What does your mom look forward to each day? What gets your aging loved one interested or wanting to join in?
Those questions matter.
Research continues to show the value of staying connected to other people and involved in meaningful activities as we age. The National Institute on Aging points to social engagement and enjoyable activities as important parts of healthy aging. Staying involved can support well-being and give people a continued sense of purpose.
That gives life enrichment in a senior living community a much bigger role.
“Having something to look forward to can shape the whole day,” said Amanda Yelenick, CDP, ADC, Vice President of Life Enrichment at Morning Pointe Senior Living. “We want to know what residents enjoy and what matters to them. Then we can create opportunities that make them want to be part of the day.”
Variety is important because people are different. One resident may love live music, while someone else may prefer working with their hands. For another resident, a visit from a local student or volunteer may become a favorite part of the week.
Sometimes an activity also introduces someone to an interest they never knew they had.
“You can see when something really connects with a resident,” said Holly Holcomb, Life Enrichment Director at Morning Pointe Senior Living. “They start looking forward to it and talking about it afterward. You may even see someone who hasn’t participated much decide they want to give it a try.”
Volunteers can make those opportunities even richer.
They bring the outside community into senior living, but the relationship works both ways. Residents have decades of experience and knowledge to share. A volunteer may arrive expecting to give their time and leave having gained a relationship of their own.
“Our residents have so much to offer,” Yelenick said. “When we open our communities to volunteers, we create more opportunities for people to know one another and for residents to continue being part of the larger community.”
There is real value in that connection. Research on healthy aging continues to reinforce the importance of social connection and meaningful engagement. Having a sense of purpose matters, too.
And sometimes it is much simpler than the research makes it sound.
It’s having something on the calendar you genuinely want to do and people you look forward to seeing.
That’s what meaningful life enrichment can bring to senior living.
Read more about life enrichment and volunteer opportunities at Morning Pointe: CLICK HERE
