Imagine lowering your pain levels, improving symptoms of anxiety and depression and even boosting your ability to think, learn and make decisions.
Participating in senior activities and remaining engaged with others may help you do just that, as well as reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
And the benefits don’t stop there.
Living an active life can also improve your strength and balance – which in turn can help you stay independent – by keeping you on your feet.
Senior activities at Prairie City Landing
Many senior living communities provide activities of course, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, the opportunities at Prairie City Landing are unique.
We think outside of the box when it comes to creating our senior activities calendar, and so do our residents. Known as our Events and Adventures program, we work with residents who contribute ideas, from fond memories to items on their bucket list.
An interview with Sarah Swisher, Prairie City Landing’s Events and Adventures Director
Activities Director Sarah Swisher answered a few questions to help individuals and their families better understand the essential role an active life plays in our community.
1. How does participation in senior activities benefit the physical, cognitive and emotional health of residents?
“Physical activities promote mobility, strength and flexibility, while reducing the risk of chronic conditions. They can also slow the aging process and enhance balance and coordination – lowering the likelihood of falls.
Cognitive benefits include improved memory, attention and problem-solving skills, as activities stimulate the brain and promote neuroplasticity.
Social interaction fosters emotional well-being by reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, enhancing mood and increasing overall satisfaction with life.”
2. What are a few common obstacles when trying to achieve an active lifestyle at home – and how does life at Prairie City Landing compare?
“When living at home, several barriers may need to be addressed, including limited access to transportation, lack of social interaction, lack of purpose and physical limitations.
At Prairie City Landing, our fitness classes, wellness programs and recreational activities are available 7 days a week. And we help residents overcome any physical restrictions by providing modifications when needed.
Unlike living at home, our residents have access to everything they need, both within our community and Folsom. We also work closely with local volunteer clubs through our local high school and National Charity League to provide inter-generational connections.”
3. How do you ensure your Events and Adventures program meets the evolving needs, physical abilities and interests of the residents?
“We actively involve residents in the planning and decision-making process and we empower them to take on leadership roles in organizing and leading activities that align with their interests.
Prairie City Landing practices the person-centered approach so residents are always at the forefront of decision-making. We recognize our residents have their own life history, preferences and goals so we can tailor care and support accordingly.”
4. How important is the community in encouraging residents to participate in senior activities?
“When residents see staff members from all departments actively involved and supportive, it sends a powerful, positive message that participation is valued and encouraged by the entire community.
Additionally, seeing familiar faces and receiving encouragement from staff members they interact with regularly can boost a residents’ confidence and willingness to try new activities.”
5. Can you share an example of how resident feedback shaped your activities program?
“When Barbara, a touring prospective resident, expressed her interest in a Wii bowling club during her initial inquiry about our community, our team took action. We saw value in the idea and launched the Wii Bowling Social Club. For many residents, this was the first time they had fully embraced playing a video game.
One year later, Barbara and her husband decided to make Prairie City Landing their home. When Barbara expressed a desire to establish a competitive league for avid players, our Wii Bowling League was formed.”
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
6. How do you encourage residents who are hesitant or lack confidence to participate in senior activities?
“We get to know the residents and their individual preferences and personalities. Participation is always voluntary, but we personally invite residents to join in.
We provide one-on-one support for residents with mobility challenges or who feel unsure about participating. Caregivers often accompany residents to activities or provide assistance, but we always respect residents to move at their own pace.
Smaller more intimate senior activities like card games or lunches can help residents feel more comfortable and less intimidated while building confidence and social connections.”
7. Do Events and Adventures activities ever happen outside of the community?
“Residents enjoy meals at their favorite restaurants and trips to local theaters for productions, concerts, lectures or art shows. A favorite was the Sacramento State Planetarium for a lecture and visual show.
We also visit museums, such as the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, learn about the brewing process and sample local craft beers and wine at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico or our local Amador wineries.
Residents enjoy our specialized outings, like visits to alpaca, bee, honey and dairy farms. And much fun is had when we join our sister community, Bruceville Point, with lake days that offer BBQ food, games, exercise and laughter.”
8. What is a significant resident advantage when participating in your senior activities program?
“Residents connect with their peers, staff members and the broader community of Folsom and beyond – enjoying a support system, companionship and a sense of belonging.
We also check in if we notice someone who is no longer participating. When residents realize we see them and notice changes in behavior, it helps them feel seen and not forgotten.”
Discover life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
