Senior Wellness

Community Connections

By Erica Rascón on Oct 22, 2019 in Senior Living

Socialization is a significant part of senior wellness. By getting the members of the neighborhood involved in activities at your community, you’re offering healthful, value-add services for your seniors that truly make a difference!

Below are a few suggestions on how you can improve social opportunities with community support.

1. Animal shelter collaborations are a fun way to expose seniors to the joys of pets without the daily responsibilities of pet ownership. Seniors are able to play with and cuddle their new furry friends, reaping the health benefits of pet interactions.
2. Girl and Boy Scouts projects offer seniors the opportunity to teach and learn from local youth. Contact your local chapters regarding projects such as building raised garden beds, installing rainwater recycling systems, or beautification projects. When seniors have experience in these areas, they are able to feel helpful and knowledgeable. When the experiences are new, senior learners stimulate their brains and feel the invigoration of developing new skills.
3. Student-led tech classes equip seniors with the basic skills needed to stay in touch with the world beyond their senior community. Navigating Zoom and Facetime, for example, allow seniors to stay in touch with loved ones. Computer skills classes make it easier for seniors to take charge of their care curriculum. For today’s students, these skills are second hand and a fun way to get the community service hours they may need for school.
4. Trips to a local ranch for equine therapy come with several advantages: a scenic trip to rural area, the benefits of equine therapy, and the pleasure of artwork and animal interaction. Don’t worry—equine therapy does not mean your seniors must mount the horses! Ask camp leaders if it’s appropriate for seniors to interact with current class members.
5. Serving as a dance recital practice audience is a fun way for seniors to enjoy live entertainment while supporting local children’s art initiatives. All recitals have dress rehearsals and these can be a good way for students to practice in front of an audience.
6. Competitive activities with a nearby senior center or community gives seniors a way to interact with their peers. Some competitions can be physical, such as a walkathon. Others may benefit less mobile participants, like which team can recycle the most.
7. Volunteering within the community helps seniors feel purposeful while providing great social interactions. Contact the local theater and inquire if seniors may volunteer as greeters. Local race organization are often seeking volunteers to cheer and pass out beverages to runners, an opportunity that lets seniors motivate and encourage others.

While you may find several community participants with a simple request, incentives may also prove beneficial. Many high school and college students are seeking community service hours for their extracurricular clubs. Offer to sign off on these hours in exchange for their participation.