Adult Day Centers can offer a wide array of activities specifically designed to engage seniors and enhance their quality of life. These activities stimulate the mind, encourage social interaction, and provide physical exercise, all of which contribute to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Vitality

Engaging in physical activities can enhance seniors' capacity to live actively and develop new skills. Exercise can help improve cognitive function; it increases blood flow to the brain and may enhance memory, attention, and executive function. Examples: Chair Exercise, Game Room, Ladder Ball, Bocce Ball, Bean Bag Toss, Horseshoes, Wii Bowling, Floor Darts, Mini Golf.

Music as Medicine

Music evokes emotions and memories, which is why musical intervention has therapeutic benefits for people with dementia. Research has shown that musical interventions decrease a person’s agitation and improve communication and caregiver relationships. Familiar music can help with memory recall, particularly for long-term memories. Listening to songs from a person’s past can bring back memories and facilitate connections to their personal history. Examples: Name That Tune, Sing-A-Longs, Musical Muses, Music and Mani’s, Karaoke.

Lifelong Learning

Engaging in new learning activities stimulates the brain, which can help maintain cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and critical-solving skills. Learning new skills or information keeps the brain active and may slow cognitive decline. Examples: Reviewing history from their era, sharing current events, learning a new language, or exploring new hobbies.

Keeping It Sharp

“Use It or Lose It” includes cognitively driven activities to help our friends use their brains effectively for the best outcomes. Engaging in activities such as puzzles, trivia, and memory games helps stimulate memory and recall functions, which can be beneficial for maintaining cognitive abilities. Examples: Bingo, trivia, whiteboard word games, card games, crosswords, word searches, and brain games.

Generations

Intergenerational activities foster positive engagement and emotional connections between older adults and children. Older adults without dementia demonstrate a higher frequency of smiling and conversation when interacting with preschool-age children. Interaction with older adults has benefits for the children involved, including fewer behavioral challenges, and improved social development. Intergenerational interaction can bring meaningful activity and improve quality of life for older adults. A child’s enthusiasm and natural curiosity bring joy and positivity. The presence of children creates a warm, uplifting environment that improves mood. Examples: Painting with Trinity Preschool, attending preschool special performance practice, visits from local elementary school children.

Inspirations

Worship channels the recall of the past, creating feelings of comfort, familiarity, and spiritual fulfillment. Inspirational activities and content can offer comfort and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of peace. Examples: Hymn sing-alongs, devotionals, 5 minutes of gratitude.

Artisans

Creative pursuits such as painting and drawing provide an outlet for self-expression and allow seniors to tap into their creative side. These activities not only stimulate the brain but also improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Examples: Paint by Number, Paula’s Crafts, Mindful Coloring, Making Jewelry, Independent Craft Projects.

Mindful Moments

The combination of impaired thinking and diminished perceptions can make life a confusing jumble for our friends with dementia. This program offers stimulation to each of the five senses: Touch, Taste, Hear, See, Smell. Examples: Erica’s Sweet Treats, Sensory Painting and Kits, Read & Reminisce, Thirsty Thursday.

Riverview Adult Day Health Center Programs by Erica Treadway