So many of the things we love to do are even better when we can do them together with friends! We get camaraderie, encouragement, and a chance to exercise our brain, body and (often) our sense of humor. In other words, staying active with others can boost both health and happiness as we age.

What can seniors do to stay active and social? The possibilities are almost endless. Popular group activities include:

• Dancing
• Playing cards or board games
• Cooking
•  Listening to or playing music
•  Painting or other artistic endeavors
• Swimming
• Sharing hobbies

Karen B., national director of life enrichment at The Goodman Group, says Life Enrichment teams at each managed community get creative in developing social value programs which, not surprisingly, have enjoyed a tremendous post-pandemic resurgence. We asked Karen what types of group activities are most popular in senior living communities managed by The Goodman Group around the country.

Walking groups

Some groups walk just for fun and exercise, others make it a competition by logging their miles. You don’t even need to leave home. Karen says one group of residents created a big map of America’s historic Route 66 and “walked” that, stopping along the way to learn about notable locations and marking their progress with pushpins. Even residents who don’t participate in the walking can follow along, too.

Happy hour

Just as much fun for seniors as younger adults, groups can enjoy beer, wine, snacks, and conversation to wrap up their day. “We all have a story,” Karen notes, “and we like to talk about ourselves.” Happy hour creates the perfect opportunity to share a snack, story, and smile. 

Table Topics

Suggested topics can serve as conversations, for happy hour groups or in the dining room. Tell us about your favorite vacation, the time you had a strange encounter with an animal, when you met that famous celebrity. Karen says the stories are incredible. And as people reveal details about themselves, they are able to connect with one another on different levels, forming new relationships.

Intergenerational storytelling

When groups include multiple generations, the benefits increase for everyone. Some communities invite local children to come and mingle with residents, sharing stories and comparing how things were and how they are now.

Helping others

Career success doesn’t have to stop when you retire. Retirement can be a second life in which seniors are free to create and make a difference for others without the work pressure and time commitment.

Many residents love to volunteer within the greater community, too. If they can’t get out to participate directly, they come together to bake dog treats for their local shelter, weave mats for homeless individuals, or take on other valuable support projects.

Learning new things

Lifelong learning is an important way seniors can keep their minds active and socialize at the same time through shared interests. For many, that starts with sharpening their tech skills to stay active in our digital world.

Residents are encouraged to pursue MasterClass, an online compendium of college courses and “bite-sized” lessons on a vast array of topics. The communities sign up for the service, so residents can partake for free. Karen also recommends Wondrium, a site that offers educational videos.

Planning to Have Fun

Residents don’t just show up for whatever the Life Enrichment team has to offer. They are empowered to help set up and manage events and other activities themselves. This provides a deeper sense of participation and purpose and ensures residents have access to the social activities they love most.

Exactly how seniors stay active and social is as varied as seniors themselves. The point is to get together with others in whatever ways are most fun or rewarding for you. It can boost your well-being in body, mind and spirit.