As people age, social gatherings can be harder to come by, especially for seniors who face higher risks of isolation, according to the Cleveland Clinic; however, Redding, CA, is home to several solutions to senior isolation, including independent living communities that bring seniors together on a shared journey toward renewed purpose.
At Hilltop Estates, the essentials are taken care of, like housekeeping and dining, allowing time for more social wellness. Residents bond through activities like group exercise, senior games, coffee and doughnuts, movie nights, art groups, and community outings in Redding.
Here's a closer look at independent living programs that enhance social well-being and forge friendships in retirement.
Physical exercise is a cornerstone of independent living lifestyle programming. At Hilltop Estates, fitness is a social experience, inspiring encouragement among residents. Fitness sessions are held every morning, with afternoon exercise scheduled throughout the month.
Mid-morning workouts are scheduled on the calendar and consist of low aerobic exercise designed for senior activity levels. Exercises may include:
Breakfast is served before mid-morning workout sessions, allowing seniors to fill up on essential nutrients, as well as hydration. Community staff ensure residents are properly hydrated before, during, and after exercise classes; lunch is also served after these sessions to properly replenish nutrients and fluids.
According to data from the CDC, even a single exercise session can provide immediate senior health benefits, including:
Long-term benefits include lower risks of dementia or a reduction in dementia symptoms, making exercise a vital part of cognitive health programs. Consistent exercise also helps seniors maintain healthier weights and stronger bones.
Together, these benefits improve physical health, which improves confidence, two components necessary for active social wellness. Active seniors are more likely to enjoy social outings in the community and sustain longer hours of socializing.
Game sessions are scheduled daily on the community's social calendar. Dominoes are a popular favorite in the community that encourages quick, strategic thinking. Chess is a classic game that develops advanced strategy skills.
Conditioning strategic thinking leads to more intellectual curiosity and creativity among residents, two vital components of a fulfilling retirement life. Not only do games improve social skills, but they can also inspire new ideas for activities. Such results improve life satisfaction and happiness in seniors, as noted by the National Library of Medicine.
Cornhole is also regularly scheduled on the social calendar. This game combines:
This game may be played in teams or one-on-one.
Players take turns tossing beanbags onto a platform. The platform is sectioned into three parts; if the bean bag lands closer to the player, it's one point, the middle of the platform is two points, and the furthest end is three points.
Card games are classic social games, like Double Deck Pinochle, which is scheduled on the calendar. This game combines:
Players work in teams of two, making four players in total. The game combines two decks, resulting in 80 playable cards. The goal is to be the first team to reach 500 points through a strategy that requires bidding, winning card combinations, and even a little trickery!
Giant Jenga puzzles and bingo sessions are also popular with the community.
Like with most senior activities, it's important to start slow, gradually introducing new activities like exercise or even light social gatherings, like coffee chats.
"Coffee and doughnuts" hours are scheduled throughout the month in the community, offering a pleasant setting for meeting new residents. It's the perfect time to discuss local news or national headlines, as well as life events and new hobbies.
Nothing brings people together like shared meals.
Hilltop Estates turns dining into a delightful social experience, where seniors don't have to worry about cooking and can focus on forging lasting connections with fellow residents. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are scheduled daily on the calendar; residents also bond over snack times.
While social dining options are provided, seniors also have fully functioning kitchenettes and kitchens in their apartments, allowing them to cook their own meals. This is a good option for active seniors who love to cook; plus, they can invite fellow residents over for lunches and dinners.
One of the highlights of the activities and events program at Hilltop Estates is the monthly arts program. Staying creative leads to greater feelings of accomplishment in seniors, whether it's a painting or a piece of DIY decor. Craft sessions rotate monthly with such offerings as:
Movie nights are scheduled every day, which gives the community's cinema buffs something to look forward to every night. Movies are wonderful conversational starters.
Snacks like buttery popcorn and drinks are provided. Movie nights often coincide with the community's happy hours, making for some real movie night fun!
Other creative activities include community outings to Redding School Of The Arts and Barnes and Noble. Other outings are also regularly scheduled on the calendar, including lunch outings and shopping trips.
Monthly meetings about the community events program update residents about the program. It's a chance to ask questions about activities and to learn about the exciting offerings for the months ahead!
Combat senior isolation by joining an active and thriving senior community in your golden years. Hilltop Estates Senior Living provides consistent opportunities for enriching social gatherings, from exciting games to movie nights with friends.
Your new senior social group awaits!
Start your search for the ideal senior living community today. Browse our gallery to view our cozy apartments, friendly common areas, and lovely garden walkways. Prospective residents can also view activity rooms with pool tables and poker tables, as well as the fitness center and welcoming lobby area.
Book your tour today to discover the possibilities of Hilltop Estates.