Fun Things for Seniors to do with Friends

Friends are some of the most important relationships to maintain. There’s a point in our lives when—between one’s career and family life—it can feel difficult to spend time with friends. However, when we reach retirement age, we finally have more time to enjoy fun experiences together.

It’s easy for seniors to fall into a rut when it comes to activities to enjoy with friends. Just remember: you are never too old to make memories together that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for fun things for seniors to do with friends, try some of these activities.

Don’t underestimate the importance of having fun

As we age, many develop the false idea that “fun” is reserved for children. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Regularly partaking in activities you enjoy with people you love has been shown to have many mental and physical benefits. Among them include:

• Improved brain function. By partaking in activities you enjoy, you may see an increase in your mental sharpness and your ability to retain new information.
• Improved emotional well-being. Loneliness is a pervading problem for many seniors. Spending time with your loved ones doing activities you enjoy can reduce stress and raise feelings of joy. This can lead to a positive impact on your depression and anxiety levels.
• Improved energy levels. In addition to improving your emotional wellness, going to spend time with friends is a great way to raise your energy levels, which may even have an impact on your immune system.

Don’t underestimate the importance of having fun with your loved ones. Get together and try these fun things for seniors to do with friends.

Attempt an escape room

Over the past several years, escape rooms have exploded in popularity. Escape rooms are interactive puzzle experiences that set you up with a series of clues that help you figure out a way to escape the room in under an hour. Some rooms can be enjoyed with one other partner, while others can have as many as ten guests. It’s like being in a mystery novel without any of the actual danger that comes with being in one.

Escape rooms are not only an engaging way to spend an afternoon, but they encourage players to engage their critical thinking. This is a great way to exercise your brain without it feeling like traditional exercise. Some escape rooms require more movement than others, so be mindful of any physical limitations before you book a room.

Do karaoke

No matter your age, there’s no way you don’t enjoy music. Why not celebrate that joy by doing karaoke with your friends? There are entire establishments dedicated to the fun of karaoke. There are some where you sing before a whole room, and others where you rent a room with your friends and just have fun together.

If you don’t like the idea of going somewhere to do karaoke, but would still like to give it a try, you can host a night of it in your home. If you have a smart TV, you can pull up YouTube and find thousands of karaoke videos to follow.

Take a class together

Have you and your friends always wanted to try painting? Do you want to get active in an enjoyable, engaging way? Whatever it is you want to try, there is no time better than the present to go for it. Look up classes at your local community center, or visit Groupon for some great activities for older adults.

Joining a class is also a great way to ensure that you’re spending time with your friends on a regular basis. No matter what else happens in the week, you can count on getting together with your friends for this specific, fun activity.

Go on hikes or nature walks together

There are few things better than great company, fresh air, and beautiful scenery. Look up some of the most beautiful natural parks in your area, and take a day trip out to one. Most parks offer trails for individuals of varying skill levels, so you shouldn’t have to worry about accidentally ending up on a trail that is too physically difficult for you.

Hiking or taking a nature walk is a fantastic way to stimulate your mind while exercising your body at the same time. Not only that, but the walk among nature is a great way to have deep conversations with one another that aren’t distracted by the everyday stressors of life.

Host a themed party

If you have a larger group of friends you would like to bring together, consider hosting a themed party. Many believe that larger gatherings must be reserved for holidays or birthdays, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Celebrate life by organizing a social gathering or themed party together.

For more of a low-key get-together, host a trivia night or formal tea in the afternoon. If you wanted to try something more elaborate, a murder mystery or masquerade ball would be great fun. Whichever you choose, it will be a great way to spend time with those who mean the most to you.

If you need help at home, try an at-home caregiver

Home care is more diverse than one might think it is. In addition to receiving assistance with personal care, older adults who hire an at-home caregiver can get help with meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and other activities that might not be as easy as they once were.

If you think you or a loved one could benefit from the help of a caregiver, give us a call at (773) 274-9262.