Walking Clubs

Walking is a simple exercise to start, but it offers powerful benefits. A few examples include improved sleep, heart health and mental well-being, according to many scientific studies. The grounds of LifeStream at North Phoenix feature walking paths to help our residents reap these benefits for themselves. Going in a group is an excellent way to make exercise fun through social interaction. You can talk, laugh and even pray with your partners. Taking part as a group also helps you stay motivated to stick to your goals.

Gardening Clubs

A popular hobby among all age groups, gardening is a fun intergenerational activity. Gardening communities are a valuable resource of information and tricks of the trade. Many times, members also swap seeds and cuttings, which allows seniors to try out new plants.

A versatile hobby, it extends beyond personal enjoyment. You can donate flowers, vegetables and fruits grown to local organizations and families. The experience you gain can also come in handy if you choose to help out in the local parks and community gardens around Phoenix.

Volunteering

Besides lending your green thumb to good causes, you may wish to consider teaching other skills you possess to area youth or your peers. Volunteering offers many ways to connect and engage socially. Besides mentoring, you can:

• Read to children
• Coach youth sports
• Visit with nursing home residents
• Deliver Meals on Wheels routes

Volunteering helps connect you to like-minded individuals and potential friendships. You and your loved ones can also use volunteering to strengthen your bonds. Teaming up with friends and family offers the opportunity to spend time together working on meaningful projects.

Church Activities

Seniors of faith have a second family to socialize with in the Body of Christ. Engagement doesn’t have to stop after Sunday services, however. Believers can connect through potlucks, Bible studies and prayer meetings throughout the week.

Starting your own group is an excellent way to bring visitors into your home. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to start an impactful study. Many study guides are available, as well as online resources, that can help nurture thought-provoking discussions.

Game Nights

Game nights are a regular addition to activity calendars in senior living communities such as ours. Residents gather with neighbors for card games, jigsaw puzzles and traditional board games. Many of these games, including chess, bridge and Scrabble, offer healthy cognitive challenges that can sharpen your mental abilities.

Games make excellent icebreakers for new members of the community and shy or introverted individuals. Instead of having to focus entirely on making conversation, players can use the game to help them relax and enjoy connecting with others.

Local Hangouts

You don't have to travel far to find more social events in North Phoenix, AZ. Adult sports, such as pickleball and softball, allow you to join a team and play with your peers in city parks. Public libraries, such as the Juniper Library, host regular craft lessons and book discussions. There are also 15 senior centers where you can try your hand at card games, exercise classes and educational opportunities.