As we age, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle for many reasons, benefits include increased mobility, lowered risk of stroke and heart disease, elevated mood, enhanced ability to learn, and appreciation of self.

Communities should encompass activities pertaining to mind, body and spirit. Exercise is not just for the body and painting is not just for relaxation. Exercise can work the mind and painting can work the body with hand eye coordination. Singalongs have triggered Memory Care residents to sing when they no longer talk.

Activities will vary from community to community, but here’s a list of common activities:

• Chair yoga or pool yoga (for Independent Living residents)
• Painting classes
• Social hours
• Book clubs in Library
• Walking club
• Cooking classes

Know that a great community activities director will have a month’s worth of events preplanned.

It is easy to become more sedentary when aging, but consistently exercising and stimulation the brain can help boost overall health in the body and mind. Don’t forget to check out a community’s Facebook page to get a since of how active residents are.