Activities for Seniors: More than Bingo

Author

Active Minds

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Active Minds

Posted on

May 27, 2009

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro , Colorado - Denver North Metro , Colorado - Denver South Metro

share-this
Share This
Walk into any senior center, retirement community or assisted living facility and you will undoubtedly find a full offering of activities for seniors. Typical options include musical performers, arts and crafts, a slide show of Alaska's wilderness, movies, birthday celebrations, and, of course, Bingo. I once played twelve Bingo cards simultaneously and had a wonderful (if not relaxing) time. I adore the beauty of Alaska's wilderness and a good movie is always a special treat. I enjoy live music and I think birthday parties are great fun (as long as they're not mine).

Each one of these activities, however, has one thing in common: they are past times enjoyable ways to pass the time. They are an essential part of life and living well, but and here's the catch they are not enough! What's often missing in this menu is meaningful engagement of the mind! Its like dining on a meal of cake and ice cream. It tastes good, but it doesn't really nourish you. The key to rounding out this menu is lifelong learning and other mentally challenging activities. Fortunately, senior activities providers are responding to this need. More and more, communities are providing programming designed to challenge, stretch and excite the mind. Bingo is being supplemented with classes ranging from the History of the Lewis & Clark Expedition to Bio-Engineered Food and The Future of the Middle East. Seniors are studying poetry, art, music, literature and more and they are loving it!

Why is this happening? One reason is simply demand. Seniors want to continue learning for the joy that it provides. A second reason is a growing realization that lifelong learning is a central part of aging well. Stretching your mind and learning new things keeps you engaged in the world and adds meaning and purpose to your life. And doing this as part of a class or seminar adds a social component that is a proven antidote for depression. Scientists have also shown that those who participate in mentally challenging activities at least once a week have a lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer's and other brain related diseases.

What this all adds up to is a compelling national trend. In the words of one expert, this phenomenon is exploding and is only going to accelerate as the baby boomers begin retiring in staggering numbers. Most retirement communities have already responded by adding educational programming and many have expanded their mission to include providing for the mental needs of residents. So, lets play Bingo and lets learn about the beliefs of the Islamic faith, or how the Supreme Court works, or ponder Cuba after Castro, or The world is your oyster. Enjoy!

Zane Robertson is the President of Active Minds, a Denver based provider of educational programs for seniors. He is a frequent speaker on lifelong learning and senior education and serves on the Denver Commission on Aging and the board of the Denver Coalition for Seniors. Active Minds programs are available in many of Denver's finest senior residential communities as well as a variety of public venues. For more information, contact Mr. Robertson at 303-320-7652 or visit www.ActiveMindsForLife.com.

Copyright 2007-2008 Active Minds. All rights reserved.
  • To view the original version of this article visit www.ActiveMindsForLife.com
  • Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.

Other Articles You May Like

MedRide, LLC Improves Their Ambulatory Service Area!

UPDATED MEDRIDE LICENSURE An improvement to our ambulatory service area!As we reflect over the past year, our company has been working diligently to better serve the needs of our clients with operations in the Denver area. This year we were approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to accept Ambulatory Private Pay trips in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, Park, and Weld Counties:In any of the white-outlined counties shown above, we are now able to provide Ambulatory Private Pay transportation to and from medical appointments and services, and collect payment via credit card, debit card, or HSA. MedRide also offers Wheelchair Private Pay throughout the entire state of Colorado.If you or your clients need Private Pay NEMT, please reach out to our MedRide Private Pay line at: 719-867-5474. Our Customer Service Team will be happy to help you!Looking Ahead to 2025As we move into the new year, we are excited to continue expanding our coverage area and services. Here is a sneak peek at some of the other initiatives we have in store:Advocacy for Better Access - We are working closely with state legislators at HCPF and the Governor's office in an effort to make transportation options easier and more accessible for clients across Colorado.More Vehicles & Employees - MedRide is adding to our fleet to ensure that we are always ready to serve your transportation needs.An Updated Website Coming Soon - Look out for our updated website, which is being finalized to improve your experience with better navigation and resources.Ongoing Service Enhancements - We will continue to invest back into our services to provide You and Your Clients with the highest level of care possible.

