Cozy Fall Reading: 5 Fascinating Nonfiction Books for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities

Fall is here–the leaves are bright, the air is crisp, and now is the perfect time to snuggle up with a fascinating book! 

The residents in our assisted living community at  Maranatha Village are still active and love social activities–but they also love to rest and relax in their beautiful apartment, home or duplex and get some reading in. 

It’s never too late to learn something new–and reading nonfiction books helps keep our assisted living residents enlightened and entertained during cold weather months. 

In this blog post, we’ll share five fascinating nonfiction books for seniors in assisted living facilities. 

Rhythms of Renewal By Rebekah Lyons

While you might be retired, that doesn’t mean your life is without stress. Living in assisted living communities can have difficulties if you are coping with health issues or other significant life changes. 

In her book, Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for Peace and Purpose, Christian Author Rebekah Lyons shares her story of overcoming anxiety and depression through what she calls the “4 Life-Giving Rhythms”: rest, restore, connect and create. 

Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Stage By Joann Jenkins

Aging doesn’t have to mean a decline in health and wellbeing. This best-selling book by the CEO of AARP, Joann Jenkins, discusses critical issues facing seniors today, including caregiving, mindful living, building age-friendly communities, and making your money last. 

You Learn By Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life By Elenor Roosevelt

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is one of the most admired and celebrated public figures in American culture. This book contains her wise advice about how to live a fulfilling life. Her personal stories and life lessons are captivating and inspiring, from cultivating courage and embracing challenges to taking ownership of your community. 

Band of Brothers By Stephen E Ambrose

This New York Times bestseller turned HBO mini-series is about a group of citizen-soldiers in World War II, chronicling their training and front-line fighting in Normandy on D-Day. Great reading for veterans; this book is about soldiers who learned courage and selflessness through the perils of war. After finishing the book, you can settle in with the HBO mini-series produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Speilberg.

Rules for Aging: A Wry and Witty Guide to Life by Roger Rosenblatt

Another fun book about the joys of aging, this poetry book by prize-winning essayist Roger Rosenblatt will leave you feeling both enlightened and entertained. Known for his witty humor, Rosenblatt offers 54 pieces of advice about life and aging in poems. This book is perfect for seniors in assisted living communities to read and share with other residents. 

Assisted Living Community at Maranatha Village

Maranatha Village is a top-rated assisted-living community in Springfield, MO. We have versatile housing options, including houses, apartments, and duplexes. For more information about Maranatha Village, contact us today!

5 Fun and Unique Social Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities

When you hear the words “assisted living activities,” you might think of bingo or jigsaw puzzles. But seniors, even those in need of assisted living, are still robust and interesting people who deserve more than the same old clichéd activities.  

In this blog post, Maranatha Village, a top-rated assisted living facility in Springfield, MO, shares five fun activities for seniors in assisted living communities. 

#1: Life Story Exercises

Seniors are some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. What better activity to learn more about the fascinating residents in assisted living than hearing them tell their life stories?

This can be done as a group activity involving a combination of crafting photo collages, creative writing, and oral storytelling. Seniors get to relive their favorite memories while getting to know their fellow residents on a deeper level.  

#2: Jewelry Making

Crafting doesn’t have to involve paper maché or scrapbooking! A unique crafting idea is jewelry-making. Residents can use their creativity and aesthetic talent to create earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. 

Assisted living residents can keep their fine motor skills sharp while creating beautiful artwork they can wear, give to loved ones or sell to raise money for charity. 

Related Post: Activities We Cherish Here at Maranatha Village

#3: Continuing Education

Seniors give a new meaning to “non-traditional” students! Retirement is the perfect age to spend time learning about new topics. 

Here in Springfield, Missouri, where Maranatha Village is located, is home to Missouri State University. Through the MSU 62 program, seniors aged 62 and up may take one class per semester, tuition-free. 

#4: Book Clubs

Okay, so book clubs are not exactly unique–but they’re still pretty fun. Seniors can get together and discuss exciting titles and the meaning they derive from them. 

Book clubs can be themed, such as historical fiction, biographies, spiritual themes, and anything residents are interested in. 

#5: Gardening Clubs

Gardening clubs are a way for seniors to bloom and for friendships to blossom. Residents can share gardening tips and assist each other with planning, planting, and harvesting crops. 

After harvests, residents can get together and cook a meal together, consisting of the fresh produce they’ve helped each other grow and harvest. 

Assisted Living at Maranatha Village

Our residents are never bored at Maranatha Village in Springfield, MO! Our residents participate in many of the above activities and more. We offer both assisted and independent living options, including houses, duplexes, and apartments. For more information about our assisted living options, contact us today!