By Kelsey Daniell, CTRS, CAATP
Enrichment can be applied to many aspects of life, like cooking, the environment, education and professional fields. The most important thing, though, is making sure to enrich our lives. Many times, we partake in life enrichment activities without even knowing, like when we pick up a book and read it, go for a walk or take a phone call.
Life enrichment is crucial to support a senior’s social, physical, cognitive and emotional well-being – that’s why it’s such a large part of the senior living experience. Around the world, senior living communities put countless hours into their life enrichment programs to encourage socialization and participation among residents. The Preserve in Fort Myers is no exception; with its robust calendar of events, The Preserve encourages all residents to participate in fulfilling activities each day.
Benefits of an enriching lifestyle
As our loved ones get older, it’s important to understand the significance of life enrichment. Regular physical activity helps seniors maintain mobility, balance and strength, and reduces the risk of falls and chronic diseases, like heart disease and arthritis. Activities that stimulate the mind, like puzzles, can prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia and depression.
Participating in social activities helps combat loneliness and isolation. The University of Michigan reports that 34% of adults aged 50 to 80 felt isolated from others last year. Engaging in meaningful activities can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which is vital for maintaining a positive outlook on life. Staying active helps seniors maintain independence by preserving their ability to perform daily tasks.
At The Preserve, residents can engage in activities independently, in a group or one-on-one with a life enrichment team member. We provide one-on-one activity visits on a case-by-case basis, like when a resident cannot physically join group programs. Group activities include special events, parties, exercise programs, arts and crafts, live music, community outings, religious programs, pet therapy and resident led activities.
Try this at home
Enrichment activities don’t just exist within the four walls of a senior living community. Seniors living at home can engage in a variety of activities, many of which they already do. Taking walks outdoors, gardening, reading, learning a new skill, playing games, calling family, attending religious or spiritual gatherings, and even watching a movie or meditating are some ways seniors can participate independently.
How often one should participate in activities can vary based on individual health, interests and abilities. Seniors should be engaging in leisure activities daily, in physical activities for at least two hours weekly and in mentally stimulating activities daily for at least 30 minutes. They should aim for social interactions several times a week, whether through phone calls, video chats or in-person visits. Clubs or community groups also provide social engagement. Participate in creative activities like crafting, painting, or writing at least a few times a week, depending on interest and energy levels. Daily relaxation activities, like listening to music or enjoying hobbies, can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
The key is to maintain a regular routine that includes a variety of activities, ensuring a balanced approach to physical, mental and social wellbeing. Adjustments should be made based on individual preferences, energy levels and any medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional can also help tailor activity plans to individual needs.
Careful consideration
When choosing new activities to engage our residents in, I look to our Resident Council, a group of residents who are responsible for representing The Preserve. We meet once a month and discuss suggestions for activities. There are fan-favorite activities that I consistently keep on our activity calendar, but the council is very open to trying different things.
I’ve witnessed countless seniors display positive change thanks to life enrichment activities. Our team prides ourselves on proving to residents how fun activities can be. We rely heavily on feedback, so we check with residents after activities to ensure that everyone had fun and to get suggestions on how to improve our activities. This way, our residents understand how important their opinions are.
For seniors in a community, the encouragement of family members can go a long way. Family members can encourage participation by attending activities with their loved ones. Many residents feel significantly more confident attending programs if they have a loved one with them. It helps to break the ice. After one or two visits, they begin to feel more comfortable and continue to attend on their own.
It’s life changing when we’re able to get through to seniors, but recognizing old routines and habits is important. Not all seniors are the same. Someone that has kept to themselves their whole life may prefer to keep to themselves later in life. Recognizing that participation is their choice and respecting that boundary goes a long way.
About the Author
Kelsey Daniell, CTRS, CAATP is the life enrichment director at The Preserve, a senior living community in Fort Myers.