New Orleans is rightly famous for its vibrant music scene, tasty food, and diverse cultural pursuits. These aspects make the city a good choice for seniors seeking to stay active and engaged during their retirement.
According to studies, staying mentally and physically active isn’t enough, though. Experts recommend a holistic approach to wellness for optimum overall health in seniors.
That’s where senior residents at Summerhouse Vista Shores in New Orleans have a distinct advantage. This community embraces a wealth of wellness activities for adults, both on-site and nearby.
Read on for more information about aging well at this friendly New Orleans assisted living community.
Physical Wellness Activities for Adults
Senior fitness and wellness activities are key for promoting psychological health, especially when there is an outdoor component involved. New Orleans’ mild winters and pleasant fall and spring seasons make the city ideal for indulging in healthy outdoor pursuits, like:
- Walking in Audubon Park
- Water aerobics at West St. Tammany pool
- Walking tours of historic and cultural sights
- Birdwatching at Olmstead Lagoon
- Fishing at Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, and City Park
More active seniors can enjoy a round of golf at TPC Louisiana, City Park, or Audubon Park.
Some indoor physical activities for seniors include:
- Chair Yoga
- Stretching
- Low-impact aerobics
- Dance classes
The YMCA, Ochsner Fitness Center, and New Orleans JCC all offer variations of these exercise classes.
The city also offers many family-friendly activities for enjoying precious time with grandchildren, including:
- Audubon Zoo
- Boat cruises
- Museums and art galleries
- Movies in the park
Social and Emotional Wellness Programs
The city of New Orleans is committed to providing enrichment for older adults, with several organizations offering programs catering specifically to their needs.
These include:
Kinship Senior Center
The Kinship Senior Center is focused on activities for seniors who want to make friends and learn new skills. Their programs include:
- Daily meditation and movement exercises
- Music and Movement classes on Tuesdays
- Share and Support social circle
- Games groups
- Craft and language classes
- Golden Heart Players Theatre Group
- Field trips to local attractions
By partnering with community organizations, Kinship Senior Center can offer diverse opportunities for seniors to stay connected and mentally active.
The YMCA of Greater New Orleans
The ‘Y’ offers a full weekly program of social events and exercise programs designed for seniors. These opportunities for growth and engagement include:
- Day trips
- Social clubs
- Potlucks
Seniors enjoy discounted membership rates at the YMCA, and members of Blue Cross Advantage, Humana Tivity Silver Sneakers, and People’s Health enjoy free access to everything on offer.
Compassion Society Senior Wellness and Enrichment Center
The CCEOC aims to improve elder residents’ quality of life by providing a range of services, including:
- Wellness services
- Nutritional education
- Cultural and social activities
Members have access to:
- Bingo events
- Field trips
- Educational presentations
- Live entertainment
- Monthly birthday socials
- Exercise classes
CCEOC offers supremely affordable memberships and day trips open to everyone over the age of 60.
Nutritional Health for Wellbeing in Older Adults
Changes in appetite are a normal part of aging, yet optimum nutrition becomes even more important as we age. In New Orleans, diverse and flavorful cuisine is in no short supply, with many high-quality restaurants offering meals that appeal to every palate.
Ochsner Health’s Eat Fit program works with over 100 local dining outlets to promote heart-healthy dining while retaining the unique flavors of New Orleans cuisine. Some of the restaurants bearing Eat Fit-accredited meals include:
- Commander’s Palace Restaurant
- Cafe Degas
- Ye Olde College Inn
- Good Bird
- Velvet Cactus
Diners will see the Eat Fit logo alongside the relevant dishes to help guide their choices.
Additionally, there are many organizations, like the CCEOC, that are committed to providing seniors with nutritional advice and guidance, as well as meals if necessary.
While residents at Summerhouse Vista Shores are assured of healthy meals served daily in a restaurant-style environment, they also benefit from cookery classes offered from time to time. These activities help stimulate an interest in meals and a healthy relationship with food.
Wellness Activities at Summerhouse Vista Shores
Located alongside Bayou St. John, Summerhouse Vista Shores is perfectly located for lapping up the enjoyment on offer in New Orleans. The community also offers a host of on-site wellness activities to promote healthy aging among its residents.
All residents have access to the Dimensions Health and Wellness program, comprising the key elements of holistic wellness, namely:
- Emotional
- Intellectual
- Medical
- Physical
- Social
- Spiritual
These senior well-being programs include:
- Worship services
- Customized training sessions
- Games and quizzes
- Social clubs
- Therapy sessions
The Celebrations Events and Activities schedule may include
- TV shows and movies
- Guest lectures
- Live music performances
- Shopping trips
- Visits to local restaurants
- Arts and crafts
In addition, the science-based Shine® Memory Care program caters to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Activities offered under this program include:
- Personalized ‘My Story’ books
- Sensory and relaxing activities
- Dining experiences catering to increased engagement and awareness
- Regular communication with family members
- Non-competitive games
- Purpose-driven activities
All residents enjoy exceptional active aging support from committed, qualified staff who take a profound interest in their well-being. The community is also pet-friendly, so residents enjoy the companionship and health benefits of pet ownership.
Embrace Healthy Aging in LA
Healthy aging in seniors goes far beyond basic healthcare and careful supervision. Holistic wellness is vital for happiness and health in later life, and New Orleans offers abundant opportunities to embrace these activities.
Outdoor and indoor fitness activities, social events, and interesting sites make the city ideal for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement to the fullest while preserving their mental, physical, and emotional health.
At Summerhouse Vista Shores, wellness activities for adults are an important part of our daily routine for both memory care and assisted living residents. These activities not only support healthy aging, but they also allow time for socializing and building a great community spirit.
We would love to show you how we make every day exciting and fulfilling for our residents. Please schedule a tour to experience the fun firsthand.
