Pickleball is just the beginning.
Gone are the times when active adult communities were all about bingo, board games and, on the nights when things get crazy, ballroom dancing. These days, the senior living industry recognizes that we never age out of our sense of adventure. In fact, trying new things is one of the best ways to slow cognitive decline. Pickleball has gotten all the attention, but there are a ton of options that can keep the slow fade at bay. Here are a few examples.
Pickleball
This tennis/ping pong/badminton mash-up seems to have taken over the world. In 2022, over 36 million people played the sport. And in a reversal of how trends usually spread, pickleball’s massive popularity started at retirement communities. It’s easy to understand why – barriers to entry are low, and the workout itself is effective without being high-impact. Now that the kids have caught on, it’s also a great multi-generational activity.
Karaoke
We often think of karaoke as the thing 20-somethings end up doing at the end of a long night on the town. But karaoke’s real mic drop moment comes from how it combines two of the things we know have a positive impact on health: socializing and singing, making it a sure-fire hit at active adult communities.
Virtual reality video games
Video games get a bad rap, conjuring up images of couch potato teenagers who have no contact with the outside world. But video games have real benefits for people of all ages: they’ve been shown to improve coordination, boost mood and even enhance learning. For seniors, video games – especially virtual reality – can encourage exercise, battle social isolation, and introduce a wealth of new experiences.
Wine tasting
They say fine wines get better with age – and wine appreciation does, too. Bring in a sommelier to set up tasting stations or even offer an expertly curated pairing dinner. In addition to the social aspects of wine tastings, there is some evidence that drinking red wine can have some health benefits for seniors, but moderation is crucial: too much and you not only lose any benefits but you can also do a great deal of damage to your health.
Writing workshops
Writing is usually a solitary, insular activity, but when you bring writers together to share their work, you increase the benefits exponentially. Studies show that writing can help seniors sleep better, fight stress and more; when practiced in a workshop setting, you also get the perks of social interaction, exposure to new perspectives and the opportunity to improve your work.
The first step in enjoying any of these activities is to discover the active adult community that is right for you. With luxurious amenities, a dynamic roster of activities and the convenience of maintenance-free living, Aspens Senior Living knows that experiencing new things never gets old. Discover life at The Aspens.