Flying Solo: Single Seniors Soar in Retirement

Jane, a retired professor, always had a natural talent for creating art but never had time to pursue it while working full-time and raising her children. Now, as a retired single, she spends her days painting Florida Paradise Coast landscapes, minutes away from her senior living community.After losing his spouse, Bob found solace in the vibrant social scene of his retirement community. He joined gardening and book clubs, and he even hosts weekly poker nights with other retired singles.From exploring ancient ruins in Greece to observing wildlife on an African safari, Eva always dreamed of traveling the world. In her single retirement, she made it a reality through solo adventures and organized group trips with neighbors.Jane, Bob, and Eva are singles who are thriving in Floridas retirement scene, where over 40% of the population is age 50 and above. Instead of searching for romantic love, theyve embraced a sense of self-assurance and fulfillment in their solo journey, confidently handling anything life throws their way.Theres lots to celebrate as a retired single. Decorate your home exactly as you like and splurge on guilt-free pleasures. Being single means calling all the shots, with no compromises on plans or schedules. Discover hobbies and interests, and travel whenever and wherever without coordinating with a partner, and make connections with new people without strings attached. And when there are no bedtime negotiations, you can stay up late binge-watching shows and eating popcorn in bed.Benefits of Senior Communities for Retired SinglesYou may have heard misconceptions about what lifes like for singletons in senior living communities, like its lonely, difficult to make friends, or its only fun if youre part of a couple. In reality, at retirement communities like The Glenview at Pelican Bay, theres always something fun happeningactivities, clubs, and events for all interestsso youll never feel alone.Living among a diverse group of residents makes meeting new people a breezeyoull enjoy the company of neighbors who quickly become friends. Plus, friendly staff are close by to lend an ear or share a laugh. Its impossible to feel left out when there are plenty of other singles, and everyone is welcomed and included.When retiring single, you can also live large in a smaller space, enjoying all the advantages of living in a one-bedroom residence. Theyre more budget-friendly, easier to maintain, and can feel cozier and intimate. With clever design and organization, one-bedroom residences make optimizing space and promoting a more minimalist lifestyle easier. Plus, a smaller residence encourages you to spend more time engaging with neighbors and all the opportunities just outside your door.The Glenview offers a variety of luxury apartment floor plans so you can find the space that fits your needs whether youre a retiring single, sharing space with a friend or part of a couple. Our one-bedroom apartments are spacious with sophisticated features and finishes, with all the privileges and conveniences that come with living in our resort-style community.Single and Retired: What to Do For retired singles, life at The Glenview is anything but ordinary. Here, you can dine like royalty with our restaurant-style meals whipped up by our talented executive chef. Say goodbye to parking hassles with chauffeur services and valet parking. Enjoy the luxury of having your home cleaned and your linens refreshed weekly. Forget about fixing or replacing things yourselfweve got maintenance services to handle it. Treat yourself to some pampering with beauty, nail and barber services. Keep your finances in check with onsite full-service banking. Stay on top of your health and wellness with fitness programs designed just for you.Explore all our luxury senior community has to offer and the available residences to suit and celebrate single retirement life on your terms.

Tips for Staying Safe and Preventing Fraud in the Age of AI

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought incredible innovation to our lives, from facial recognition unlocking phones to smart assistants handling our schedules. However, AI also poses significant risks, such as phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice simulations impersonating individuals. Seniors must be informed of AI fraud to prevent them from falling victim to such schemes.Scams to Be Aware of in 2024As AI technology advances, scammers are finding new ways to develop more intricate and believable schemes. Its important to stay updated on these emerging tactics to protect yourself and your loved ones. These are some of the most prevalent AI scams to watch out for in 2024:AI-Generated Email PhishingAI-generated phishing emails are designed to look incredibly convincing, often mimicking legitimate communications from trusted organizations. The sophistication of AI means that these emails can include personalized details, making them even harder to detect. For example, a phishing email might use an email address like boss@cornpany.com instead of boss@company.coma subtle but critical difference in spelling.To stay safe, always verify the senders email address, look for any inconsistencies in the message, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you get an invoice for something you are confident you did not purchase, dont click on the link or attachment; instead, go directly to your credit card account to ensure there are no fraudulent purchases. The same applies to money requests from apps like Venmo and PayPal; go directly to the source without clicking any links.Chatbot FraudChatbots have revolutionized customer service, but they can also be used maliciously. Fraudsters use AI-powered chatbots to engage with victims, extract personal or financial information, or direct them to phishing websites.Red flags for scams include urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or unusual language or grammar. A good rule of thumb is to not share sensitive information like passwords or credit card details through chat interfaces.Deepfake ScamsDeepfakes are AI-generated audio and video clips that make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never actually did. These can be used to create convincing scams. For example, a common scam involves someone calling and claiming to be a loved one in an emergency and needing money, often mimicking their voice. Instead of panicking and sending the money, you should verify the persons identity, usually by calling them directly.If you receive such a call, look for inconsistencies in video or audio quality, unusual behavior, or other red flags.Investment ScamsFraudsters may use AI to generate convincing investment opportunities, complete with fabricated data and endorsements from seemingly reputable sources. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics urging you to make a quick decision, and thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity and the company behind it. Be wary of offers that promise unusually high returns with little risk.If you suspect an investment scam, immediately report it to regulatory authorities and financial institutions like the SEC or FINRA.Social Media ManipulationAI can generate and spread misinformation on social media platforms, influencing public opinion and manipulating users. This can include fake news stories, fraudulent advertisements, and the impersonation of trusted figures.Limit your privacy settings on social media and only accept requests from known individuals. Always verify the credibility of the sources and accounts you follow as well.At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we always prioritize your safety and well-being. Your security is our top priority. Contact us today to learn more 303-420-7258.

Local Services By This Author

Active Minds

Life Long Learning 990 Krameria St S, Denver, Colorado, 80220

Our mission is to expand lives and minds by providing outstanding educational programs. We believe in lifelong learning and fostering active minds for life.We achieve this by combining excellent teaching with thoroughly researched, compelling topics that matter. We deliver programs on-site, customized to each audience, but always presented objectively so that all perspectives are honored.