Creative Pursuits for Seniors in Assisted Living

Art, Music, & Hobbies in Assisted Living

Today’s assisted living offers more creative pursuits for seniors than ever before. From concerts, to learning to paint, to trips to the theater, to ice cream socials and more, residents are finding connection and joy in newfound ways.

At The Herrick House, we are big believers in providing interesting creative pursuits for seniors because we know how important social connection is for older adults. It’s not just about having fun or making a new friend. It can provide meaning and purpose, which can boost a sense of self-worth and help with finding fulfillment.

Spending quality time with peers also creates opportunities for an older adult to share feelings of sadness or loss that come with aging, which helps lower stress. Friends who have shared your experiences help you stay focused on what matters most to you.

Creative Pursuits for Seniors Offer Other Important Benefits

• Physical. Activities can provide an opportunity for physical movement, so important for seniors who may otherwise be still most of the day. Staying physically active helps prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and more.
• Mental. Whether it’s learning about a new culture, playing a card game, or competing in trivia, activities can work the brain and help maintain and improve cognitive abilities, including memory.
• Emotional. Just having fun is good for you. Cortisol (the stress hormone) levels drop when you’re doing something you enjoy and serotonin (the happiness hormone) increases. Laughing with others also provides a sense of engagement and community and helps prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation.

How Assisted Living Makes it Easier for Seniors To Connect

Everything about assisted living is designed to bring residents, their families and friends, and staff together for connection, engagement and support. Just being part of a caring community can lift the spirits of an older adult who might otherwise be living alone in an empty house. Instead, living with others who share the same goals provides endless opportunities to make friends, dine with a companion, share interests and talents, and discover hidden talents.

And then there’s the wide array of activities available to residents and families. Having something to look forward to each day can make a huge difference in the health and wellbeing of an older adult. At The Herrick House, we are committed to providing creative pursuits for seniors that engage, entertain, and educate—and bring newfound joy to our residents’ lives.

Much To Do at The Herrick House

You notice it right away from the moment you first walk into our lobby at The Herrick House: an upbeat energy with residents milling about and checking out the day’s calendar of activities. Our Director of Resident Life and Recreation Program Assistants use their creativity and expertise to present a full schedule of activities that include daily, weekly and monthly social, spiritual, cultural and educational programs.

Our version of creative pursuits for seniors goes a little further. For example, we don’t just say we have arts and crafts. We have art classes with professionals who guide residents in learning how to paint. Our residents also regularly visit museums and galleries on scheduled trips.

We know many of our residents are fans of theater, so we make sure to offer special trips to plays and theatrical productions. Talented musicians from the Beverly area regularly perform in our community.

Here’s just a sample of what our residents can enjoy:

We also recognize that sometimes a resident might prefer “passive participation”—just observing others can bring huge benefits of socialization and connection. For example, instead of competing in the trivia challenge, maybe just being in the room and enjoying a fun atmosphere. It’s all so easy to do in assisted living.

We’d love to tell you more about all the creative pursuits for seniors we offer at The Herrick House!

The lifestyle you want and so much more. Download your free copy of Just The Facts: A Guide to Assisted Living. Contact us to learn more about The Herrick House or to schedule your tour.