5 Benefits of Recreational Therapy for Seniors
July 9th-15th is National Therapeutic and Recreational Week. Established by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, this week is intended to raise awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services that can improve the health and well-being of individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
As you age, it is crucial to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engaging in recreational activities specifically designed for seniors can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life.
Recreational therapy can be a valuable practice for promoting health and happiness among older adults. In this article, we will explore the benefits that recreational therapy offers to seniors, as well as how it can enhance physical fitness, cognitive function, and more.
What is Recreational Therapy?
According to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation, recreational therapy is a “systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.”
Recreational therapy could include things like arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, drama, music, and community outings.
What Are the Benefits of Recreational Therapy for Seniors?
There are a lot of benefits to recreational therapy for seniors. In a meta-analysis on the effects of therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly, researchers found that therapeutic recreation is effective in bringing positive changes to the elderly and that the program has a relatively high effect on the social/emotional domain followed by the physical domain and cognitive domain.
Here are some benefits of therapeutic recreations for seniors:
Promote Physical Fitness
Because recreational therapy often includes exercise, it can be a great way for seniors to participate in low-impact activities to boost their physical strength, help with balance, and flexibility. A 2014 study done by the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that recreational exercises can improve the muscle strength, flexibility, and balance of older adults.
Enhance Cognitive Function
As you get older, recreational therapy can be a great way to stimulate neural connections, improve memory, and enhance problem-solving skills. For people with dementia, recreational therapy can slow down cognitive decline and increase alertness, as well as keep the brain stimulated. According to Healthline, recreational activities like exercise, social engagement, and games like chess can improve the healthy functioning of your mind.
Foster Social Connection
Maintaining social connection for emotional well-being and overall mental health is important for people of all ages, but especially older adults. Recreational therapy offers opportunities for seniors to connect with others through group activities like team sports, outings, art classes, and more. Additionally, building new relationships and engaging in consistent conversations help seniors combat loneliness, boost self-esteem, and can improve overall mood. In a study done on the effectiveness of sociality and social relationship by therapeutic recreation, researchers found that “stimulation through diverse activities centered on partner or group and social support-oriented intervention programs can positively influence social development of the elderly.”
Improve Emotional Well-Being
Participating in recreational therapy activities like art therapy, music therapy, creative writing, cooking, and gardening can help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety due to the endorphins released while the activity is taking place. All aspects of recreational therapy tie in to improving emotional well-being. Socializing, participating in activities you love, and getting plenty of exercise can improve your mental health in a major way.
Improve Quality of Life
Recreational therapy allows you to participate in the activities you love, which can improve your emotional well-being, and allow you to lead a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
Recreational Therapy is a Powerful Tool for Promoting the Vitality of Older Adults
Recreational therapy has a lot of undeniable benefits and can allow seniors to engage in enjoyable activities that align with their personal interests. Whether it’s playing chess with a friend, gardening, going on daily walks, baking, or some other activity, recreational therapy is a great way to keep your mind sharp and your physical body in optimal shape.
The Aspenwood Company Can Help Seniors Live Life Well®
As you age, it is important to make intentional decisions that will improve your health. Living in a senior living community can be a great way to live a connected life, engage in healthy activities you love, and meet people who can expand your horizons.
At The Aspenwood Company, we know life gets richer and better as you age, and we believe that feeling should never end.
Our communities are the standard of luxurious living for mature adults. You will find our properties in the most sought-after locations, in the middle of culture and activity, where a vibrant lifestyle surrounds you. We’ve spent 25 years fine-tuning every detail of luxurious living so that our residents enjoy a new sense of freedom and fulfillment.
There’s luxury, and then there is Aspenwood luxury.
In order to become a member of an Aspenwood luxury community, mature adults will face some hard, but important decisions. Be assured that our team is trustworthy and compassionate, and ready to serve you. We are here to provide encouragement, support, and helpful information.
You have the opportunity to pursue and experience freedom like never before. It’s time to experience the laughter, the energy, the activity, the friendly faces, and the caring people of The Aspenwood Company. It’s time to Live Life Well®.