A new year calls for new activities to add to your weekly routine! Did you know introducing yourself or your loved one to a new activity can boost both physical and mental health? It’s a great time to explore taking up a new interest, whether a class, club or hobby.

When adding new activities to your schedule, it’s important to focus on establishing more in-person connections for added benefits. It’s crucial to make an effort to spend time with others because too much alone time may make you feel isolated and disconnected.

Switching up your routine and adding in something exciting with a group of friends can lead to many benefits that add a positive spin on your life, including:

• Reduced irritability and sadness
• Maintained motor skills
• A sense of self-reliance and ownership
• A sense of accomplishment
• Boosted emotional intimacy and self-expression

Check out this list of 7 stimulating senior activities to help boost your mood!

All three Sun Health Community locations offer a wide selection of luxurious amenities and services, including activities that support growth and connection. Our social and active environment helps enrich individuals’ lives and boost overall morale. Take part in endless recreational activities. Use one of our multipurpose rooms to start a book club or art project, use the game room and play a round of ping pong, or even form a walking group with your friends and explore the beautiful outdoor scenery.

Group Exercise Classes

Sun Health Communities offer a variety of senior fitness opportunities, including fitness centers and motion studios, yoga classes, and more! Which class you decide to take part in is up to you!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Regular physical activity is vital for healthy aging because it helps delay, prevent, or manage many costly, chronic diseases.” The CDC recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

Book Club 

If you love picking up a great book, join one of Sun Health’s many book clubs. Gather with a group of friends and discuss your thoughts over a cup of coffee or tea. Reading gives your brain a workout, encouraging new connections, strengthening focus and concentration, and reducing stress. A book club taps into critical thinking and communication skills and establishing a shared sense of community.

Grandview Terrace, La Loma Village, and The Colonnade all offer libraries to relax, read a book, or start a book club with friends.

Art Classes 

Tap into your artistic side! Many adults value having the time and space to express their creativity. This is a fantastic way to establish relationships in a group setting and explore artistic expression. Art encourages taking chances, learning from feedback, and being receptive to new ideas.

All three Sun Health Communities offer art studios for you and your friends to have the opportunity to take part in creating an art project through various medias.

Start an Educational Group 

Never stop learning by participating in educational continuous lectures or workshops. Many local organizations offer free in-person and virtual classes with topics that can meet any of your interests. Classes are a great way to keep your mind engaged and learning! At any Sun Health community, you are able to use a Sun Health computer room to watch an educational webinar or gather a group to discuss the latest news or research breakthroughs.

Woodworking Group 

Many creative outlets that take focus and hand coordination helps strengthen motor skills. Members at Grandview Terrace can socialize and grow their creativity by crafting large and small masterpieces in the community’s workshop.

Cooking 

As they say, cooking is good for the soul! Activities such as meal planning, preparation, cooking, and baking are great ways to learn a new hobby and explore new cuisines.  Many find cooking to be a therapeutic activity that can lower stress and boost your mind. Start with easy recipes and allow yourself to take your skills to an advanced level! Host your friends and family for dinner or a potluck as you grow master your cooking repertoire.

Immerse yourself in one of the many activities of Sun Health Communities or create your own!

Maintaining relationships with people and participating in activities you enjoy helps you feel truly connected and purposeful. Residents can enjoy being part of a friendly and inviting environment at Grandview Terrace, La Loma Village, and The Colonnade. It’s easy to take advantage of the many senior activities depending on which community you choose. The opportunities are endless!

We hope the information in this article provides you the push you need to switch up your activities and dabble in new interests. At Sun Health Communities, we want you to stay motivated, have fun, and create memories!