Are you searching for a community that helps residents achieve their wellness goals and maybe even live longer?
Today’s older adults recognize the value of an active lifestyle and its impact on both physical and cognitive health. Research consistently highlights the advantages of staying engaged as well as the risks of sedentary and socially isolated lives.
The health benefits of a strong senior activities program are so significant that when considering different communities, many families now place a priority on the integrity of the programs offered.
At Bruceville Point, Events and Adventures Director Jaime Cervantes strongly believes age shouldn’t be a barrier to living a vibrant and connected life. Ensuring all residents find something that resonates with their interests and abilities, everyone is encouraged to help shape the program that helps shape them.
Senior activities at Bruceville Point: The Events and Adventures program
At Bruceville Point, we reach far beyond creating a monthly senior activities calendar. The following Q & A with Jaime provides insight into our Events and Adventures program:
1. How does regular participation in senior activities benefit physical, cognitive and emotional health?
“Physical activity helps maintain and increase body muscle and bone density, as well as lower blood pressure – and the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. It may also increase feelings of happiness due to the release of hormones such as endorphins.
Cognitively, both physical and intellectual activities help increase spatial memory by creating new neural connections in the brain, called neurogenesis.
And emotionally, staying active can promote a sense of connection to peers and community, as well as an increased sense of purpose and accomplishment.”
2. Can you share an example of how Bruceville Point residents benefit from remaining active?
“We had a resident who relied on his walker to move around, but after committing to the fitness classes within my program, he now only needs to use a cane. I worked with this resident extensively and his perseverance and dedication allowed him to regain much of his independence.
When I noticed another one of our residents was not engaging in any of the programs, I made it a priority to get to know him and discovered he had a passion for basketball and intellectual games. We added a trivia activity and invited him to join us. Now, he regularly participates and has broadened his social circle.”
3. For seniors who live at home alone, what is a common obstacle to maintaining an active lifestyle that Bruceville Point can help overcome?
“Seniors living at home often don’t have a network to engage with. It can be easier to stay home instead of searching for activities or new people to meet. At Bruceville Point, we provide an array of classes, events and outings so residents can effortlessly participate and socialize with each other.”
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
4. How important is the role of the community in motivating and encouraging residents to participate in senior activities?
“Expanding one’s social community, regardless of age, may help reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and other age-related diseases. I always try to promote engagement throughout the community, and not just with residents but with the staff as well.”
5. How is the activities program created and do residents contribute ideas?
“I like to provide recurring popular classes and games but also mix in special outings for new experiences. I interact with residents regularly to keep an open dialogue and discuss their input and recommendations.
I also add special events that are holiday-themed or provide cultural learning opportunities. For example, when I became director, residents told me they wanted more cultural events to showcase the rich diversity in our community. We now host educational events and vendors to maintain authenticity for Cinco De Mayo, Lunar New Year, Hanukkah and Oktoberfest.”
6. How do you encourage residents who are hesitant or lack confidence to participate in senior activities?
“I personally introduce myself and highlight the program and how it might benefit them. I try to get to know the residents and see what might match their needs or wants. I’ll keep checking back with them and offering encouragement.”
7. Are there senior activities that occur outside of Bruceville Point to make the program more interesting?
“We offer outings to museums, restaurants, fairs, wildlife walks, theaters, festivals, a trip to San Francisco and annual events in the Elk Grove area.”
8. Can you name a significant advantage a resident will enjoy by participating in Bruceville Point’s Events and Adventures program?
“A great advantage of participating in our program is engaging in activities that are outside of their normal routine. There’s always the opportunity to try something new, with people who have similar interests, or find classes within the community so you don’t need to go far to find things to do. I believe the convenience factor of having this immense program at your fingertips helps to make engagement and the sense of community feel effortless.”
The benefits of senior activities at Bruceville Point
Almost all senior living communities offer activities, but our Events and Adventures program isn’t a repeat of passive pursuits. We think outside of the box – whether it’s a beekeeping class, an art workshop or an off-campus excursion.
Our senior activities program ensures everyone can participate and thrive, regardless of their physical condition or lifestyle. But our favorite part? We love how our residents help create the program. It’s a great way to help them explore new opportunities, reignite old passions or even try something on their bucket list.
Discover life at Tenfold’s Bruceville Point
We created Bruceville Point 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 Bruceville Point. 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 Bruceville Point today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
