Victoria Place Encourages Mental Wellness Through Moments of Play

Meaningful moments of play include activities like petting dogs, crafting something colorful, listening to music, and even puzzling through a brain teaser. These activities boost cognitive function and motor skills, all while lowering stress.

Play is as important for adults as it is for kids -- especially since 44% of seniors feel overly stressed, according to the American Institute of Stress.

Here at Victoria Place in Port Townsend, WA, which is 106 miles directly north of Olympia, we put a heavy focus on playful activities to help residents maintain mental peace of mind. We're here to show you what we offer and why these activities can make a huge difference in the quality of your retirement.

Listening to Music

Music lets us tap into playful creativity without the need for anything other than active listening. Our minds are allowed to wander while a beautiful cascade of music guides us to different mental spaces. It also lets us feel a variety of emotions that can spark creativity and mental wellness in seniors.

At Victoria Place, our music guru invites residents to listen to all kinds of music genres. The activity occurs at least once a week, and is a relaxing experience that can heighten your satisfaction with other activities during the rest of the week.

Dog Therapy

Animals play a special role in a vibrant lifestyle. They make us laugh and love, and they require us to give in and play. A mental downward spiral can be broken by the affection of an adorable furry friend. We all need brain breaks from time to time, and dogs are more than happy to provide.

It's for these reasons that Victoria Place is a pet-friendly senior community.

We offer sessions of dog therapy for residents to find that connection with another being, even if they don't have a pet of their own. It's a warm and playful bonding experience you can't quite replicate any other way.

Gaming

Gaming is the heart and soul of finding meaningful moments of play. These activities offer a way to cut loose and enjoy yourself while also finding cognitive balance. You'll work on all kinds of brain-boosting skills without even realizing it, such as:

Memory recall
Spacial memory
Communication
Mobility and strength
Strategy
Making connections
Multitasking

Whether it's a riveting game of Scrabble or a relaxing game of Bingo, gaming creates a bridge between play and learning.

Arts and Crafts

Nothing quite puts your mind into a creative frenzy as much as doing arts and crafts. You'll figure out solutions to problems on the fly while also playing with color and texture.

Our assisted living Arts Center offers residents plenty of opportunities to create new projects, whether on their own or through our guided lessons.

As you work on a variety of arts and crafts projects, you'll soon learn to enjoy the process far more than the result -- although we believe many projects deserve a special spot in your senior apartments, since those finished projects represent freedom and enjoyment.

Brain Teasers

Brain teasers such as trivia questions, puzzles, and riddles can seem like the opposite of a fun time. However, with the right group, even these tricky games can be rewarding and enjoyable.

We put together trivia nights, for example, where seniors work in groups.

It's far more fun to socialize and puzzle out the answer with other residents than to get frustrated on your own. Friendly competition and camaraderie boost the overall experience and make these activities both fun and educational at the same time.

Mindfulness Exercises

It can be difficult to achieve mental wellness if you don't practice mindfulness. These moments of calm can help recenter your emotional state so you can dive more fully into your favorite activities.

Mindfulness exercises also:

Lower stress
Lower anxiety
Prevent depression symptoms
Assist in problem-solving
Improve concentration
Improve confidence and self-reflection

With all of these benefits in their mental toolbox, many seniors find their moments of play and creativity to be more rewarding. They can focus on the enjoyment of the moment instead of their current worries and stressors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Creative Aging?

The idea of creative aging starts with understanding that creative pursuits can lead to enrichment and a sense of fulfillment. While traditional methods such as painting or writing can play a pivotal role in this mindset, they can be intimidating at times.

That's why Victoria Place makes sure to offer plenty of activities and events that allow residents to dive into creative thinking without the fear of "having no talent".

Why Do I Feel Less Creative as I Get Older?

The wealth of age and experience often comes along with a rigid way of thinking. Children don't mind if they create something that's aesthetically wrong or if they say the wrong answer to a trivia question. They only think of the fun they had during the activity.

As adults, those fears can overcome that sense of fun until we're left feeling less creative as a whole.

How to Regain Lost Creativity?

Finding creativity and emotional health for older adults requires you to disconnect that inner critic and allow yourself the freedom to play. Some key ways to boost creativity can also include:

Keeping a dream journal
Watching your favorite movie and analyzing why you love it
Look at art, nature, or other things you find beautiful
Talk with friends and family
Write down any ideas that come to you so you can use them later

Join Victoria Place for a Playful Community That Prioritizes Mental Wellness

If all of the above sounds like what you're looking for in a senior community, then consider making the transition to join us in Port Townsend.

At Victoria Place, we prioritize giving our residents a Vibrant Life® with every activity, service, and event we offer. From fitness groups to crafting clubs, you'll have every opportunity to explore and play every single day. Improve your retirement today by taking advantage of our housekeeping services that'll help keep stress low so you can focus on what matters most.

Hi, I'm here to help