The value of social activities for elders cannot be overstated; they are crucial for building relationships and enhancing general well-being. Maintaining social connections becomes increasingly important as people age, both for cognitive and emotional well-being.Engaging in social activities on a regular basis can help seniors feel less lonely and isolated while also giving them a sense of community and belonging. 

Senior visits are a unique way to express support and compassion, but making the visit meaningful involves more than just a casual conversation. Seniors' mental and emotional health is enhanced, connections are strengthened, and unforgettable memories are created when they participate in activities that are enjoyable ^[1]. In addition to providing seniors with a fulfilling experience, activities that involve participation can help seniors feel more connected and improve their mental and physical health by lowering the risk of disorders such as anxiety, depression, dementia, cardiovascular disorders and the probability of a stroke. ^{[2] [3]}  Engaging activities help seniors battle the growing loneliness epidemic, which counteracts the various negative effects that loneliness and social isolation tend to cause. ^[4] 

Ten activities to engage in

Watching a movie or TV show

Watching a movie or a TV show is not only an extremely simple activity to execute, it also includes a lot of benefits for both seniors and students. It provides various positive effects such as cognitive stimulation, which keeps their mind active. It provides seniors with an opportunity to reduce stress. Watching movies filmed in the modern day and age would present them with learning opportunities about how culture, media, values and beliefs have changed over time. Discussions and conversations about movies or shows that they have watched provides them with a new perspective, which allows them to be more open minded and considerate. Such discussions also promote social interaction, which in turn helps reduce the impact of loneliness and isolation. ^[7] 

Technology workshops 

Technology workshops aimed at seniors, presented by the students, allow them to increase their knowledge and involvement in modern technology. Certain benefits of these workshops include an increase in the level of independence of the seniors. Seniors can use technology to monitor their health, alert healthcare professionals, and even take control of their finances ^[8]. Another major benefit that comes along with technology workshops is the ability to stay connected with their friends and family. Learning more about how apps like WhatsApp or FaceBook work to help them stay in contact and interact with their loved ones. ^[9]

Gardening

Gardening allows the seniors to be in nature, get some fresh air and also be physically active. Certain benefits that are included with gardening is the ability to consume fresh produce. Not only is the fresh produce organic, it is also cost effective and chemical free. Growing plants encourages social interaction. Seniors and students come together to plant, grow and produce their own food. It allows intergenerational opportunities to exchange ideas and knowledge that have been attained over a lifetime. ^[10] 

Exercise 

Exercise is an outlet of excess energy. Seniors are provided with the ability to improve their physical health. It prevents chronic conditions, pains, problems with joint mobility and also helps maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps improve coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. Group fitness with students or walking sessions can improve social interaction and combat the sense of isolation. ^[11]

Arts and crafts 

Arts and crafts such as crocheting, knitting, painting and pottery can provide seniors with a creative outlet and a way to express themselves. It provides them with the opportunity to boost their fine motor skills such as finger dexterity. It is also an opportunity to improve their hand eye coordination, which is correlated with an increase in cognitive stimulation. Art activities also boosts self esteem as crafts encourage them to engage more with their work and increase the feelings of pride and self worth. ^[12] 

Storytelling 

Seniors retelling stories from their life allows them to experience a plethora of emotions. Intense emotions such as pride, sorrow, guilt, loss, joy and even anger can be easily distinguished as some of the primary emotions that seniors display while telling stories. Storytelling involves many benefits for their mental health and emotional regulation, such as strengthening their memories, reducing stress, giving them purpose and meaning, and also providing them with confidence. ^[13] 

Book clubs 

Book clubs encourage seniors to engage and interact with individuals from different generations and cultures. It engages seniors in mental activities which improve their cognition, and reading and communication skills.^[14] It can also assist the seniors in gaining and developing a new perspective on life. Participating in book clubs provides them with the opportunity to engage in new social relationships with individuals from different generations. 

