Retirement brings a wonderful opportunity for seniors to explore new hobbies and rekindle old passions. At VRS Seniors Communities, a variety of hobby clubs and workshops are available to keep residents engaged, active, and socially connected. From painting and knitting to book clubs and gardening, there is something for everyone. Engaging in hobbies not only stimulates the mind but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among residents at VRS Communities. Here are some ideas for hobby clubs and workshops that can help seniors living in Nanaimo retirement stay social in their golden years.
Embrace Creativity with Painting and Art Classes
Benefits of Artistic Practices
Painting and other art classes are not only enjoyable but also therapeutic. They provide a creative outlet for seniors to express their emotions and experiences. Art can be a powerful form of communication and self-discovery, offering mental stimulation and enhancing cognitive functions. We encourage Lakeside Gardens members to bring their painting outdoors, in lush green spaces, to try their hand at painting some wildlife or a stunning landscape.
Social Interaction Through Art
Art classes encourage interaction and collaboration. Lakeside Gardens residents can share their work, discuss techniques, and inspire each other. Group projects and exhibitions create a sense of accomplishment and belonging. This shared creative process helps build friendships and a supportive community, making it easier for new retired Nanaimo residents to integrate and feel welcomed.
Connect Through Knitting and Crochet Clubs
Knitting and crochet are relaxing and meditative activities that improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination. They also offer a productive way to spend time, resulting in beautiful, handmade items. These clubs are perfect for socializing as they involve regular meetings where residents can chat while they work on their projects. Sharing patterns, tips, and completed works fosters a supportive and friendly environment. Be sure to check our Lakeside Gardens monthly events calendar to see what artistic activities we have planned for the month ahead.
Harmonize with Music and Choir Groups
Emotional Well-Being Through Music
Music has a profound impact on emotional well-being. Playing an instrument, singing, or simply listening to music can reduce stress, enhance mood, and stimulate memory. Music therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for cognitive health, particularly for those with dementia. Be sure to check out our monthly activities calendar, where we include group sing-alongs, hymn songs, and much more in some months.
Social Engagement in Music Groups
Music groups and choirs provide regular opportunities for residents to come together and make music. Performing for each other or in community events creates a strong bond among group members. These musical gatherings can lead to impromptu jam sessions, sing-alongs, and other fun social activities, making music an integral part of community life.
Engage Minds with Book Clubs
Mental Stimulation from Reading
Reading keeps the mind sharp and introduces new perspectives and ideas. It stimulates cognitive function, enhances memory, and reduces stress. Book clubs can cater to various genres, ensuring there’s something of interest for everyone.
Building Social Connections in Book Clubs
Book clubs are inherently social. They provide a platform for residents to discuss books, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversations. This regular interaction helps build strong social bonds. Members can suggest books, lead discussions, and even host themed events based on their reading material, further enriching the social experience.
Starting Your Own Book Club
To start a book club, identify fellow residents who are interested in reading. Choose a convenient time and place for meetings, and decide on the first book together. Create a schedule for regular meetings and establish guidelines for discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to participate. To learn more about how to specifically start your own book club at VRS Communities, we made an entire guide, which you can find here.
Organizing a book club involves setting up a comfortable meeting space, providing refreshments, and having a system for selecting books. Rotating the responsibility of leading discussions can keep the group dynamic and engaging.
Book Resources
We are so lucky that in Nanaimo, there are many ways to read and enjoy all kinds of books. Whether you are looking to purchase a brand new book or give a gently used book a second life, there are so many tales just waiting for you to dive right in. Here are some resources we suggest you start with when it comes to looking for a new book:
- Visit our local library. Library cards are free and available for everyone. A library membership not only gives you access to hundreds of different books but also magazines, movie rentals, ebooks, the internet, comfort lounges, the list goes on and on.
- Borrowing from a fellow Lakeside Gardens resident. Try organizing a monthly book trade where each participant swaps a book with a fellow resident, trading with someone new every month to keep things interesting and fair amongst all.
- Order books online. Try ordering from Amazon.ca or Indigo for fast and trusted service directly to your VRS Communities.
Foster Growth with Gardening Groups
Health Benefits of Gardening
Gardening is a physical activity that promotes health and well-being amongst Lakeside Gardens residents. It offers the satisfaction of nurturing plants and enjoying the fruits (or flowers) of one’s labour. Gardening can also reduce stress and improve mood. There are many unique and wonderful benefits of gardening, such as:
- Builds self-esteem
- Improves mental alertness
- Reduces stress
- Hand and wrist muscle-building
- A source of vitamin D
- Reduces blood pressure
There’s also many sensory experiences that are involved for seniors when gardening – touching soil, smelling flowers, and seeing greenery, all of which are extremely beneficial for Lakeside Gardens residents’ emotional health.
Community Building Through Gardening
Gardening groups encourage collaboration and teamwork. Residents of Lakeside Gardens in Nanaimo can share gardening tips, swap plants, and work together on community garden projects. This shared interest creates a sense of community and achievement. Seasonal gardening events in Nanaimo, like planting days or garden tours, provide additional opportunities for social interaction and celebration.
Stay Active with Fitness and Wellness Classes
Importance of Physical Activity
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and vitality. Fitness classes can include activities such as yoga, tai chi, dance, and low-impact aerobics. These exercises improve flexibility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
Social Benefits of Group Fitness
Group fitness classes are not only about exercise but also about social interaction. At Lakeside Gardens, we regularly have organized fitness classes, ranging from chair yoga to tai chi. VRS Communities residents can motivate each other, share their progress, and form friendships through regular participation. Post-class socializing, like enjoying refreshing water or a smoothie together and discussing personal wellness goals, adds a social dimension to physical fitness.
At VRS Communities, our residents can participate in or even organize a variety of hobby clubs and workshops, ensuring that each Lakeside Gardens resident can find something they love. These activities not only keep seniors engaged and mentally stimulated but also provide countless opportunities for social interaction and friendship. By participating in these groups, residents can enjoy their retirement years to the fullest, staying active, connected, and fulfilled. Whether it’s through the creative process of painting, the shared joy of a book club discussion, or the teamwork involved in gardening, these hobbies help seniors build meaningful relationships and enhance their overall well-being.
Call 250.756.0799 to book a tour at Lakeside Gardens today, and see if VRS Communities is right for you or your loved one.