Choosing assisted living is a wise decision for many older adults who are looking for a little extra support, peace of mind, and fewer household responsibilities. Among all the amenities and services like chef-prepared meals and regular housekeeping visits, access to daily events and activities designed to enhance socialization as well as physical and mental health is another perk. 

Assisted living communities feature a designated team member in charge of activities, sometimes called an activities director, events director, or life enrichment director. This person leads the charge when it comes to social opportunities and entertaining, educational, or physically beneficial activities. You’ll likely find a calendar with multiple activities and events happening daily, including on the weekends and during evening hours. Activity calendars also often feature outings or trips into the greater community.

While you will certainly find social staples like happy hours, karaoke sing-alongs, and entertainer performances, there is much more to a well-balanced activity calendar. Assisted living residents who take advantage of activities in their community are exposed to favorite pastimes and new hobbies, new learning opportunities, and others, all of which contribute to overall wellness.

Here are a few assisted living activities that you might see in your community, as well as the benefits you may not know about each one. Keep in mind that each assisted living community is unique and plans activities based on the interests and needs of the residents who live there, so you might not see every activity listed here in every community.

Group fitness sessions

It’s no surprise that moving your body is good for you, and group fitness activities in assisted living promote physical health. You’ll find group exercise classes that highlight dance fitness, yoga, tai chi, walking, stretching, balance work, and even strength training. Taking part in these programs can offer benefits like:

• Decreased risk of falling.
• Feelings of empowerment and confidence.
• Improved strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.
• Opportunities to meet neighbors and foster friendships over a shared experience.
• Improved sleep.

The right group fitness opportunities can help a resident meet their health and wellness goals, especially if they are getting more than just physical fitness during a session.

Cooking demonstrations and themed dining

Many assisted living communities feature activities that highlight the talent in the dining department. These events, such as cooking demonstrations, tableside preparations, and themed snacks, are typically quite popular because the food is delicious, and it’s a great way to connect with the chefs of the community. Examples of some events you might see are a tableside guacamole station during lunch, a create-your-own-smoothie bar after yoga class, or a demonstration of how to prepare the perfect charcuterie board. Attending these activities can offer benefits like:

• Fostering the opportunity to interact with a neighbor, which can create conversation and potential new friendships.
• Learning a new recipe or cooking method that can boost cognitive health.
• Chopping, stirring, and mixing to improve fine motor skills.
• Enhanced self-esteem from learning new skills.
• A multisensory experience that can enhance cognitive health.

Don’t be shy about getting involved in dining events. At the least, you’ll enjoy some delicious food, and it is also an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors and team members at your community.

Assisted living activities supporting mental health

Assisted living activities designed to support mental and emotional health are on any well-balanced calendar. An activity like guided journaling can support emotional expression, and meditation is a spiritual activity that supports mental health and positive coping skills. Look for these activities in addition to support groups, mindfulness practices, poetry and art workshops, and more. Benefits can include:

• Opportunities to connect with neighbors who have a similar story or journey.
• The chance to share coping skills, experiences, and resources.
• Access to social workers and other mental health professionals.
• Feelings of confidence and empowerment.
• Access to local resources and support services.
• An emotional or creative outlet for feelings.

Even if you haven’t been an active participant in activities that support mental health in the past, give it a try in your assisted living community. It’s never too late to learn a new coping skill that will help you feel your best.

New learning opportunities

When people are younger, they learn new things all the time. However, learning new things may seem more difficult with age, likely because our brains are busy with other tasks like paying bills and budgeting, planning daily and monthly schedules, and managing any chronic conditions we might have. However, it’s never too late to learn something new and improve your cognitive health. In fact, it might even be easier in assisted living since your community takes care of some of those extra tasks on your behalf.

Look for new learning activities such as learning a new language, trying out a new musical instrument or art form, or attending a lecture on local history. Focusing on new learning activities can offer benefits like:

• Improved self-esteem and confidence.
• Enhanced cognition and memory retention.
• Improved communication skills.

If you’re not sure if a new learning opportunity would interest you, give it a try. You might be surprised at how sharp you feel afterward.

Assisted living activities have many benefits

Activities and events in assisted living offer more than just ways to pass the time. They play an essential role in supporting residents’ physical, mental, and social well-being, making it even more important for residents to get involved in group programs. Don’t worry if you aren’t an extrovert or social butterfly. You can still get benefits associated with events and activities by focusing on attending smaller group activities or working with your activities director to find independent leisure pursuits that can support your overall wellness. Enjoy finding new ways to connect with your neighbors, your interests, and your health.

Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.