Social Clubs for Seniors: Beyond Bingo Nights
Loneliness and isolation can happen at any age, with seniors being at an elevated risk. According to data from BMC Public Health, of adults aged 60 and older, the risk of isolation can affect an estimated 50% of people. As they age, one-third of this population will experience loneliness.
Fortunately, there are ways of combating isolation and depression, and this includes senior clubs.
With so many wonderful groups to choose from, it is challenging to know where to begin. Here are some of the best senior social activities around!
Benefits of Senior Clubs
Retirement community clubs offer countless benefits, from opportunities to socialize to a reduction in depression and feelings of isolation.
According to Mental Health America, depression in adults aged 65 and older is more common than you realize. In this population, at least 2 million seniors report some type of depression, which means senior clubs are more important than ever.
When older adults join social clubs, they'll benefit from:
- Better emotional health
- Boosted immune system
- Stress reduction
- Emotional engagement
- Increased longevity
These are just some of the benefits of clubs for seniors in Altoona, WI. The only question is which clubs are the best for older adults looking to have fun and make new friends.
Chess Clubs
Anyone in senior communities will love chess, as this game can improve a person's overall cognitive function and memory. It can also improve key analytical skills while working to fight feelings of depression and anxiety.
Chess clubs are great for seasoned professionals and brand-new players alike. While playing, older adults can enjoy a leisurely game or even enter into competitions. The US Chess Federation has a list of available clubs in different areas.
Older adults can also try local senior centers and libraries, looking to see if they have any chess clubs to join.
Enjoy Different Games
Bingo is great and offers seniors a chance to socialize and have fun, but there are other games to try. Some assisted living communities feature an activity calendar packed with all sorts of games, including mahjong, card games, checkers, and more.
No matter what type of games seniors play, they'll boost cognitive function while improving their memory.
Games can also:
- Improve emotional health
- Aid in mental stimulation
- Help with stress management
By playing something like a board game or completing a puzzle with friends, seniors can socialize while working to stave off symptoms of cognitive decline.
Walking Clubs
Calling all walkers! Walking is one of the best ways to get out and meet new people while staying in shape.
Walking has tons of benefits for seniors, including:
- Better sleep
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Bone health
- Muscle building
- Socializing opportunities
- Improved cardiac health
- Lower blood sugar
Older adults can look for a walking group in their area, or start one with a friend. Walking groups might be listed in senior centers or on other local message boards at the library. Seniors in assisted living can advertise for other residents to come out and walk with them, socializing while getting in shape.
Arts and Crafts
Anyone looking to learn a new skill while meeting new friends will love arts and crafts clubs, even if they're not artistic. These clubs are ideal for seniors who want to try painting, pottery, or drawing, to name a few activities.
Arts and crafts clubs can even include simple holiday-related crafts, enabling you to make decorations for the home and for gifts. It doesn't matter what type of activity older adults complete, as the goal is to have fun and socialize. These classes can be impromptu or led by professionals teaching a new skill.
Sewing, Knitting, and Crocheting
Sewing, knitting, and crocheting are in-demand skills that not only work to manage stress but can help the community.
For example, seniors can form clubs to make blankets, hats, scarves, and more. They can donate these items to:
- Animal shelters
- Homeless shelters
- Nursing homes
- Children's hospitals
- Veterans
Older adults can even get together to make items for gifts, creating homemade items for birthdays and holidays.
Book Clubs
Book clubs are perfect for older adults who love to read and walk to talk about books with other bibliophiles.
If you reside in an assisted living community, look to see what types of book clubs are available. If there aren't any, you can consider starting one yourself. You can also check local senior centers and the library for book clubs to join.
Fitness Groups
Walking isn't the only type of activity club that seniors can join. There are tons of fitness groups available to older adults at local gyms, senior centers, the YMCA, and more.
Look for fitness clubs that fit your interest levels. If you're interested in yoga or Pilates, consider joining one of these classes. You'll meet like-minded people while improving your physical and mental health.
Other classes include Tai Chi, cycling, and strength training, to name a few.
Consider Volunteering
One of the best ways to meet new friends and to help the world around you is by volunteering. Seniors can join any number of volunteer organizations, working with children and animals, and even in local community gardens.
As with any type of club or organization, older adults must ensure it is safe before joining. Look for reviews and positive testimonials. Volunteer organizations that require a fee upfront may very well be scams, so always be mindful of what groups you join.
Look into local food pantries, animal shelters, children's hospitals, Veteran's hospitals, libraries, and the YMCA for example. Seniors make wonderful youth mentors and can make new friends in the process.
The Best Senior Clubs to Join
No matter what your interests are, there are tons of amazing senior clubs to join. Whether it's walking, chess, or volunteering, older adults have plenty of social groups to choose from, filling their days and nights with socializing while learning something new.
Are you or your loved one interested in the best retirement community in Altoona, WI? At Oak Gardens Place Assisted Living, we offer wonderful senior living options, including a Military Veterans Program and a vibrant activity calendar with games and classes for all residents to enjoy. Contact us today to learn more.