Tag: retirement community

Ah, retirement! The perfect time for seniors to pursue new passions and hobbies! Should we bring out the 1,000+ piece puzzles, crochet needles, and BINGO cards? No! 

At Maranatha Village, our retirement community in Springfield MO, our residents are interested in all types of interesting hobbies. From motorcycle riding to musicianship, our residents go beyond tired cliches. 

In this blog post, we’d like to share 5 unique hobbies for seniors in retirement communities, so seniors can make their golden years exciting and fun. 

1. Geocaching 

Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. Participants use the Geocaching app and a GPS system to locate small hidden items in trees, caves, and even in urban settings. Geocaches are usually small, sealed containers of trinkets or mementos, and sometimes contain a “guest-book” to sign. Most geocaches are looked at, and then replaced, but sometimes your instructions say “take something, leave something.”

Geocaching involves exercise and a bit of curiosity and mystery. Seniors could also hide geocaches around their retirement community, and get other residents involved in the hunt. 

2. Learning a New Language

It’s never too late to learn a different language, and retirement finally allows seniors the time to do it! There are plenty of resources to help people learn a second language, and there are tutors who can help. 

Learning a new language could even be a group or partner activity, as residents can practice their new language by conversing with each other. 

3. Learning a Musical Instrument

Residents in the Maranatha retirement community are very musically inclined! They sing in our choir and play instruments at our worship services. Retirement is the perfect time to learn something new, and the challenges of learning to read and play music keep your brain active and sharp. 

4. Improv or Acting Classes

The benefits of improv theatre go beyond just acting. A recent study of people aged 55+ engaged in improv theatre showed that participants experienced “increased positivity, an increased sense of comfort and ease with the unexpected, a sense of self-development and self-awareness, and a feeling of acceptance by their social group. 

5. Gaming

That’s right–Fortnite isn’t just for kids and teens! Seniors love to play video games too, and the problem-solving and hand-eye coordination involved can keep their brains healthy and active. A recent survey done by AARP found that the number of adults over 50 who play video games has increased from 40.2 million in 2016 to 50.6 million in 2019. 

Retirement Community at Maranatha Village

Spend your golden years with us! Maranatha Village is a top-rated senior and 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!

Self-care is a popular buzzword, but what does it mean? Images of bubble baths, pedicures, and shopping may come to mind. Still, self-care is so much more than occasionally treating yourself–it’s about caring for your overall wellbeing every day. 

Self-care is crucial for seniors–who may experience age-related health issues, the death of a spouse or peers, or separation from their family. 

In this blog post, Maranatha Village of Springfield, MO, explores three essential dimensions of self-care for seniors living in retirement communities. 

Physical Self-Care

With age comes an inevitable susceptibility to health issues–but there are a lot of seniors can do to care for their physical health. 

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise for seniors aged 65 or older without any limiting health conditions. Because self-care is about both mental and physical wellbeing, seniors should engage in activities they enjoy while living in retirement communities.

Seniors can walk, do yoga or tai chi, swim, or do water aerobics or Zumba! Here at Maranatha Village in Springfield, MO, our residents enjoy taking walks around our lake, taking in the scenery and wildlife. 

Emotional Self-Care

Emotional and psychological self-care is just as important as physical self-care, and the two go hand-in-hand. According to the CDC:

“Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.”

Seniors can care for their emotional wellbeing by learning to recognize when they’re feeling depressed, lonely or anxious, and doing what makes them feel comforted and supported. Emotional self-care options may include calling or visiting a loved one, turning to friends in their retirement communities for support, or solitary actions, including going for walks in nature or reading a fascinating book. 

Spiritual Self-Care

Spirituality is an important part of life for many people, and they can incorporate it into a self-care routine to increase wellbeing. Studies show that a sense of purpose and meaning may improve mental health, and seniors can find this in spiritual practice. 

The retirement community at Maranatha Village has an on-site chapel, regular church services and bible studies, opportunities to sing in the choir, and faith-based volunteer opportunities. 

Retirement Community at Maranatha Village

At Maranatha Village, we want to ensure your golden years are spent feeling safe, stress-free, and socially connected. We offer versatile senior living options including houses, duplexes, and apartments. To learn more about what we have to offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or call (417)-883-0016.