On any given day as you walk through Bethany Retirement Living, you will notice residents engaged in activities and gatherings. Studies have shown that seniors who stay socially active experience a variety of benefits such as increased motivation, positive emotional health, and overall improved cognitive function.
Planned activities are an important part of life at Bethany. Laurie Schnabel, Community Life Director at Bethany on 42nd, says they have a monthly calendar of events to help keep residents active and involved, whether it’s exercising their body or their mind.
Schnabel and her team offer residents exercise classes four days a week. For residents in wheelchairs, arm and leg stretches are encouraged with music to get them moving. During the warmer months, activities are brought outside to enjoy the sunshine. “We are always looking at new items we can use to keep exercising fun so residents want to come back. For example, we often use swimming noodles to hit balloons around. Not only is it good exercise, but it also brings many good laughs. Residents really enjoy the warm days when we bring out the water balloons and they are able to aim at the person teaching the exercise that day,” says Schnabel.
In addition to physical exercise, the staff at Bethany also offers mental exercises such as trivia, puzzles, bingo, bible study, crafts, baking, concerts and socials. Residents can take advantage of outings off-campus such as shopping, restaurants, lake time, casinos, baseball games and other activities they suggest.
Being active and maintaining your fitness helps you stay well as you age. “When residents don’t stay active we see depression, loneliness, memory loss and more aches and pains from not moving. We often say to residents ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’” says Schnabel.
With the various exercises and activities planned each month, there is sure to be something for everyone. Bethany Retirement Living is committed to personalizing the experience and care, so residents can reside, relax, and rehab in a community voted “Best Retirement Community” in the Red River Valley seven years in a row!