For many people, the idea of a senior living community includes images of older adults sitting alone in their rooms or napping in a common area. These negative perceptions do not actually reflect the active lifestyle lived by most American seniors. According to a study by the University of Michigan, a growing number of older adults are embracing healthy living, staying physically active and remaining socially engaged.
When a senior and their family begin to consider transitioning to a senior living community, lifestyle, engagement and health are always top considerations. Simply because an older adult may need more daily assistance or support with the activities of daily living, it doesn’t mean they will want to stop practicing their hobbies or keeping up with life enrichment activities they love. Many senior living communities help accommodate these pursuits through their life enrichment programs.
So, how important is life enrichment for seniors? And what are the benefits of life enrichment programs?
What Does Life Enrichment Mean?
What does life enrichment mean? Life enrichment programs for seniors include plans and activities that support a senior’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. In addition to encouraging creativity and personal growth, life enrichment programs are designed to keep seniors active, healthy and engaged in their community.
While senior enrichment programs may seem like perks, they play a much more important role in senior living communities than just fun and games! Activities that suit a senior’s active lifestyle and programs that engage their minds add greatly to the quality of life for older adults. Here are a few ways life enrichment programs benefit seniors:
Keeping seniors active
An active lifestyle is a vital part of healthy aging. Remaining active into the golden years of life can help seniors to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, prolong independence and help to manage chronic medical conditions. Life enrichment programs that include physical activity can keep seniors moving. At Anthology of King of Prussia, seniors enjoy access to an indoor pool, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs.
Creating social connections
Strong personal relationships give people comfort and support at any age. Feeling connected to others can help seniors reduce stress and anxiety, while also lowering the risk of depression. For seniors who live alone or who have limited mobility, it can be challenging to stay socially active. Life enrichment programs in senior living communities often have a social focus, which helps seniors to make connections. At Anthology of Farmington Hills, residents enjoy daily social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as thoughtfully designed common areas, including a sun room.
Supporting cognitive health
Many senior enrichment programs include activities that promote cognitive health. Keeping the mind active supports memory and reasoning abilities, while giving seniors an overall sense of achievement. By participating in life enrichment programs, seniors can preserve and sometimes improve their brain health. At Anthology of Plano, residents have a community activity center with game rooms, a library and reading rooms to enjoy books, games and puzzles, all of which promote brain health.
Life Enrichment Activities for Seniors
Daily engagement through life enrichment activities for seniors helps to encourage bonds with loved ones, build new relationships and explore new hobbies. Anthology Senior Living designed our Elements of Life Enrichment program around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness. Anthology’s six dimensions of wellness include:
Physical Health
Social Health
Emotional Health
Intellectual Health
Spiritual Health
Environmental Health
This unique life enrichment program truly nurtures the full mind, body and spirit. From participating in a group fitness class to joining other residents for a card game or an off-site adventure, the Elements program keeps residents energized and encourages them to make the most of each and every day. Examples of life enrichment activities that are part of the Elements program include:
A calendar of daily social, cultural and recreational senior living activities for residents to choose from, such as art classes, happy hours, fitness classes, yoga, dance and walking clubs
Fitness, exercise and wellness programs designed to engage residents
Thoughtfully designed common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces for social gatherings
The Directors of the Elements Life Enrichment program at Anthology provide opportunities and activities to keep residents engaged, while also improving the balance and functional movement for a better life within the Anthology communities. Our diverse monthly calendars are full of senior living activities that reflect the spirit and aspirations of Anthology residents. At Anthology Senior Living, we also understand that effectively improving seniors’ everyday experiences means not just customizing their activities to meet their specific preferences and tastes, but also ensuring that their daily routine has some variety.
About Anthology Senior Living
All of Anthology Senior Living’s assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At Anthology of Boynton Beach, and all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping so residents can focus on fun and enjoyment.
There’s so much to do at Anthology Senior Living that you will wish you had moved in sooner! Every day, various organized activities are available to participate in. From art classes to happy hours to brain games and fitness classes, there’s something to indulge every taste. At Anthology Senior Living, your time is always your own. Choose as many or as few activities as you desire. View our calendars and see the wide variety that we have to offer.
Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations. Or contact us today to set up a tour!