10 Activities for Seniors to Stay Active This Summer at V!VA Barrhaven
Published on June 17, 2022
As busy working adults, we seldom have time to enjoy the many activities summer has to offer. But for those who are retired and who spend most of their time at home, the world is your oyster!
To stimulate seniors’ minds and bodies, and help them to stay active, we have compiled a list of activities designed to promote physical and mental experiences.
Why Is Staying Active Essential for Seniors?
For seniors living in Barrhaven, Ottawa, it is essential to have access to programs to stay active both mentally and physically. Without activity and stimulation, seniors are at risk of cognitive and physical decline, as well as developing diseases. These can include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, low immunity, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, premature death.
Numerous studies have been conducted to emphasize the direct correlation between loneliness and debilitating health issues in seniors. Loneliness and isolation can be prevalent in seniors who have recently become retired, widowed, lost mobility, lack available transportation, or have seen a decline in health.
As a counterpoint, studies have also shown that those who participate in daily events such as social groups, physical activities, and hobbies are upbeat and live longer healthier lives.
Interesting Activities to Help Seniors Stay Active
Write Down Your Memories
For those days you are left alone in your thoughts, consider writing your memoir. Everyone has something to say about the big and little life moments! If you find it difficult to put pen to paper, use photos and magazine pictures to create a scrapbook or a voice recorder to tell stories.
Childhood memories may hold precious information for your children and grandchildren. If you are not quite ready to share, writing about your life can be a good stress reliever for you!
Adopt a Pet
In retirement living communities where pets are allowed, adopting a pet from your local animal shelter can fill your days with unconditional love. The physical and mental responsibilities of having a pet can be rewarding tenfold by being active and never feeling alone again.
Mobile seniors will have a motivation to participate in walking with a dog while those with mobility challenges can adopt an indoor pet. Choose from a cat, a bird, a hamster, or a fish!
Get Creative with a New Hobby
Have there been times in your life when you wanted to take up a hobby but didn’t have the time to follow through? Perhaps now is the time to expand your horizons by investing your time into building models, painting, or doing wood sculptures.
Get the most out of your new hobby by sharing your passion with others. Join or create a group!
Learn to Play a New Instrument
Many retirement residences in Barrhaven might have a music room or have musical instruments to lend out to the residents. Now is the perfect chance to learn a new one or to pick up an instrument for the very first time.
Share the joy of music with new friends by forming a music class or better yet, a band!
Try Bird Watching
If you are an avid nature lover, grab a set of binoculars and go bird watching. See how many different species you can find in your neighbourhood.
Chances are there are others that have a soft spot for our feathered friends. Form a birdwatching club if one isn’t available in your area.
Garden and Watch Your Plants Grow
There is a saying of “to nurture a garden is to feed not only the body, but the soul”. Gardening is one of the fastest growing pastimes for seniors and, because of the mental and physical benefits, it’s not hard to see why.
It is a wonderful chance to meet other gardeners through community clubs and gardening stores. The V!VA Barrhaven Victory Garden has some fun opportunities for residents to grow their own produce!
Play Mentally Stimulating Indoor Games
Another fun and unique activity for seniors is engaging in indoor games. Whether the weather or your health sees you spending more time inside, engage your mind in a jigsaw puzzle, a friendly game of cards, or board game.
Games found in books, boxes, or online are a welcome alternative to television. Try your hand at new games, perhaps digital handheld games, online quizzes, or take part in V!VA Barrhaven’s Brain Gym!
Learn a New Language
It’s never too late to learn something new like another language! Perhaps you have always wanted to speak the same language as your new bilingual friend or practice the language of the next location you plan to travel to.
The wonderful thing about learning a new language is the opportunities it holds to learn about the culture as well.
Try Some Music Therapy
Music therapy is a separate activity than learning how to play a musical instrument. While both activities stimulate the brain, music therapy is used as a cognitive tool.
Check with your local senior community centre or the director of activities at your retirement residence about musical therapy. There may be retired professional musicians living next door!
Explore the Online World
The internet can become a resource when the loneliness and isolation feelings set in. Catch up on developments in your former profession, reconnect with friends and family, or spend time learning about your favourite country.
You may even find a free tutorial on how to correct your golf swing or how to beat your grandchild at their favourite video game next time they visit.
About V!VA Barrhaven’s Retirement Residence
V!VA Retirement Communities makes senior living in Barrhaven, Ottawa, fun and simple! Our accessible stunning suites hold the features you desire and need to live each day. Located near local shops and parks, V!VA Barrhaven provides the amenities to enjoy life to the fullest in a safe environment.
Choose from the following care options depending on your needs: independent living, assisted living, or respite care. We invite you to come explore our community and experience the V!VA difference firsthand!
