The best senior living communities offer great food, housekeeping services, transportation, and more, so being there allows older adults to celebrate and enjoy their golden years. Joining a community like this also allows seniors to spend time with others in their age range and feel like they're part of something bigger. Senior living facilities should host event nights throughout the year to further strengthen those bonds.
These events are memorable, and they provide seniors with great opportunities to socially interact with their neighbors while also getting physical activity and stimulating their cognitive functions. Here are the various reasons to have event nights and fun ideas to try at your senior living community.
One of the best perks of joining a senior living community and participating in game nights is that seniors get a chance to talk with other people they might not otherwise get to see every day.
That's important because it's common for many seniors to feel isolated, especially when they live alone and don't have constant companionship. Plus, many people join a community center after a significant life change, like losing a spouse or selling their life-long home. Instead of sitting alone and dwelling on the past, talking with others about these experiences can help them cope and move forward.
Many fun event night ideas can encourage seniors to get together and experience essential social interaction that can strengthen bonds. One novel idea is to host a wine and food pairing event, which is a chance to enjoy high-quality wines and eat an incredible meal in the company of others.
Some food and wine options go together perfectly, like pinot grigio and seafood or roseĢ and cheese, and there's nothing like enjoying them while talking with friends. In addition to the food, a pairing event can be made even better with elegant table settings and by including an educational crash course to teach the guests about the wines and where they originated.
If wine is not the drink of choice at the community center, another option is to host a tea event. There are many different types of tea, so there will be something for everyone. In addition to being tasty, various teas provide health benefits, like a boost to the immune system and providing essential nutrients.
Many options, including green tea, are also good for the skin. The catechins in green tea can help fight the bacteria in your skin and ward off acne and other blemishes. The caffeine in green tea can also help shrink blood vessels, which can reduce dark circles under the eyes. In the end, hosting a green tea party is a win-win for everyone.
A key way to help seniors mix and mingle is to encourage physical activity. When people live alone, it's not always likely that they'll be getting out and about, and that's not good for their health.
However, when people live amongst each other, there's an improved chance that they'll invite each other to take walks and play games where they can talk and enjoy one another. Many senior communities host yoga classes and field trips, which are great opportunities for seniors to mingle and bond.
Many event night ideas can further enhance the chance for everyone to get to know each other and encourage exercise. A great go-to is to have a dance night. Host a senior prom where music from various generations is played with a mix of fast and slow songs. Serve finger foods and small sandwiches, and make it a night to remember. Encourage attendees to socialize by appointing members to be greeters who introduce people to each other and bring up topics as conversation starters.
Other evening activities can encourage fun and conversation. If the center is near a forest, consider an event where the seniors go bird watching and talk about what they see. Also, consider fun, physical games, like playing horseshoes or taking a few strokes on a putting green.
It’s also vital that community management continues to encourage seniors to engage in activities that will keep their cognitive functions intact. Seniors need to find ways to use their brains every day, and adding a variety of fun event nights can help while encouraging communication with other members.
There are countless craft ideas to consider. Get everyone together to make wind chimes, sew throw pillows, or build birdhouses. Seniors can even join up and compete with other teams to build the best crafts. Practicing teamwork is one of many ways to improve cognitive abilities. When Card Making Day comes around every October, invite everyone to make their own holiday or birthday cards they can later give one another as an additional opportunity to connect.
Another excellent idea that will encourage everyone at the gathering to engage is to host a trivia event night. Come up with fun topics that people in that age range will understand and give awards at the end of the evening. This type of event is fun and could provide seniors with something to look forward to if it occurs regularly.
Event nights are essential in senior living communities for many reasons. In addition to providing participants with the opportunity to engage in physical and mental activities, they're also key to strengthening bonds and encouraging friendships. Community leaders who try the ideas discussed here may see renewed positive energy throughout their facilities.
Sam Bowman writes about people, aging, wellness, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
