While nursing home residents may experience loneliness and a loss of independence, they can significantly benefit from regular visits from groups such as quilting clubs, knitting groups, and scrapbooking clubs. These visiting groups bring something that’s often missing from nursing home residents’ lives—interaction with people their own age and interests. Visiting groups provide nursing home residents with the opportunity to leave their rooms and socialize with others, which helps keep their minds sharp and fosters a positive outlook on life.
Therapy dogs
A substantial body of research supports the benefits of pets for people. According to Psych Central, petting a cat or dog can actually lower your blood pressure. Other studies have shown that having animals around during stressful times in life can reduce blood pressure and the risk of a heart attack in humans.
When family pets die, they can become an essential substitute for a spouse, and their death can lead to grief and depressed moods. From these studies, we know that interacting with animals — not just pets, but also zoo and farm animals — can make us feel good overall (and happier).
If you work at a nursing home and have seen your residents struggle with loneliness, a visit from a pet therapy dog can make all the difference. This type of animal-assisted therapy provides your residents with positive stimulation while also offering them an opportunity to engage with other people over 70 in their community and bring some joy into what might otherwise be lonely days.
Vocal performance groups
Singing groups can provide much-needed stimulation for nursing home residents. That’s because singing provides social engagement, cognitive stimulation, and emotional bonding. Singing in a group gives participants a sense of community and purpose—two things that may be sorely lacking when you live in a nursing home. And while vocal performance groups come in all shapes and sizes, they serve essentially the same function: They sometimes visit nursing homes regularly (typically monthly or quarterly) and sing music chosen by their clients.
Dance-based therapies
Studies have shown that dance-based therapies can enhance overall well-being among people over 70, providing not only physical benefits but also emotional and social benefits. By holistic health, I mean a comprehensive approach that stimulates the mind, body, and spirit, creating a particularly beneficial well-rounded wellness strategy for the over-70 population. The UK is one of several countries where dance therapy has been formally approved as a complementary therapy by its national health system, reflecting a growing recognition of its efficacy.
In contrast, senior centers and nursing homes have proactively introduced dance groups to help stimulate their residents, creating a sense of community and engagement among individuals who may otherwise feel isolated. These dance or movement-type therapy sessions not only encourage physical activity but also enhance cognitive function and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety. For some, these therapy sessions may be covered by health insurance, making them an affordable and accessible option for treating aging-related symptoms and maintaining quality of life, thereby allowing people over 70 to enjoy a richer, more fulfilling existence.
Mobility in Motion
A senior program combining music, dance, and physical movement is a proven way to provide people over 70 with limited mobility with an enriching experience that improves mood and promotes overall well-being. These activities not only foster joy but also help stimulate cognitive functions and can even enhance social interactions among participants. The best part? Anyone can learn these simple dances; you don’t need special training to participate or lead a session. Start small with friends and family, or consider organizing regular gatherings in your community. Whether it’s a dance circle in a living room, a weekly class at a local community center, or simply sharing a joyful moment in a park, there are countless opportunities to get together with a group of people and see how easy it is to improve someone else’s day—no matter where they live!
By creating a supportive environment where everyone can express themselves through movement and music, you contribute not only to others’ happiness but also to a strong sense of community and belonging.
How does this work for people who don’t have any family members or friends nearby?
There’s a large group of people visiting nursing homes and senior centers who are thrilled to spend time with residents; they aren’t family or friends, but they still bring joy and meaningful connections that can brighten a senior’s day. These visitors often engage in various activities such as games, storytelling, and arts and crafts, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie. People over 70 need positive stimulation in their day-to-day lives, and these visiting groups can provide it, helping alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
If you know someone who is isolated due to a lack of visitors, consider suggesting that they join a senior activity club. Such involvement can not only enhance their social interactions but also allow them to discover new hobbies and interests. They will probably appreciate it, as it can lead to new friendships and a strengthened sense of community. -MM
References
- National Institute on Aging – Loneliness and Social Isolation
This resource offers insights into the impact of social isolation on older adults and highlights strategies for promoting meaningful engagement, which is essential for both visiting groups and participation in activity programs.
URL: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation - The Eden Alternative
Focused on transforming elder care, The Eden Alternative emphasizes eliminating loneliness, helplessness, and boredom through enriched social interaction, nature-based activities, and the creation of innovative programs in care settings.
URL: https://www.edenalternative.org/ - Psychology Today—7 Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors
This article explores the benefits of pet therapy, highlighting how animal-assisted interventions can reduce anxiety, boost mood, and promote physical activity—essential elements for enhancing emotional well-being in seniors.
URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/202209/7-benefits-animal-assisted-therapy-seniors - SeniorSite – Pet Therapy: A New Way to Improve the Lives of Seniors
This resource explores the use of pet therapy in senior care settings, highlighting its effectiveness in combating loneliness and depression while fostering a more engaging and stimulating environment for seniors.
URL: https://seniorsite.org/resource/pet-therapy-a-new-way-to-improve-the-lives-of-seniors/ - Leisure Care – Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors
This blog post explores the holistic benefits of pet therapy, including reducing stress and anxiety and promoting overall physical health, making it an excellent complement to group activities and program development in nursing home environments.
URL: https://www.leisurecare.com/resources/pet-therapy-benefits-for-seniors/
Related Links from Ubuntu Village
https://ubuntuvillageusa.org/2022/01/11/10-reasons-to-adopt-a-pet
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