Board and card games

Seniors get the opportunity to interact with students and other seniors while playing board games such as Monopoly or Chess, or even card games such as Uno. Socialisation is one of the major benefits of such interactions. Seniors can improve their cognitive skills and critical thinking while playing such competitive games. It also allows them to let loose and have fun, enjoying the moment instead of being stressed. ^[15] 

Live Music 

Engaging in live entertainment, especially live music is an activity that both students and seniors enjoy. Whether it is karaoke, band performances or simple performances, it provides many benefits for all. There is an improvement in heart health and the level of stress. Music from their era brings back many memories and listening to new songs gives them a little different taste in music. It also improves their hearing and sensory functioning. ^[16] 

Baking  

Baking is a fun activity that both seniors and students can enjoy. The end result, a sweet treat, is often enjoyed by individuals of both generations. Some benefits that baking has includes relieving stress and anxiety, improving sensory functions such as reading, or tactile functions such as touch. Seniors can step out of their comfort zone and be creative with decorating their baked goods. It also encourages social interaction with others in their surroundings. ^[17] 

Tips for adaptation and inclusion

The varied needs and skills of residents in various age groups should be taken into account while organizing activities at a senior living facility. Activities should be modified to accommodate different physical and cognitive abilities in order to guarantee inclusion. Games like bingo, for instance, can be altered to accommodate all players in a way that suits them by utilising larger cards.

It's important to take into account seniors’ varied energy levels in addition to adjusting for physical capabilities. While some people might choose more relaxed alternatives like arts and crafts or storytelling, others might prefer more active ones like gentle workouts or group dance sessions. No matter their level of endurance or physical restrictions, everyone may take part in something they enjoy when a range of activity options are offered. ^{[5] [6]}

Establishing an inclusive atmosphere also requires cooperation from carers and employees. They can offer information about the unique requirements and preferences of every resident, assisting in the customisation of accessible and pleasurable activities. The senior home can guarantee that all activities are secure, cosy, and interesting for each participant by including them in the planning process. ^[6]

Encouraging interaction between generations can improve the experience for both senior citizens and younger guests. Seniors get the chance to share their life experiences and advice when young people are asked to participate. They also bring new vitality and excitement. In addition to enhancing the experience, this interaction fosters deep intergenerational relationships.

Seniors' days are made happier and the relationships between generations are reinforced when they participate in enjoyable and meaningful activities. These activities, which might include games, crafts, or just telling tales, help seniors and students develop enduring memories and support their mental, emotional, and physical health. Keep in mind that the secret is to modify activities to accommodate a range of interests and skill levels so that everyone can take part and have fun. Try some of these things the next time you're visiting a senior because, regardless of age, having a little fun can make a big difference in people's lives and foster relationships.

References

1. The Importance of Social Activities for Seniors: Promoting Well-Being and Connection - PACE 

2. https://saintsimeons.org/blog/social-activities-for-seniors/ 

3. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-you-enjoy-you-age 

4. https://www.nautilusshc.com/blog/community-engagement-for-seniors 

5. https://www.plusscommunities.com/blog/68-assisted-living-activities-for-seniors 

6. https://www.truelegacyhomes.com/activities-for-seniors/ 

7. https://pbi.uii.ac.id/2022/03/24/five-reasons-why-watching-movies-is-beneficial-to-our-personal-development/

8. https://caringseniorservice.com/blog/benefits-of-technology-for-seniors/ 

9. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-11-25/the-importance-of-technology-education-for-seniors 

10. https://www.wesleylife.org/blog/6-benefits-of-gardening-for-seniors 

11. https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/hitting-the-headlines/2023/05/31/4-key-benefits-of-exercise-for-older-adults 

12. https://holbrooklife.com/blog/benefits-of-arts-and-crafts-for-seniors/ 

13. https://www.lcadvocates.com/how-storytelling-helps-older-people/ 

14. https://www.leisurecare.com/resources/benefits-joining-book-club-seniors/ 

15. https://unlimitedcarecottages.com/blog/senior-activities/3-benefits-of-board-games-for-seniors/ 

16. https://www.sunnysidemanornj.com/2019/09/09/six-benefits-of-live-music-for-seniors-sunnyside-manor