Picture this. You’re retired, living in a beautiful independent living facility. No more yard work calling your name. Instead, you participate in the activities you choose.
To help seniors thrive, today’s best independent living programs offer diverse cultural opportunities through excursions and onsite activities.
You can take yoga classes. You can attend museums, concerts and food festivals. You can dance, play musical instruments or paint pictures. If interested, you can attend lectures about travel, history, religion or other topics.
“People who engage in cultural and social activities as they grow older reap the benefits — physically, mentally and emotionally,” says Nathan Yowell, Executive Director of Warwick Forest. “They often experience better memory and cognitive function, a better quality of life and a greater sense of overall well-being.”
Read on to learn why cultural and social activities are so important. And discover where to find them in senior living communities — or wherever you call home.
Healthy mental function
When you attend a cultural event or try something new, you’re giving your brain a workout. This concept is called lifelong learning. An AARP study found that 55% of Americans, age 45 and older, seek personal growth and activity by learning new things — everything from how to play the piano to the science of breadmaking to the latest technology breakthrough. “Mental stimulation helps you maintain your ability to think, reason and remember,” says Yowell.
Emotional well-being and social connections
Did you know visiting an art or history museum can increase your psychological and emotional well-being? According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, a museum visit lowers stress and blood pressure and increases your self-satisfaction. Attending the theater has similar benefits.
When you actively participate in the arts, you get an emotional boost, too. The National Institute on Aging featured research about people who started singing together in a choir. These people enjoyed social interaction and experienced an increased sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Other studies found:
- Older adults who paint or make pottery have lower anxiety and better mood.
- Seniors who engage in theater or story-telling may experience less loneliness and increased confidence.
Increased physical activity
When you stroll through an art gallery, sway to the music at a concert, take dance lessons or tour a park, you’re moving your body. This physical activity helps you maintain your balance, endurance and independence.
Personal enrichment and growth
Cultural events and attractions provide opportunities for personal growth. You learn to understand other individuals, appreciate your own life and celebrate diversity.
Where to find local culture, attractions and social opportunities
To explore what’s happening in your area, check local event calendars at these places:
- Museums and art galleries
- Theater halls
- Concert and festival venues
- Historical landmarks
- Parks and recreation spots
- Churches
- Fitness centers
- Libraries
- Community centers
Also, many senior living facilities offer event calendars that include field trips to cultural destinations.
How to enjoy cultural activities without leaving your home
Check out AARP’s schedule of virtual events. Here, you’ll find everything from tai chi to history lectures to cooking classes and art museum tours.
Riverside offers personalized options to improve your health and well-being
To learn about our many senior living opportunities, visit us at Riverside Lifelong Health.
