The Importance of Socially-Engaging Activities in Assisted Living Communities

August 8, 2023 | CC Young General

When Maura, a recent widow with a passion for gardening and historical novels, first moved into the CC Young Senior Living community, she was apprehensive. The lively, new environment seemed a bit overwhelming for her quiet personality, and she was worried about becoming a burden to her oldest daughter due to a few of her mobility issues. As Janet, our 23-year Life Enrichment Specialist veteran observed Maura’s hesitance to become involved, she spent time visiting with her, learning her history, interests and hobbies, concerns, and questions about moving to her new home. To gently bring Maura into the community, Janet introduced her to an historical book club and gardening group, both of which accommodated residents with mobility limitations. She also arranged for other residents who once experienced similar concerns to accompany Maura to these events.

Despite a challenging start, Maura gradually warmed up to the vibrant community at CC Young. The book club stimulated her intellectual curiosity, and the gardening group allowed her to nurture her passion for nature. Maura’s latent talent for sketching, discovered by Janet, even led to her initiating an informal sketching class for interested residents. With the support of the CC Young team and its welcoming community, Maura transformed her unchartered living situation into an enriching journey, finding purpose, camaraderie, and a deep sense of belonging.

This story is just one example of the importance of socialization for seniors. Continue reading to explore the benefits of engaging in activities in assisted living communities.

Four Benefits of Social Interaction for Seniors

Improved Emotional Health

Forming meaningful connections and relationships can create healthier emotional well-being and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Improved Social Health

Being social can help reduce feelings of loneliness and increase the sense of having a community, leading to greater life satisfaction.

Improved Cognitive Function

Activities that challenge or stimulate minds have been shown to delay the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Improved Physical Health

Socially-engaging activities such as balloon volleyball, chair Pilates, and knitting groups, encourage seniors to be more active. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, balance, coordination, and improves flexibility, all contributing to improving a person’s overall health.

Types of Activities in Assisted Living Communities

At CC Young’s assisted living community, you can find a myriad of activities that help senior adults achieve holistic wellness, create friendships, and maintain a sense of ownership and independence. We have a full monthly calendar of events, thoughtfully planned with resident input. For example, we offer tai chi, cooking, and fitness classes. Whatever your needs or interests, we likely have a class or group for you. If not, we can always start one.

How We Create Our Activities

• Interview every resident to determine their interests.
• Form small groups based on resident input. For example, we hold monthly calendar planning meetings for residents to tell us where they want to go, what they want to see, and who they want to hear.
• Ask if the resident has ideas for new interest groups. We have started different activities, such as knitting groups, art classes, and travel lectures.

Creating a Sense of Community

Encouraging residents to become involved in the community as much as they are able and want creates lasting relationships with others in their new home. Furthermore, it gives them the opportunity to choose what they want to do and when – on their time.

Engaging with the Greater Dallas Community

At CC Young, senior adults are encouraged to get involved in the broader community and take advantage of all Dallas offers. We take regular off-campus trips to local restaurants, theaters, and museums of their choice.

The robust and active volunteer program at CC Young has attracted several local service groups, corporations, and schools to come to CC Young to host parties, play games, entertain, and socialize with our residents. For instance, Texas Winds Musical Outreach offers professional musical performances and For Love and Art provides enriching art lectures. 

Throughout the year, we host several events for residents and the Dallas community at large, such as the annual Spirit is Ageless Art and Writing Contest, Veterans Week and Spouses Tea, Grandparents Day, and Spring Fling featuring live music, to name a few. These are excellent opportunities for family and friends of seniors to meet other residents and staff and experience life at CC Young. 

Addressing Obstacles for Activities in Assisted Living Communities

Despite the clear advantages seniors can reap from being a part of social groups, some may initially experience fear and anxiety in becoming involved. It is even common for seniors to be resistant or angry at the thought of leaving the comfort and security of their home environment. They may have growing concerns about their mobility or communication skills, or wonder if they can still take part without being a burden.

How CC Young Helps Seniors Overcome Barriers

• There is something for everyone here. For example, twice a month we host Happy Hours, complete with vibrant entertainment. Residents are encouraged to participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable.
• We visit with new residents to better understand their past lifestyles and interests and introduce them to the host of activities that are available to them.
• In the spirit of creating lasting connections, we encourage seniors to share their skills with others. For example, one of our residents is the author of a book about Lebanese cooking. With our support and encouragement, she started a cooking class for residents.

Discover More About the Unlimited Potential Found in Activities at Assisted Living Communities at CC Young

As a premier senior living community in Dallas, CC Young offers invigorating and engaging activities for residents in assisted living. Senior adults can create life-enriching experiences and relationships that further enhance their holistic wellbeing – body, mind, and spirit. Our customizable activities are designed to meet the preferences of every senior in assisted living to enhance the quality of life for all we serve.

Interested in learning even more about the variety of activities for seniors in the  assisted living community at CC Young Senior Living in Dallas, Texas? Contact CC Young via a form or at 214-258-4000 for more information.

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