Around 25% of seniors over 65 are socially isolated, which increases the risk of:
How do you combat social isolation with older adults? Many choose to move to a senior living community. These communities provide various levels of care, assistance, and social activities.
Continue reading to learn more about the social activities we offer at our senior living community in Newburgh, IN, and the benefits they offer.
Social engagement is crucial for an older adult's mental and physical health. Studies reveal that socialization helps seniors:
Being isolated leaves seniors lonely and depressed, while seniors who spend time with others tend to feel better. They experience less depression and sadness, and many feel a heightened sense of purpose from being social.
Social engagement is also known to be good for the brain. It can actually help seniors improve their memories and experience fewer cognitive issues.
Additionally, seniors who stay active with others tend to stay physically healthier. Social engagement decreases the risks of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and numerous other health issues.
These are just a few benefits of socialization, but there are plenty of others. Moving to a senior living community opens up opportunities for elderly social events to the residents.
Bell Oaks Place has a full calendar of events for seniors. This calendar lists all the senior community activities, and the residents can choose which ones they attend.
The first type of activity offered is group activities and classes. The residents can socialize with others by attending:
Games are fun and good for the mind, and you'll find plenty of game opportunities at Bell Oaks Place. We offer card game events, bingo, scrabble, board games, and puzzles.
We also have more active game opportunities, including corn hole tournaments and golfing events. These are ideal for residents who enjoy spending time outdoors on nice days.
Another option is Wii bowling. While this is indoors, spending time playing Wii games encourages physical activity and movement, allowing residents to exercise in a fun manner.
When choosing a senior living community, look at its calendar to ensure it offers plenty of activities. Many seniors view these as must-have features when choosing somewhere to live, and you may too.
Bell Oaks Place also offers many spiritual events for the residents. These engaging senior programs are ideal for seniors who want to continue their spiritual journeys while living there.
Every Sunday, we offer a church service the residents can attend. Sundays are also the day we offer group coffee time and a hymn sing-along.
Throughout the week, the residents are also encouraged to attend various Bible studies where they can discuss and learn various aspects of the Bible. These are available multiple times a week.
Additionally, we offer events designed to serve others. We may do an outreach program to help a specific organization and other community service projects.
Our senior living community also spends time:
Holidays are special and offer a unique chance to do things you may not do the rest of the year. For example, Christmas is a chance to wrap gifts, decorate trees, and sing Christmas songs.
Every holiday is special, and our community celebrates most holidays, giving the residents opportunities for social events. Seasonal activities are also popular in our community.
We also plan day trips and outings routinely. These may include going out for lunch to a Mexican restaurant or going to the theater to see a play or movie.
Eating is something most people enjoy, and it also provides opportunities to socialize. Our community provides communal dining options for the residents, allowing them to spend time with others during meals.
There are also times when we plan events for the residents that involve food. For example, we may have a cooking class or demonstration they can attend. We may also have special themed meals or social hours.
Our meals provide the nutrition the residents need, encouraging them to eat healthy. However, we also like to host events like "Root Beer Float" night, which might not be the healthiest option, but it's fun.
Our community emphasizes wellness programs, which are also ideas for social engagement. Combining these two activities provides extra benefits. Therefore, we offer numerous wellness programs, including:
Stretching and exercising are great activities for seniors. They help them stay mobile and active and can help the residents reduce pain and stiffness.
Healthy senior living involves physical activity and social engagement. We use these events to help seniors learn good posture. They also help the residents keep moving and staying active.
Of course, involving the families is also essential and helpful for socialization. We offer family dinner events that allow the residents to invite their families to share a meal together.
We also offer other types of family events, including family game nights or performances. Residents can invite their families over at any time and use space in our community for these gatherings.
Moving to a senior living community promotes social engagement, something that is very critical for everyone. At Bell Oaks Place, encouraging our residents to stay social is a top priority.
We know that spending time with others and staying active are crucial for each resident's health and well-being. Happy, healthy seniors are our specialty!
Are you interested in learning more or touring our community? Bell Oaks Place is located in Newburgh, IN, and offers respite care and assisted living. We offer many amenities, quality care, and opportunities for the residents to socialize.
Reach out today to learn more or to schedule a tour.