The activities department of your senior living community may be needing an overhaul. This is because so many Baby Boomers are entering the senior living facilities. They want something different than senior living has offered over the years. This means that as an activity director you may be saddled with trying to figure out the best options to add to your activity list. Here are a few ideas that may help you get started.
Yoga and Tai Chi
You would be surprised how many baby boomers enjoy yoga and tai chi. Both practices allow them to stretch. They also allow residents to reduce their blood pressure, relax, and find a form of meditative practice that can help with stress. Some yoga and tai chi instructors would come in and offer weekly classes. There are multiple ways to offer this, keep it safe, and allow the residents to enjoy this simple exercise option that can help them in many ways.
Fitness Video Games
There are several video game consoles that people are seeing more and more in assisted living communities. The reason is that these games offer several social benefits. The first is, of course, exercise. There is a wide range of exercises ranging from very low impact to higher impact. The resident can get permission from a doctor for the various exercises. There are also social activities such as bowling that do not require leaving the facility or the use of a bowling alley. Teams can be formed and the games played out. Winners can get prizes and meet up again the next week for more social gaming. You can also help some residents with coordination and strength-building exercises with these devices.
Miniature Golf
You may not think of miniature golf, or golfing in general when you think of adding to your senior living communities activities list. The truth is, many assisted and senior living complexes are finding ways to incorporate golfing into their activity plan. This can be a weekly outing to an area golf course. You can also use other methods such as installing a miniature golfing area on the grounds or even an indoor golf drive range. This activity is something many baby boomers enjoy and having the option, even a smaller version of the option, can be ideal for social and emotional well-being.
When you are ready to add new activities to your senior living community activities roster, consider a meeting with your nursing staff. Remember, your nursing assistants are with your residents the most. They may have some ideas based on what the residents have already mentioned. You may also want to check with the nursing staff and coordinators as well. They can give you input and help you determine what may be ideal for your particular senior living facility. For more information, contact companies like Autumn Manor.
Older adults sometimes see nursing care as an all-or-nothing scenario. They assume they are either at home living independently, or they are in a nursing home where everything is done for them. This is not really the case, however. There are plenty of in-between options for older adults who need some care, but who may not need full nursing assistance yet. Assisted living centers allow this flexibility. Your older loved one can simply have their meals provided for them, or they can have around-the-clock care — or somewhere in-between. We invite you to explore the content provided to learn more.