I’m sure you are looking for ideas for retirement community activities. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can offer safe and interactive activities to engage your aging family members. From taking up a sport to joining a senior club to volunteering at a local hospital, seniors can fill their free time in many ways. 

Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence has vast experience organizing exciting group activities for its residents throughout the year. Here are their top picks for keeping your senior loved one active, engaged, and satisfied.

Why is It Important for Elderly to Stay Active?

Exercise has countless benefits for everyone, especially older people. Per the National Institute on Aging, exercise in older adults may delay or prevent diseases such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Studies also show that seniors who exercise experience psychological benefits and improved mood. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet will also help your independence for as long as you are able.

Beneficial Retirement Community Activities for the Elderly

Retirement communities suggest a variety of activities that benefit aging residents’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These activities intend to improve the quality of life for older residents by providing a feeling of purpose and fulfillment, as well as promoting socializing and community engagement.

Exercising

Many people have always wanted to play golf or run a marathon but have not had the time. Now it’s your turn to retire. To stay active in a healthy way, you can play sports, go outside, and make new friends. Many options include tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, bowling, and more. Don’t forget to check with your doctor whether the chosen activity is safe, and start exercising gradually.

Membership in a club

Walking, cycling, and other group activities are all fun and can put you in a good mood. Group activities also motivate you to keep going. For example, some retirement communities have groups of seniors who frequently hike or bike in the beautiful nature of Niagara Falls. But if your retirement community doesn’t have these activities, why not start your own in your community? You can even help organize fun games for seniors on your floor.

Starting a business

Do you enjoy baking, painting, or woodworking? Use your talents. It always helps to have extra income in retirement. Consult an expert before investing in anything. You can also care for pets to pass the time and earn money or work at a ride-sharing service. Or set up a small table in your driveway with fresh garden vegetables, homemade pies, and jams.

Traveling

You no longer need to ration your paid time off; retirement allows you to travel as often as you want. So break the routines and look at destinations you hope to visit one day. Even if you’ve never considered visiting specific goals, there must be at least one place you’ve dreamed of visiting. Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

• A day trip 
• Senior group tours
• Cruise or boat tour 
• Food road trip
• Visiting a neighbouring state 
• Visiting all Canadian provinces

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, find a tropical paradise. If you are a history buff, look for a place with rich historical value. If you’re feeling adventurous, choose an area with many excursions. When planning a trip, you’re sure to find something that aligns with your interests and desires!

Following hobbies

Whether playing chess, quilting, fishing, or solving puzzles and crosswords, you can interact with others and expand your social circle.

• Choose hobbies that relate to your interests and abilities.
• Experiment with new things and pursue new hobbies.
• Participate in a club or group that shares your interests.
• Maintain a straightforward and manageable approach.
• Make time for your passion by developing a habit or schedule.
• Ensure that it is both accessible and secure.
• To socialize, involve friends and family.
• Take rest breaks as needed.
• Experiment with many activities until you find one that suits you.
• Practice having a good time, and enjoying the process.

Hobbies can help elderly people stay active, improve their mental health, and develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seniors can discover new interests and hobbies that will improve their quality of life by following these suggestions.

Volunteering for jobs

From volunteering at your local hospital and library to mentoring children and fundraising for charity, there are countless opportunities to help in your community. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and is an enjoyable activity for seniors in nursing homes.

Best Retirement Fitness Activities

Balancing fitness with a full-time job is hard work. When people retire from a fixed work schedule, some worry about losing their routine. Now that you have free time to focus on wellness try incorporating fun and straightforward exercises into your daily life. Creating a workout schedule can provide structure to your day.

Some of the fitness activities you might enjoy during retirement are:

• Daily walk 
• Cycling outdoors or on a stationary bike 
• Yoga or low-impact exercises 
• Swimming or water aerobics 
• Zumba or other structured classes 
• Weightlifting

Beneficial retirement community activities for the elderly strive to improve their total well-being by boosting physical and mental health, creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and encouraging sociability and community involvement. These activities can assist seniors in maintaining their physical and mental capacities, prevent social isolation and loneliness, and promote a more joyful and meaningful retirement.

Participating in retirement community events can also assist senior people in making new friendships and social connections with other community members, giving them a sense of belonging and community. Furthermore, retirement community activities can increase self-esteem and confidence while encouraging a more optimistic attitude toward life. Overall, these activities help to improve the quality of life for elderly people living in retirement communities.

How Much Physical Activity Do Older Adults Need?

Per the World Health Organization, older adults should participate in at least: 

• 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly, or 
• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. 

In addition, muscle-strengthening activities involving key muscle groups should also be done twice a week. However, a healthcare practitioner should be consulted to determine an acceptable degree of physical exercise based on an individual’s overall health and medical problems.

What are the Best Retirement Community Classes?

For the elderly who wish to be active and engaged in their golden years, retirement communities offer a range of classes. Here you can see some of the top classes for senior communities:

• Exercise classes. Fitness classes such as Pilates, yoga, water aerobics, and strength training are available in many retirement homes. These sessions intend to aid seniors in staying in shape and maintaining their physical health.
• Classes in arts and crafts. Painting, ceramics, knitting, and jewelry-making classes are frequently offered in retirement homes. These classes provide seniors with a fun and creative way to express themselves.
• Cooking lessons. Many senior homes offer cooking classes as a popular activity. While engaging with other residents, seniors can learn new recipes, methods for cooking, and healthy eating habits.
• Technology classes. Seniors who wish to stay current on the newest technological trends are increasingly taking technology programs. These classes could cover social networking, email, and smartphone apps.
• Language lessons. Language programs at retirement homes may be available for seniors who desire to learn a new language or enhance their fluency in a second language. These sessions give cerebral stimulation and can help the elderly maintain mental sharpness.
• Book clubs. Book clubs are excellent for seniors to stay engaged and socialize with their peers. Book clubs that gather regularly in retirement homes to discuss a selected book are common.

