At Vista Shores, seniors living in New Orleans reconnect with their purpose through social programs, amenities that encourage independence, and services that preserve and promote cognitive health. These outcomes are supported by nutritious dining experiences and regular exercise.
New Orleans, one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S., also promotes healthy aging in Louisiana through unmatched arts and culture, a host of city amenities, and opportunities for lifelong engagement.
Did you know that seniors represent 18% of the population in New Orleans, according to Census Reporter? This statistic is the perfect opportunity to discuss community-based support for quality senior care, including communities like Summerhouse Vista Shores.
How Do Activities Benefit Seniors?
It’s important for all individuals to stay mentally and physically engaged, especially throughout the golden years. At the heart of Vista Shores is a robust activities program designed to foster the following outcomes:
- Cognitive health
- Creative and strategic problem-solving
- Social engagement
- Independence
- Communication
According to case studies by Lifetime Arts, seniors who are actively creative show improved mental and physical health, with fewer documented medical visits. Consistent participation also correlates with lower levels of anxiety and depression, according to the studies.
The Celebrations activities and events program maintains a full social calendar, updated monthly with a selection of stimulating activities, from physical exercise to arts and crafts sessions. Activities are held in communal spaces that allow for more social connection, reminding residents they’re on the same journey together.
What Activities Are Good for Seniors?
The monthly social calendar posts daily creative activities to improve residents’ emotional well-being. Scheduled activities are updated from month to month with the following offerings:
- Flower arranging
- Movie viewing parties (and discussions)
- Community theater outings
- Harvest food activities
- Music appreciation
Games and TV watch parties are scheduled daily on the calendar.
Games like Bingo are popular favorites in the community. The calendar also hosts daily watch parties for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Word game enthusiasts love Scrabble nights.
Residents will also discover coffee and conversation hours, which bring seniors together to discuss local topics, national news, and life events. Scheduled sports games, like football and baseball, also bring the community’s sports fans together.
Community outings to grocery stores and department stores, like Walgreens, help residents maintain independence. Restaurant outings are also offered through the Celebrations program, as well as visiting speakers like local artists and educators.
What Types of Physical Exercise Are Good for Seniors?
Vista Shores ensures residents stay active through its Dimensions health and wellness program. The social calendar schedules daily physical exercise sessions, including power exercise and sit-and-fit chair exercise.
Booking a tour also gives you a chance to see these exercise programs in action and to ask important questions about senior activity levels, whether you’re looking for a senior community for yourself or an aging loved one.
You can expect low-aerobic exercise that adapts to varying senior mobility levels, from light walking to exercises that strengthen the upper and lower body. Community outings also keep residents active through walking.
Ask about balance exercises on your tour, like morning stretching classes, which are vital to fall prevention. Senior exercises are designed to promote healthy aging and mobility. The Dimensions program also offers customized workout sessions and wellness guidance.
What Do Seniors Eat In Local Assisted Living?
Residents’ daily nutrition is managed through the community’s Sensations dining program. This program focuses on home-style options made with nutrient-rich ingredients for seniors. All meals are chef-prepared by real culinary professionals.
The Sensations program is also a socially-enriching experience that brings residents together through food. Residents enjoy their meals in a restaurant-style setting complete with tableside service. With all needs taken care of, seniors can focus on both nutrition and social wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Things to Do in New Orleans for Seniors?
A well-rounded senior living approach also includes community outings. Beyond what’s offered through Vista Shores, residents and their families, including senior social groups, can enjoy a myriad of experiences in New Orleans.
Active seniors who don’t mind a little hustle and bustle can always visit the historic French Quarter on a slow day. Turn it into a day trip complete with shopping and a light lunch.
The Garden District really speaks to the senior lifestyle in New Orleans, immersing residents in the city’s lush gardens and landscapes. The streets are lined with oak trees, offering plenty of shade for seniors. It’s the perfect spot for a senior walking tour.
On a garden district tour, you’ll discover Anne Rice’s famous house, as well as the city’s historic mansions.
How Do You Know When It’s Time for Assisted Living?
The decision to move into assisted living may be made by an individual or a family. For example, if you’re a senior and you foresee cognitive decline in the future, you may be considering the advantages of moving into an assisted living community to manage struggles with daily tasks, like housekeeping and meals.
It’s never too early to look ahead to retirement in NOLA. Moving into an assisted living community requires downsizing. These transitions can take a while, especially if you have a lot of belongings; plan for the future by categorizing items for self-storage or donation.
Families may also watch for signs of cognitive or physical decline that can contribute to daily maintenance issues. It’s not uncommon for families to initiate these conversations first. However, there is an art to handling these discussions, especially when it comes to navigating the issue of independence.
Close observation, active listening, and empathy are key to navigating this subject.
Discover Better Senior Living In New Orleans
New Orleans is a wonderful area to spend the golden years, whether you’re planning your own retirement or a comfortable life for a loved one. Review the programs and tips in this guide to make an informed decision about living in New Orleans.
The team at Summerhouse Vista Shores invites you to tour our vibrant senior community and view our programs in person. Learn how our Celebrations, Sensations, and Dimensions programs work together to provide a holistic approach to assisted living wellness. Walk through our cozy suites and apartments to envision a more comfortable future.
Contact us today to book your tour!
