For older adults, living alone can present a number of challenges — from getting housework and chores done to issues with mobility and transportation. Another aspect of life that can be difficult to face is loneliness, and the toll that living and being alone most of the time can take on an individual’s health. The good news is there are solutions to these challenges. For instance, assisted living communities can help improve quality of life for older adults through easy and meaningful social engagement.
Whether you or a loved one enjoys group activities, individual opportunities for community engagement, shared dining experiences, social community events or a mix of everything, assisted living communities, like those at VOANS, can play a key role in improving the mental and emotional health of older adults.
Social Engagement for Older Residents of Assisted Living Facilities
Engagement in social activities and being socially active can significantly improve physical, emotional and mental health of everyone, but especially older adults. In fact, seniors who are socially isolated are more prone to health risks like cognitive decline, depression and heart disease. Meanwhile, older adults who are socially engaged see a whole host of benefits. For example, structured social engagement can help improve mental, emotional and physical health, provide increased confidence and even enhance mobility.
Assisted living communities are a great solution to get all of these benefits, in addition to helping residents form friendships with each other and continue to evolve their sense of purpose as they age.
What Activities Are Good for Seniors in Assisted Living?
There are plenty of group and individual activities that are healthy for seniors in assisted living communities. The key is to find the right blend that works best for each individual — as in every walk of life, some people prefer to be around groups more often and some like to do solo activities that bring them joy. Whatever you prefer, having the opportunity to mix in group and individual activities every day is one of the best ways to stay socially engaged without changing how you want to live.
Assisted Living Social Activities
One of the great benefits of assisted living communities are the wide variety of social activities that are available to residents on a daily basis.
- Games like BINGO, card games, dice, and dominoes are great ways to interact with a bit of friendly competition.
- Exercise classes provide opportunities for group participation that improve both physical well-being and social health
- Happy hours offer time for casual, less organized socializing
- Recurring conversation sessions, often with coffee and established topics, help promote connection and mental engagement
- Worship services and musical entertainment allow for opportunities for emotional and spiritual enrichment
- Community leadership groups, like resident councils, allow residents to be involved in group decisions and help expand their connections to more residents.
With so many options, community members can find activities that fit their interests and abilities. This ensures residents get all of the social benefits of camaraderie, creative thinking and interaction while participating in activities they actually enjoy.
Meaningful Activities Seniors Can Do on Their Own in Assisted Living
Independent activities are not inherently antisocial or bad for your health — quite the opposite. There are many activities that can be done solo that still promote creativity, mental stimulation and relaxation. These kinds of activities are important, especially for more introverted residents who use this time to recharge for social activities. Some hobbies and activities that are great to do on your own (with staff support around, as needed) include:
- Baking
- Woodshop
- Gardening
- Walking trails
- Puzzles
- Word games
- Reading
All of these activities can be done independently, but in a shared environment, giving residents the opportunity for casual interaction with others who share the same interests, but without a structured group setting or activity.
Assisted Living With Social Events
There are all kinds of social events scheduled and facilitated by assisted living communities. These events can take place within the assisted living facility grounds or as part of group trips into the surrounding communities. Some examples of VOANS social events include:
- Coffee and trivia events
- Movie screenings
- Outings to local destinations like shopping centers, restaurants and museums
- Live performances and concerts held within the community
- Holiday celebrations for occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — including themed events and decorations
- All-resident and life-enrichment meetings that involve residents planning their own events and activities
Many of these activities offer opportunities for family participation, giving residents and their loved ones the ability to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Outings into the surrounding communities also allow for intergenerational engagement, which is beneficial for seniors and younger generations alike.
The Role of Shared Dining in Social Engagement
One of the most important opportunities for residents to stay engaged and avoid isolation is communal dining. By eating with others, residents have routine, daily chances for conversation, connection and relationship building. At VOANS, our family-style dining rooms allow residents to meet and engage with as many other community members as possible. We also keep community spirit high with holiday and themed meals for residents to enjoy. Residents who participate in food or dining council meetings can give input for these special or themed menus.
The VOANS Resident Ambassador Program: Peer Connection at Its Best
Socializing can be a challenge for many residents, but especially those who are just moving to the community. Many assisted living communities help ease the transition and encourage social participation with programs that have established residents welcoming newcomers.
At VOANS, the Resident Ambassador program is a committee of independent living residents who take turns visiting with new community members. The ambassadors welcome new residents and will go over specifics of the community, as well as the resident handbook, during their initial visit. Ambassadors will also take new residents on a tour, providing first-hand insights and answers to questions during a tour of the community. They may also invite the new resident to a meal and out to various activities. These interactions are very helpful in making new residents feel welcomed and building their trust and comfort with the community.
Supportive Staff and a Welcoming Environment Make the Difference
The right environment can make a huge difference for resident social engagement. At VOANS, our trained and compassionate staff love to encourage resident participation in events, facilitate connections and friendships and help them find activities that fit their interests. They are also trained to identify signs of loneliness and isolation, giving insights into which residents would benefit from a little bit more social interaction. By fostering a culture of inclusion and openness, staff members can create a sense of belonging and comfort that encourages residents to participate in social activities.
Why Social Engagement Matters in Assisted Living
Being actively involved with activities and events can help assisted living residents boost their emotional, mental and even physical health, allowing them to better live their lives as they choose. Social engagement naturally combats isolation, which can be harmful to a person’s overall well-being, and creates a larger sense of warmth and trust throughout the entire community.
With plenty of structured activities, scheduled experiences and events, a supportive environment and independent options for those needing a recharge, VOANS is committed to providing a richly engaging and welcoming environment for all our residents. Explore our assisted living options today to find the community that best suits the needs of you or your loved one, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
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