  • Medical boosters

3. Music Therapy

Though some elderly have lost interest in music, many are still into it. You can give a boost to the quality of your life by listening to music. It can even improve your mood, bring back older and happy memories, encourage socialization, and promote overall mental and physical health.

Consider listening to positive and motivating music, as well as familiar ones. It’s best to turn on your favorite tunes when you are:

  • Exercising
  • Preparing for the day ahead
  • Recounting older memories
  • Doing some light housework
  • With your friends or family

4. Lectures and Educational Classes

Expanding your knowledge helps you stay mentally alert and engaged. The best retirement communities provide on-site lectures or continuing educational classes. Some also arrange for residents to participate in academic and cultural events by nearby colleges. 

5. Jewelry-Making

Most seniors don’t challenge their brains much once they hit retirement, resulting in cognitive disorders over time. When you participate in jewelry-making activities, it helps you develop your creativity and imagination. You can also explore and create a piece of jewelry with your own designs.

Furthermore, it helps you relax and feel less stressed about your condition if you have an illness. You even get to share this activity with others, and you can wear, gift, and sell your beautiful creations.

Finally

If you just moved to a retirement community, such as StoneRidge Creek, and find it hard to transition to your new living environment, these activities are perfect ways to help you adapt. Or, if you’re a Stoneridge Creek senior living in Pleasanton, remember that it will be easy to find and connect with people because they share the same interests. Plus, you will be living in a neighborhood with lots of opportunities and social activities.