Skip to content

What is Active Relaxation and How Can It Be Beneficial to Seniors?

What is Active Relaxation and How Can It Be Beneficial to Seniors?

A senior couple works on a puzzle together

At CountryHouse, as some of the best memory care communities in Lincoln, we understand the unique needs of our residents, especially those living with Alzheimer’s disease. A concept that is gaining widespread attention for its benefits is active relaxation. But what exactly is active relaxation, and how can it be particularly beneficial for seniors? Today, we’re going to explore these questions as well as provide you with details about how to become a Country House resident. 

Understanding Active Relaxation

Active relaxation is not just about sitting still; it’s about engaging in activities that relax the mind and body while being mildly active. It’s the perfect balance between calming the mind and gently engaging the body, offering a holistic approach to relaxation. This makes it perfect for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

For seniors, especially residents of our memory care communities in Lincoln, active relaxation presents a unique opportunity to enhance their quality of life. It’s not just about rest; it’s about engaging in enjoyable, stress-relieving activities that also provide gentle stimulation.

The Benefits of Active Relaxation for Seniors

Now that you have a little bit of background information regarding active relaxation, let’s explore some of the key benefits older adults can receive from participating: 

Enhanced Cognitive Function: 

Activities in active relaxation can stimulate the brain, crucial for our residents, particularly those with memory-related conditions. Even when diagnosed with dementia, continuing to improve their cognitive function and engage in stimulating activities is key for bolstering their overall quality of life. 

Improved Physical Health:

Light physical activities keep the body in motion, promoting better mobility and coordination. Getting up and moving can do wonders for improving one’s overall health. Those who participate in active relaxation can experience bettered health in many areas, including cardiovascular, muscular, and bone health. Seniors who prioritize their physical health also have a decreased risk of falls. 

Emotional Well-being: 

For those living with dementia, experiencing depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions can be very common. However, active relaxation can help combat these feelings. Participating in enjoyable activities can uplift mood and combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Social Engagement: 

One of the best benefits of moving to one of the memory care communities in Lincoln are the many opportunities to engage with other residents. Here at CountryHouse, we have a thriving activity calendar with numerous fun and engaging activities encouraging socializing, fostering a sense of belonging and community among residents.

Stress Reduction: 

For those living with dementia, feelings of stress can be a day to day occurrence. This greatly impacts quality of life and can be extremely debilitating. Active relaxation helps in reducing stress and anxiety, promoting a calmer and more peaceful mindset.

Personal Growth: 

Another important aspect for helping those with dementia is to encourage personal growth as well as a sense of purpose. These activities encourage personal growth and self-expression, which is vital for maintaining a sense of identity and purpose.

Variety and Novelty:

Engaging in diverse activities provides a sense of novelty and excitement, keeping life interesting and enjoyable.

Three seniors participate in a group painting class at the best memory care communities in Lincoln

The Best Active Relaxation Activities to Try

In our memory care communities in Lincoln, we offer a variety of activities that embody the essence of active relaxation. Below are some of the favorite activities we have available to our residents:

Art and Craft Sessions:

Engaging in creative activities like painting or crafting can be both relaxing and mentally stimulating. With the holidays right around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities to create seasonal crafts and decor to get into the spirit. 

Music and Dance: 

Listening to music or participating in light dance activities can be uplifting and therapeutic. Music has long been regarded as one of the best triggers for memory and recall. 

Gardening: 

Tending to plants offers a sense of accomplishment and connection with nature. Even indoor gardening can offer a level of relaxation and connection. 

Cooking and Baking Demonstrations: 

Participating in cooking activities can be both engaging and rewarding. For those who were the primary homemakers and enjoyed preparing meals, this can be especially fun. Once again, with the holidays here, there are plenty of opportunities to bake, cook, and connect. 

Light Exercise: 

Gentle exercise routines are tailored to maintain physical health and mobility. Walking, swimming, or chair yoga can be a lot of fun for memory care residents. 

Memory Games and Puzzles: 

These activities keep the mind active and can be adapted to individual cognitive levels. From jigsaw puzzles to crosswords to board games, these simple activities can go a long way in bolstering brain health. 

At CountryHouse, we understand the importance of active relaxation in enhancing the lives of our residents. We invite you to learn more about our memory care community and the various services we offer. Feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule a tour of our community, where we prioritize the well-being and happiness of every resident.

Engage in Active Relaxation at CountryHouse

In our memory care communities in Lincoln, we embody the essence of active relaxation through our unique program, “Seasons.” This 52-week curriculum of life enrichment activities is designed to maximize wellness and encourage meaningful engagement. Our approach includes a mix of regularly scheduled exercise, social hours, and special activities inspired by the season, a holiday, or local events.

We understand that group activities might not be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why we offer a range of individual pursuits as well, ensuring that each resident finds something that resonates with their interests. Our on-site activities include games, music, painting, cooking demonstrations, and more. We even bring in entertainers like singers, musicians, and artists, and organize visits from animals for our residents’ enjoyment.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. Many are surprised to learn about the offsite adventures we partake in. From boating and attending concerts to visiting farms, pumpkin patches, and museums, we believe that dementia should not be a barrier to experiencing life’s amazing adventures.

Tour Our Memory Care Communities in Lincoln

In our memory care communities in Lincoln, we prioritize active relaxation as a way to enhance the lives of our residents. If you’re interested in learning more about our memory care community and the services we offer, we at CountryHouse are here to help. We welcome your questions and would be delighted to give you a tour of our community. Together, we can explore how active relaxation can make a positive difference in the life of your loved one.

You might also enjoy