When making a decision to move into a retirement community, assisted living or a nursing home, care and security are first and foremost, top priorities. However, the activities that takes place within those  communities are just as important.  They help to build and maintain a higher quality of life for the individual, as well as the group overall.
It is the responsibility of the Program Director/Activity Director of a community to organize and facilitate these activities. NAAP, the National Association of Activity Professionals, was organized to assist these directors in planning events and providing resources for ideas.  State and local chapters meet on a more regular basis, sharing ideas and experiences.
Though "having fun" is an important goal when creating activities, there are several other functions that are being considered, including:

• Socialization
• Physical Fitness
• Brain Fitness
• Mental Well-Being

All of these actions help to elevate mood by decreasing feelings of loneliness and depression. It can be easy for seniors to withdraw, especially if they have just moved into a community that is unfamiliar to them. Group activities are a key component to the socialization of an individual. It is no different than going to a new school as a child. Recess is the easiest time to make new friends; seeking out those who have similar interests. Having a good time together is a great way to build bonds that turn into friendships.
Offering simple exercises and physical activities is also very important in maintaining good health, which results in a better quality of life. Exercise in general strengthens the body, but it also helps to fight off depression, which is another issue that seniors must be aware of.  The activities can serve one or all of the purposes and still be fun.  A great example is Wii bowling.  It has become a staple in senior living communities across America.  Though it can be played alone, it is easily done as a group, or more importantly a team, allowing for exercise, socialization and even brain fitness.
With the help of national and local activity professional associations, ideas can be shared and spread much more easily. The sole purpose of these directors is to make the residents lives as full as possible, while having fun along the way.  They are just one, very important part to a strong and healthy community.

Do you know an activities professional?  Do you have unique ideas that you would care to share with others? Please leave comments and share your experiences with us.