What are some fun and engaging indoor activities for senior community residents?
Social interaction is one of the highlights of living in a senior community for many residents. It’s important to change up the activities to keep the residents interested and engaged. Read on for some fun ideas that seniors will love!
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Food Demo
Seniors are very interested in eating healthy and staying healthy. Of the large variety of topics I covered, the most fun and interactive ones were the food demos. The most fun were the easy food demos that seniors could make at home such as yogurt parfaits, how to cook fish in foil with simple ingredients, and how to add new plant-based protein foods to traditional dishes.
I would make the food, talk about what I was adding and alternatives, and pass it out for tasting. While they were sampling, I would talk about the individual ingredients and their benefits for health. I got so many questions and a lot of happy seniors eating.
In the end, I would raffle away four or five bags with all the ingredients for the food demo and the recipe included. One thing I definitely noticed was that on the food demo days, it was a packed center.
8 Indoor Activities for Seniors
1. Tabletop Games
Tabletop games are a great way to stay sharp and have fun at the same time. Games like chess and checkers can help improve memory and problem-solving skills while also providing a chance to socialize. Word games like Scrabble and Bananagrams are perfect for stimulating the mind and providing friendly competition.
For seniors who are looking for a more active game, there are plenty of options as well. Games like bowling or bean bag toss can help improve Motor skills while still being enjoyable. Whatever type of game you choose, tabletop games are an excellent way to pass the time and stay sharp. So get together with friends and see who can come out on top.
2. Crafts
Many people seem to think that once someone becomes a senior citizen, they are no longer interested in having fun or being active. However, this is far from the truth. There are many indoor activities that senior citizens can enjoy together. One popular option is crafting.
From simple tasks like knitting and painting to more challenging projects like quilting and woodworking, crafting provides a fantastic way for seniors to stay active and express their creativity. In addition, crafting can also be a social activity, providing an opportunity for seniors to interact with one another and form new friendships.
3. Movie Nights
Movie nights are always a big hit with seniors. You can set up a projector in the common room and invite everyone to bring their favorite snacks. Popcorn is always a popular choice, but you can also set out a variety of candy and ice cream toppings for people to choose from. For an added touch, you can make some homemade decorations inspired by the film you’re watching. Themed movie nights are also a great way to encourage residents to mingle.
After the movie, you can open up the floor for discussion and allow people to share their thoughts on the film. This is a great way to create meaningful conversations and build community bonds.
4. Karaoke
Karaoke is a beloved activity for people of all ages, and it can be a great way to liven up any party or event. For seniors, in particular, karaoke can be a great way to get them up and moving, and it can also help to boost their morale and spirits. Singing is known to have many benefits for seniors, including reducing stress and promoting brain health. And what better way to enjoy singing than belting out some of your favorite tunes in front of an audience?
Karaoke is a superb option if you’re looking for an activity that will bring some fun and excitement to your senior community. Just be sure to have a few volunteers on hand to help with the set-up and clean-up and assist any seniors who need it.
5. Exercise Classes
Exercise classes are a great way to get people moving and interacting with each other. Group games and puzzles can also be fun and stimulating. And for those who enjoy the creative arts, various arts and crafts projects can be enjoyed indoors. Whatever the activity, it’s essential to ensure that it is safe for seniors to participate.
Additionally, providing plenty of options is vital so everyone can find something they enjoy. Senior communities can help keep residents active, engaged, and happy by offering various indoor activities.
6. Bingo
Bingo is a classic game that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a simple game to learn, and it can be played in a relatively short amount of time. Bingo is also a great way to socialize and meet new people. For these reasons, bingo is a popular activity in senior communities. There are a few things to remember when playing bingo with seniors.
First, give each person ample time to mark their numbers. Second, provide clear instructions on how to play the game. Finally, be patient and understanding – seniors may not be as quick as younger players, but they can still enjoy the game just as much. With these tips in mind, bingo can be fun for everyone involved.
7. Coffee Mornings
One of the best ways to engage senior citizens and have fun is to host a weekly coffee morning. Residents can socialize, enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, and maybe even share a few laughs. If you want to make the coffee mornings even more enjoyable, you can include some lighthearted activities like trivia quizzes or word games.
Another great idea is to use the coffee mornings as an opportunity to promote other activities at the senior community center. For example, you could announce upcoming events or sign people up for classes. Making the coffee mornings interactive and informative can help keep seniors engaged and active.
8. Painting Classes
They say that age is just a number, and nowhere is that more true than in a senior living community. Just because the residents are retired doesn’t mean they want to sit around all day with nothing to do. That’s why it’s important to have a variety of activities available, so everyone can find something they enjoy.
One great activity is painting class. Not only is it a fun way to express creativity, but it’s also a chance to socialize and make new friends. And best of all, anyone can do it regardless of experience level. So whether residents are looking for a new hobby or just a way to pass the time, painting classes are a great option.
Conclusion
Senior communities offer a terrific opportunity for residents to socialize, stay active, and have fun. Senior living communities can help keep residents engaged and happy by providing various indoor activities. From exercise classes to coffee mornings, there are plenty of options. And by providing safe and enjoyable activities for all, senior living communities can help make the retirement years some of the best years of life.
Veronica Thompson
Veronica Thompson is the COO of Everyday Power. She also holds an MBA. In her free time, she bakes, dances, and paints.
Charades
This game is one of the most enjoyable activities that can be played by a group of individuals, even senior citizens. You just have to divide into two teams. One player gets a task, then acts it out. Then, act it out for two minutes or until one of their teammates guesses the word or phrase. If they don’t, the other team gets their chance to steal. Each team gets a turn to play and act, making it a very fun indoor game.
Life-size Hungry, Hungry Hippos Game
Keeping residents in senior care communities hopping and happy can be challenging, but one long-term care home’s activity director dreamed up a clever idea – a life-size game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos! Residents in wheelchairs are supplied with baskets attached to poles and then pushed in and out of a circle to “catch” balls piled in the middle of the floor. This game proved to be fun and lively for senior residents while encouraging physical movement and social interaction.
Lisamarie Monaco
Lisamarie Monaco, National Independent Life Insurance Agent at InsuranceForBurial.com.
Sip and Paint Day
A fun and lively indoor activity for senior living residents would be a painting day. Paint their favorite subject, a flower, a pet, etc. Maybe even paint an object for upcoming holidays, such as a wreath or a gift to give loved ones.
Sip and paint have always been lots of fun for all ages. They can sip their favorite drink, coffee, tea, or whatever they like and have snacks and enjoy time painting with their friends.
Water Aerobics and Chair Yoga
When it comes to indoor activities, some of the following types of exercise could be fun for people in senior communities:
Water Aerobics
Besides being relatively low-impact (light) for the senior bodies, water aerobics classes can be a great way to create a group spirit, get to know people uniquely, and stay healthy.
(Chair) Yoga
While some people imagine crazy stances when hearing the word “yoga”, there are also plenty of more beginner/senior-friendly ones to fill many exercise classes.
Besides keeping the senior residents active, (chair) yoga can also keep them more flexible and slow down balance deterioration. In turn, these things help avoid falls and injuries.
Additionally, you also get some of the same group spirit, social contact, and health improvements as water aerobics.
Join Our Vibrant Community and Start Your Next Chapter with Summit Vista
From our thoughtful amenities and wonderful residents to abundant wellness activities and comprehensive continuum of care, our Life Plan Community in Taylorsville, UT, offers a senior living experience unlike any other. Contact our retirement counselors online or call 801-758-3138 to book a visit and experience life at Summit Vista firsthand.
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