What You Should Know About Social and Recreational Therapy
Change is a natural part of getting older. We may retire, move, gain or lose friends and family members, develop health conditions, and struggle with loneliness. Although change is inevitable, having the right tools helps us live vibrantly and continue to enjoy happy, fulfilling lives.
Social and recreational therapy is one of the best tools to have in your toolbox. Here’s what you should know about social and recreational therapy.
Exactly What Is Social and Recreational Therapy?
Social and recreational therapy uses leisure activities to help seniors with physical, mental, emotional, social, and recreational needs. And the activities are chosen so that you are able to participate in them even if you’re experiencing health conditions. You may engage in activities that help you maintain or regain physical skills, provide opportunities to socialize, or improve your memory.
Social and Recreational Therapy Incorporates a Variety of Activities
Social and recreational therapy doesn’t just work on improving skills or addressing particular needs. It’s designed to be fun, too! That’s why many seniors love participating in social and recreational therapy. It feels like a fun day with friends! Here are just some of the activities that could be included in social and recreational therapy.
Trivia games
Walking
Chair yoga
Painting
Playing an Instrument
Dance
Outings
Creative Writing
And much more!
Benefits of Social and Recreational Therapy
Social and recreational therapy provides a myriad of benefits to seniors. Let’s look at some of them.
Reducing Depression
Social and recreational therapy has been linked to reducing symptoms of depression. Engaging in physical activities, like dancing or playing sports, causes your body to release endorphins, which help you feel better!
Improving Balance and Flexibility
Activities like yoga, tai chi, and dance take you through a range of motions that help you maintain and improve your flexibility. And they also improve your balance. Both are important to avoid pain, stiffness, and falls as we age.
Helping to Keep You Healthy
Social and recreational therapy helps improve many of the conditions seniors often experience, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It’s good for both helping you get into shape and reducing stress, too.
Building Connections
Social and recreational therapy often involves group activities, so it helps you build new connections. You’re likely to make friends with other members of the group. Plus, you’ll get a chance to brush up on your social skills, too.
Strengthening Your Brain
When you participate in social and recreational therapy, you’ll often play games and solve puzzles that really make you think. Or you might create art or music. All these things give your brain a workout and help you stay sharp.
Recovering From an Illness or Injury
If you’ve experienced an illness or injury recently, you’ve probably realized that it’s not as easy to bounce back as it was when you were younger. Thankfully, social and recreational therapy can help. The activities you participate in will help with things like motor skills, regaining your strength, and even becoming part of your community again.
Becoming Stronger
Social and recreational therapy helps you build strength in every sense of the word. It physically helps your muscles and bones, mentally helps you cope with life’s challenges, and helps you strengthen your relationships, too!
Now that you know all about social and recreational therapy, you can feel confident giving it a try! And don’t forget that Normandy Living also offers a variety of social and recreational activities for residents. Check out our most recent newsletter here!
