
I spent my early career coordinating activities for two separate senior living communities. Each company has a different name for their activities programs and their marketing team will try to tell you that their program is better and different from the building down the street, but they all serve a similar purpose to provide entertainment and spark joy for their residents. Programming is one of the best draws to a senior living community because nobody wants to move in where nothing is going on.
An unspoken opinion is that senior living management companies tend to not spend a great deal on the highly qualified and extremely patient activities professionals that serve the resident population on a daily basis. The salaries are low in comparison to other building directors and though the job requires a great deal of patience, organizational skills and creativity, they may not be fairly compensated for their hard work. Some communities don't have large activities budgets to provide the entertainment, games and crafts either and often rely on volunteers and residents to help run their own activities.

While many adult children are drawn to location, apartment size and care when they are seeking senior living options, they may overlook a building's activities program upon initially inquiry. It's something important to keep in mind when weighing options. Serving a purpose and having something to do can help a senior citizen live longer and experience overall wellness. It also helps them to make new friends and acclimate to their new living situation more smoothly.
Many seniors who chose to stay in their own homes are isolated, lonely and don't feel relevant anymore as they lose the ability to do the things they once loved to do. It often happens slowly, but the decline is noticed by loved ones, which may be a catalyst for a change.
Even in retirement, if a senior has active things to do, places to go, people to see, they tend to have a sense of purpose and experience a more well rounded life. As their friends pass away, they experience physical and cognitive decline and they stop seeking social, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental stimulation, they may become depressed and lonely.
If you are seeking a change for your parent or aging loved one, take notice of their recreational activities and note any changes that have happened as they begin to lose independence. Was your mother once an active member of her church but she rarely goes now because she's taking care of your father who is physically unable to go? Was your aunt going to the senior center three times a week for bingo but has since given that up since she can no longer drive?
Make A List:
When you are seeking a senior living option for yourself or your loved one, make a list of enjoyed recreational activities. With some of the older generations, they don't really have any hobbies that they can think of or they no longer do anything worth noting because they spend most of their time sitting in front of the television.
Your list can consist of anything they like to do from reading and watching movies to hiking and playing pickleball. Once you have the list, make note of the things that they may no longer be able to do because of physical or mental decline. Keep these things on the list though. This list is a snapshot of your loved one's personality and can help you find a good fit where they will thrive and make friends.
Then number your list from most important to least. Some of the things they can no longer do might be further down the list. The more doable items can stay at the top. This will help you hone in on what they really enjoy.

Don't downplay religion:
Make sure you understand your loved one's involvement with attending religious services. If this is an important part of their previous life, ensure that you find a place that has the desired services or is at least in proximity for you to get them for their desired services. Keep in mind that many seniors are isolated at home and the only interaction they have with people during the week is when they attend their religious service. Many senior living communities in the five counties surrounding Philadelphia offer an array of services from a Catholic Mass to Protestant and Jewish services. This might be the icing on the cake, knowing they are safer and taken care of and that they will have spiritual services.
Encourage involvement:
If you are an adult child trying to help your aging parent acclimate to a new housing environment, it's important to note that your involvement and encouragement can make all the difference if they aren't adjusting well.
One of my favorite events that I hosted as an activities coordinator was a "Pictures with Santa Grandchildren's Day." We ordered gingerbread houses to decorate, had a sleigh with our CEO dressed up as Santa, elves and classic children's Christmas movies playing on a loop in the theater. Of course there were plenty of snacks and hot chocolate. The residents loved this event and of course, our families were thrilled to have a free day of activities for their children to attend. Seeing the residents interact with their grandchildren and even some who didn't have grandchildren came out because their families wanted them to attend.
In my marketing days, hosting a monthly family Bingo night was a highlight. Our chef, activities director and I would come up with a theme each month. Families would come far and wide to attend. Free dinner, free wine and beer and signature drink, and a chance to win at Bingo with their parents and grandparents. I loved hosting this event because it inevitably would get residents who didn't often attend other activities. Sometimes they would even make some new friends.
Activities and programming might not be the top priority when having the conversation with a loved one about a move, but it should be! It can be a scary prospect to downsize a long life of treasures and memories into a small apartment. Having programming to fall back on can take their mind off their troubles.

Senior centers can help:
For the seniors who aren't quite ready to leave home but are definitely isolated, a senior center or even a local YMCA senior programming can be a great tool for helping them maintain the independence they desire. Most senior centers are county run or they are a not-for-profit. Many senior centers offer a meal plan for a very affordable price, which can include breakfast and lunch.
Just having the option to eat with other people once or twice a week might be a highlight for a person who feels isolated and alone at home. Some senior centers will offer transportation to and from the center and may have other transportation options available.
If you feel that your loved one is isolated at home and would benefit from making some new friends, I highly recommend checking out what is available in your area.

Adult day programs:
Adult day programs can offer an array of activities, meals, healthcare services and can assist in the difficult job of caregiving for a love one with dementia or other special needs. Adult day programs are a great way to help a loved one suffering from dementia to have a safe situation which provides stimulation without having to move into a costly memory care community.
Purpose is key:
At the end of the day, we all need a purpose. Having a purpose to get out of bed and face the day is important at all stages of life, but is especially crucial at the later stages. Utilizing senior living activities, senior centers or adult day centers may offer you or your loved one the purpose you never knew you had.
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