Hey there, aged care facilitators! Are you eager to discover something new? Memory Lane Therapy presents the Top 10 Social Activities perfect for Baby Boomers in Aged Care. Designed to keep the younger seniors’ on track socially and emotionally, we offer ten ideas that will help and inspire you in your activity planning.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Who Are the Baby Boomers?
If you are taking care of elderly with the elderly between 1946 and 1964, they’re part of the iconic Baby Boomer generation. The term “Baby Boomers” comes from the post-World War II baby boom, a time when there was a significant increase in birth rates. Now, as they are enjoying their golden years, it’s important that they stay active, engaged, and connected.
Top 10 Social Activities for Baby Boomers
Here are the top 10 social activities for baby boomers in aged care. Feel free to use these as inspiration for your next aged care activity.
1. Reconnecting with Old Friends and Relatives via Social Media
Most younger seniors in care have had some experience using modern technology so a video call is something they maybe familiar with. To ensure a smooth experience, start by setting up a comfortable and quiet space equipped with a tablet, laptop, or smartphone with a reliable internet connection. Schedule regular call times to create a routine, and offer a brief tutorial on using the video call app, ensuring they feel confident and at ease.
Encourage them to prepare topics or questions to discuss, which can make the conversations more engaging. Be available to assist with any technical issues that may arise, and always ensure privacy to make these moments special and personal.
2. Tech Workshops
Equip the seniors with tech-savvy skills with workshops designed to help them navigate the digital world. Teach them how to use smartphones, tablets, and social media so that they can stay connected with family and friends, near and far.
Don’t forget to teach them social media literacy to avoid incidents such as online scamming and phishing.
3. Zumba Sessions
What’s better than being socially connected with the community and staying fit at the same time? Zumba sessions allow baby boomer seniors to exercise their bodies while dancing to some trendy, classic, or even iconic beats appropriate for Zumba. You can implement this activity early in the morning, at least once a week for socialization and exercise at the same time.
Looking to jumpstart your day with some energizing morning exercises? In our blog post, “Morning Activities for Baby Boomers in Aged Care,” we explore a variety of gentle routines designed to get your senior years off to a strong and healthy start.
4. Music and Singing Groups
Create a choir or a music group and let the power of music bring seniors joy. Singing and playing instruments are excellent ways to stimulate their brain and boost their mood.
Groups like these also help with strengthening the bonds of friends. It also offers a sense of belongingness and involvement to the community.
5. Cooking and Baking Sessions
Allow seniors to share recipes, cook together, and enjoy delicious meals with cooking and baking sessions. This is a fantastic way to learn new skills, reminisce about favorite dishes, and bond over food.
You can set up a cooking and baking session near the holiday season to experience a variety of specialties during thanksgiving.
6. Movie Nights
Let your baby boomer seniors relive their favorite films or allow them to discover new ones during movie nights. It’s a cozy way to enjoy great stories and have engaging discussions with fellow movie fanatics. You can set movie nights once a week, preferably after a tiring day to help them relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Planning a Movie Night for the Elderly
We know picking the perfect movie can be tough! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Visit some of the iconic movies from our blog about movie nights now.
7. Volunteering
Lead your baby boomer seniors as they give back to the community by participating in volunteer activities. As simple as helping out at local events or supporting various causes, volunteering offers a sense of purpose and a chance to meet like-minded individuals.
8. Digital Art Classes
Take the baby boomer artists to a whole new world of art by teaching them how to create their own digital art. You can access websites like YouTube or platforms like Skillshare to help you guide the seniors to have such skills.
Encourage them to paint, draw, or even try digital photography and photo editing. Let them explore the unknown and improve as artists.
9. Podcast Clubs
Much like any other clubs, involve seniors by listening to a selected podcast episode and then allow them to discuss the topic as a group. This can be a great way to stay informed, entertained, and connected with others who share their interests.
There are a lot of podcasts that cater to baby boomers. Discover some that will fit your seniors’ needs and interests.
10. Disco Dance off
Many Baby Boomers grew up during the height of the disco era in the 1970s. A disco can bring back fond memories and create a sense of nostalgia. Serving as a physical as well as a social activity, you can host a disco session every once in a while to spice things up!
Decorate the place, assign dress codes, and play disco-worthy music that baby boomers would enjoy!
Stay Connected!
Engaging in these activities is a wonderful way to stay active and connected, but don’t stop there! Lead seniors to embrace technology to enhance their social life. Today’s digital world offers endless opportunities to enrich every life and maintain strong social bonds.
So, go ahead and try out these during your next aged care activities. Not only will they have a blast, but they’ll also meet new friends and create lasting memories. Happy socializing, Baby Boomers!
Contact Us!
Need a hand? We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Contact our dedicated team for personalized guidance and support in implementing unique activities for your beloved seniors in Aged Care.
