No matter how much people think they’re ready for retirement, many are shocked by all the spare time they suddenly have on their hands. After all, you may have gone from working 40+ hours a week to being completely and totally off work. Along with the loss of employment, however, some people feel a loss of their sense of purpose, as well. You may find yourself feeling lonely or adrift in retirement if you don’t find enough things to do.
For your loved one, this can be particularly the case if they are staying in an assisted living community. The fact that they require help with daily activities they used to do on their own is already a massive life change. But without a job to go to or a house/yard to take care of, they may be looking for something to do. Fortunately, today’s assisted living communities offer an abundance of activities and programs.
Here, we are going to look at some of the best activities in assisted living (and retirement in general) to help keep retirement age individuals physically active and mentally sharp.
Genealogy
More and more people today are becoming curious about their genealogy. Do a bit of research and put together a family tree. You might even decide to send in a sample to a company to check your DNA/lineage (i.e., ancestry.com, 23andMe, etc.).
Drawing and Painting
Painting and drawing by yourself can be very therapeutic. Doing so with others can be fun and enjoyable. Frame your works and display them in your home, gift them to others, or, if you’re really good at it, consider selling them or displaying them in a local gallery.
Taking Up a Musical Instrument or Singing
If you used to play a musical instrument but haven’t picked it up lately, now is the time. Or learn to play a new instrument. Not very good at a musical instrument but you love to sing? Singing with others brings joy and can help keep your mind sharp by making you remember all the lyrics. Put together a little choir or barbershop quartet.
Maybe it’s time to get the old garage band back together!
Writing
You don’t have to be good at writing to write. You can just write for yourself by keeping a journal and entering things on a daily or semi-regular basis. Jot down memories, things you did today, people you talked to, etc.
Learn a Foreign Language
Consider learning a foreign language. Choose one from a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Spanish is reportedly one of the easiest, though your choices are virtually unlimited. Foreign language classes are available online for just about every language under the sun.
Birdwatching or Gardening
Getting outside and gardening or birdwatching helps keep your mind sharp, your motor skills fine-tuned and gives you the opportunity to breathe in some fresh air. Buy a book and some binoculars if you’re going to go birdwatching. If gardening is something you’d rather do, but you don’t have the outside space, consider container gardening in your home.
Photography
With today’s smartphones, the option to take up photography is at your fingertips 24 hours a day. Some phones take better quality pictures than others, so if this is a concern, keep it in mind when you purchase your next phone. Or just buy a simple camera.
Walking
Walking around indoors in inclement weather will suffice. But when you can get outside and breathe in the fresh air during a walk, all the better. Grab a friend or two and go walking for increased enjoyment and safety.
Book Clubs or Other Clubs
There is a club for almost any topic or activity. Books, movies, music, crafting, quilting, fishing, chess… You name it. Find a club that offers your passion and you will be able to share that passion with others.
The Park Oak Grove Provides the Best Activities in an Assisted Living Atmosphere
Even though your aging loved one will be in the assisted living program at The Park Oak Grove, they will still enjoy numerous opportunities for socialization, lots of activities to keep them both physically and mentally sharp, three chef-prepared meals a day served in a fine dining atmosphere, and much more. Courtesy of our Celebrations Activities and Events program, your loved one will participate in arts and crafts, baking clubs, bingo nights, regularly scheduled trips, and so much more. Check out our activities calendar to see what we’re currently featuring.
For sales and leasing inquiries, please contact us at 540-348-2669. Any other questions can be asked of a representative by calling 540-989-9501. You can also use our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.
Best of all, you can set up a tour and bring your loved one with you so that, together, you can see all we have to offer.
