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The Importance of Recreational Programs in Senior Living

Image demonstrating the importance of senior recreational programs

Seniors who live an active lifestyle are more likely to continue with an active lifestyle long into their retirement. As we get older, our bodies slow down and take longer to recover. The importance of senior recreational programs becomes clear when you look at the happy and healthy faces of residents in a senior living community.

At Parkway Place, we support Texas seniors who want a fulfilling and exciting retirement. We have plenty of recreational activities for seniors, from arts and crafts and computer classes to book clubs, exercise programs, and other recreational programs. We have a full-time activities director who plans daily and weekly events that everyone will enjoy.

For more information about our senior recreational programs, call 281.305.1846 today to schedule a tour and consultation.

The Importance of Senior Recreational Programs

A recent report shows that 26.1% participate in moderate aerobic activity for 30 minutes a day, five days per week, or in vigorous activity for 20 minutes per day for three days per week.1 Staying active is very important for seniors who are at higher risk of poor health due to inactivity. Our bodies slow down as we age, taking longer to recover from simple scrapes and bruises.

Staying active as we get older keeps some of the age-related decline from worsening. Falls and bone breaks are more common, and those who are active will recover much faster than those who don’t. Plus, a sedentary lifestyle will lead to other medical conditions, which include:

  • Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancers
  • An increased risk of dementia
  • Decreased mobility as muscles and joints begin to stiffen
  • An increased risk of falls and fractures
  • Poor blood circulation
  • Inflammation

It’s recommended that senior adults get a minimum of moderate activity for five days a week for 30 minutes. You can sign up for an exercise program, take swimming classes, or start walking every day. Other senior activities include gardening, bingo, tai chi, and yoga.

The Benefits of Recreational Activities

There are many benefits to participating in senior recreational activities. It’s a great social activity when you do it with friends, and it will help with concentration and sleep. Some of the benefits of recreational activities for seniors include:

1. Physical Health

There are many health benefits of staying physically active as you get older. You will find you have more energy to do the things you want to do and can do them with fewer complications. Other health benefits include decreased dementia, better blood circulation, and less risk of illness, heart disease, and stroke.

2. Mental Health

Staying active for seniors is especially important for your mental health. It reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves sleeping patterns, improves your mood, and better mental focus.

3. Socialization

Having an active social life is very important for seniors. Joining an exercise program introduces you to new people and expands your social circle. Types of recreational programs for seniors include swimming, art classes, gardening, bingo, Tai chi, and yoga.

4. Improved Immune System

Seniors who stay active live longer, healthier lives and can enjoy their golden years doing the things they love. They are healthier, spend less time in hospitals, and have more time for socializing with their friends and family.

These recreational activities for seniors are just a few ways for seniors to stay active and healthy. Seniors who are active will enjoy doing the things they want and make the most out of their retirement.

Enjoy Your Retirement at Parkway Place With Our Senior Recreational Programs

Parkway Place is a full-service senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors to come and enjoy their retirement. Our independent and assisted living programs allow seniors to be as active as they want to be. Our activity director plans daily events within the community, from book clubs and arts and crafts to movie and dance nights and other activities you will enjoy.

To discover the importance of senior recreational programs in a senior living community, call 281.305.1846 or use our online contact form to schedule a tour of your new home.

Source:

1. National Library of Medicine