Best Retirement Community Social Events

Retirement communities include various social programs to keep seniors active, involved, and connected with others. Here are a few examples of popular retirement community social events:

• Holiday festivities. Retirement homes frequently feature holiday events such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. These occasions feature festive decorations, music, and delectable cuisine.
• Movie nights. Residents of retirement communities may organize movie nights where they can meet to view classic or new blockbusters on a huge screen. Movies are excellent for spending a night with friends without leaving the neighborhood.
• Game nights. At retirement communities, game nights are a popular social event. Residents can participate in board games, card games, and even trivia challenges.
• Guest speakers. Guest lecturers for various topics such as health and wellness, finance, or travel may be invited to retirement communities. These activities give educational opportunities and can be a fun way to meet new people.
• Group trips. Group visits to local museums, theatre, and other cultural activities are common in retirement communities. This allows residents to explore the community and engage with other seniors together.
• Performances of musicians. Local musicians or resident bands may perform at retirement communities. In addition, residents can enjoy live music and dance with their friends at this event.

How to Find the Best Retirement Activities for You?

Figure out what makes you happy. Your interests are a clue as to what you want to do in retirement. Then, use the steps below to start the best retirement activities on the next leg of your journey!

Prioritize Your Interests

Do you have a hobby you look forward to after a long day at work? Reading, writing, gardening, or anything else makes you happy outside of work. Now is the time to make that hobby your full-time focus. It’s an excellent way to have fun in retirement and make friends simultaneously. Some of the activities you might enjoy during retirement include:

• Painting 
• Reading 
• Writing 
• Going to the theatre 
• Cooking 
• Fitness 

Try writing a list of your favourite activities and prioritizing them. You can do these activities alone or with a group, whatever works best for you. For example, consider finding a local book club if you enjoy reading. Or some of these hobbies are interests you never had the chance to explore. Remember, it’s always possible to learn new things.

Find the Best Retirement Community Activities that Appeal to You

The key to finding the best retirement activities for you is to consider your mix of hobbies and activity levels. For example, are you active or quiet? Does attending an exercise class excite you or prefer staying home and watching a new movie?

Once you’ve prioritized your hobbies, create an action plan based on your favourite activities and physical ability. For example, try a road trip if you want to travel but need help to go abroad. If you love being outside but find walking boring, consider researching gardening.

You may need clarification on what makes you happy. It’s okay to need help. Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence has identified many things to do in retirement to help you stay physically active and engaged. Check out the list below for activities that appeal to your personality type.

Retirement Activities for Those Who Like Volunteer Work

If you’re still passionate about your industry and want to share your knowledge, think about volunteering to teach or mentor. Use your expertise to become a mentor for the next generation. Be proud of what you have been through and be able to share this wealth of knowledge with others. Some ways to volunteer are:

• Volunteer at a local or national park 
• Become a foster grandparent 
• Help your local library 
• Consider running, walking, or biking for a good cause 
• Volunteer virtually 

Here is some advice for looking for volunteer opportunities:

• Select a cause or organization that is related to your interests and passions.
• When choosing a volunteer opportunity, consider your talents and strengths.
• Consider your time availability and begin with a little commitment.
• Inform the organization of any physical limitations or accommodations that are required.
• Look for opportunities for social contact and community service.
• Stay open-minded and eager to learn new skills.
• Remember that every gift, no matter how tiny, counts.
• To avoid burnout, take breaks and relax when necessary.
• Try enjoying the experience and be proud of your accomplishments.
• Use social media or word-of-mouth to spread the news about the group and its objective.

Volunteering or teaching opportunities like these can help you find your purpose in retirement. Spend time researching local or global organizations that you can help positively impact. You can also volunteer your free time in retirement to help students learn to read and share your wisdom. It is your opportunity to help students improve their reading skills and feel valued! Check out Cavendish Manor’s blog to learn about some of these activities.

Retirement Activities You Can Do with Friends and Family

One of the benefits of retirement is fewer scheduling conflicts. Set busy work schedules with friends and family without having to prioritize, especially those out of state. Retirement gives you more free time to be with your loved ones. Some ideas for things to do with friends or family in retirement include 

• Playing cards or board games. 
• Planning golf outings. 
• Joining a bowling league. 
• Registering for dance lessons. 
• Starting a garden. Reiterate your goal as you coordinate plans. 

For example, joining a bowling league instead of a bowling night can ensure you stay in touch while providing a routine to build structure in your retirement.

Top Retirement Community with Activities for Seniors in Niagara Falls

When you think of retirement activities, most people’s minds go straight to the extensive activities—travelling, volunteering, or starting a fitness class. However, you can’t ignore relaxing activities like watching shows or doing puzzles. You don’t have to plan every day; some days are to catch up on the peace you’ve missed during the hustle and bustle of your career. If you need relaxation, here are some activities that might appeal to you:

• Reading. 
• Doing a puzzle. 
• Playing a fun brain game. 
• Practicing yoga or meditation. 
• Becoming a movie critic. 

Communicating over a shared hobby is another way to stay connected with family and friends! If you need help, call Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence Advisors for suggestions or browse online to see what’s trending.