Recently, an eighty-one-year-old nun rappelled a seventeen-story building for a fundraiser in Omaha, Nebraska. This “simple” act may have highlighted the physical prowess of Seniors or accentuated the adage “you are only as old as you feel.” Nevertheless, it was a good message for Seniors who wish to stay active and engaged to live longer, healthier lives.
You, the reader, may be thinking that there are plenty of crafts available at Senior Communities and Centers to remain busy. True… however, it is possible to have too much origami or an overflow of hand-painted bird feeders. New “challenges” and new conversations are sometimes more fun. Engagement in innovative activities stimulates involvement with peers. Let’s take a peek at recent offers for the Aging Population.
Physical Fitness Classes for Seniors
Jumping jacks are “out”; chair yoga is “in.” Chair yoga offers a safe and accessible way for Seniors to improve flexibility, strength, and balance while remaining seated. Thirty five percent of those over 70 experience mobility issues. Participants can use a chair for support, giggle, or moan with their cohorts during class.
Balance lessons are another option offered through Senior Centers and gyms. Support groups often tailor activities for their participants, e.g., boxing for Parkinson's patients. As age increases, the need for spandex disappears, and a desire for socialization with peer groups grows.
Show Your Strength Through Fun Hobbies
Organize a competition. Host a jigsaw puzzle club and award the fastest sorter, edge piecer, or puzzle completer. Compete with other teams. Throw in barriers (use tweezers, blindfolds, hot pad mittens). Start a culinary club. Assign each member a specific course, rotating each meeting. Allocate table setting themes, refreshments, or desserts - there’s always room for dessert. Have a picnic. Hold a weekly dance party, choosing various music genres. Learn different steps on each occasion and ask others to practice with you.
Senior Sports
Continuing to participate in your favorite sports is a great way to have fun with others while keeping active.
Golf inside on a golf simulator or practice your swing at a Topgolf. Grab a putter and see if a neighbor would like to try and have a hole-in-one at a miniature golf course. Play softball at your own pace with peers. Guaranteed, there will be lots of stories and laughter.
Most importantly… enjoy life. As Mae West said, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." She certainly did.
Bridge to Better Living excels in finding the right fit for each client. Professional Transition Consultants assist in finding you the right fit socially, physically, mentally, and financially. They even know where the pickleball courts are.