The Heart of Heritage

Honoring the Pioneer Spirit at BeeHive Homes of New Mexico

In the sun-drenched desert landscapes and mountain valleys of New Mexico, the spirit of the pioneers still whispers in the wind. It lives in the stories passed down at kitchen tables, in the quiet strength of our elders, and in the hands and hearts of the caregivers who rise each day with a calling—not just to work, but to give.

At BeeHive Homes of New Mexico, that pioneer spirit is more than just history—it’s the heartbeat of everything we do.

Rooted in Heritage, Raised by Empathy

Our homes are built on generations of values. In a state where family and tradition are everything, BeeHive Homes was founded by people who believe caring for others is both a responsibility and a privilege. Many of our owners and caregivers are lifelong New Mexicans, raised on the stories of grandparents who tilled the land, built their homes by hand, and looked out for neighbors like kin.

That same neighborly spirit now shapes how we care for every resident.

We know that stepping into assisted living can feel like stepping into the unknown—but here, it’s more like coming home. The warmth of our caregivers, the smell of green chile stew in the kitchen, the laughter from the activity room—it all ties back to a way of life that respects hard work, values wisdom, and believes in walking beside each other.

The BeeHive Spirit: Giving Without Hesitation

Ask anyone at BeeHive Homes what makes our care different, and they’ll tell you: it’s the people.

Our team doesn’t just clock in. They show up—with open hearts, ready hands, and a willingness to do what’s needed, no matter the time or task. That’s the BeeHive way. Whether it’s sitting quietly with a resident who misses home, celebrating a birthday with homemade cake, or checking in on family members who need support—we give, without hesitation.

Because that’s how we were raised. Because it’s what New Mexico taught us. And because we believe in the sacred trust of caring for another person’s parent, spouse, or grandparent.

A Legacy We’re Proud To Continue

Our homes across New Mexico—whether in Albuquerque, Clovis, Farmington, or Roswell—are filled with echoes of the past and hope for the future. Many of our residents are pioneers themselves: veterans, ranchers, teachers, healers. Their stories inspire us. Their courage humbles us. And their trust fuels our commitment.

Every day, we carry their legacy forward by offering care that’s not just professional—but personal. Not just skilled—but kind.

Come See the Spirit in Action

At BeeHive Homes of New Mexico, we aren’t just caregivers. We’re neighbors. We’re family. We’re part of a living legacy that honors where we’ve come from and pours heart into where we’re going.

If you’re looking for a place where your loved one will be seen, known, and cared for with the deep-rooted values of our shared heritage, we invite you to visit one of our homes. Come feel the warmth. Come witness the giving spirit. Come find the place where home still feels like home.

Call your local BeeHive Home today or explore our website to learn more.

Finding Care That Feels Like Home

When it comes to finding the right senior care in New Mexico, families are faced with more than just logistics—they're looking for peace of mind. They want to know their loved one is safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. And while many large senior living facilities may promise luxury or scale, they often miss the one thing that matters most: a place that feels like home.

That’s where BeeHive Homes comes in.

Why BeeHive Homes Is Different

At BeeHive Homes, our approach to senior living is simple: smaller homes, bigger hearts. Each of our homes is designed to feel just like that—a real home. With fewer residents, personalized care, and a cozy environment, your loved one receives the attention and companionship they deserve every single day.

From home-cooked meals to meaningful conversations with caregivers who know their name and their story, BeeHive Homes creates a lifestyle that feels safe, supported, and personal.

What Kind of Support Does BeeHive Offer?

At BeeHive Homes, we understand that every family uses different words when searching for the right kind of help. Whether you’re looking for senior living, senior care, or elderly care, we’re here to meet your loved one where they are.

Care You Can Count On, Close to Home

BeeHive Homes offers several assisted living locations throughout New Mexico, each one committed to compassionate, high-quality care in a homelike setting.

BeeHive Homes of ABQ-West

Visit ABQ-West - Located on the scenic west side of Albuquerque, this home is known for its strong sense of community and peaceful surroundings.

BeeHive Homes of Volcano Cliffs

Visit Volcano Cliffs - With beautiful views and a warm, caring team, this home combines comfort with dignity and support.

BeeHive Homes of Taylor Ranch

Visit Taylor Ranch - Residents here enjoy a calm, residential environment, engaging activities, and caregivers who truly feel like extended family.

BeeHive Homes of Edgewood

Visit Edgewood - Nestled in a quieter, more rural area, this home provides personalized care in a serene setting—perfect for those who prefer a slower pace.

Welcome Home

Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily living, support with memory care, or just a cozy, caring place to live, BeeHive Homes is here. We make the transition to senior living easier—for everyone.

Because to us, this isn’t just care. It’s family. It’s home.

Living History & Heartfelt Care

Nestled among the gentle slopes of Douglas County with panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies, Parker, CO is more than a scenic town — it’s a place where heritage meets heart. Known for its small-town charm and rich Western roots, Parker’s story mirrors the values that define BeeHive Homes of Parker: personal attention, strong community, and compassionate care.

From its days as a stagecoach stop to its current status as a family-focused town near the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, Parker is an ideal setting for those seeking meaningful connection and high-quality assisted living in Parker, CO.

A Look Back: The Founding of Parker

The foundation of Parker began in the 1860s when gold rush travelers followed the Cherokee Trail across Colorado. In 1864, Alfred Butters built a simple cabin and general store to serve them, known as the Pine Grove Way Station. This early hub gave rise to the town we now call Parker.

With the extension of the Denver and New Orleans Railroad in 1882, Parker flourished into a growing agricultural and commercial community. The town was renamed after James S. Parker, who helped bring the railroad to the area and became its postmaster.

Today, the town’s historic downtown district and landmarks like the 17 Mile House Farm Park stand as tributes to its pioneer spirit—a spirit that continues at places like BeeHive Homes, where each resident’s story is honored with dignity and care.

Parker’s Natural Beauty & Community Spirit

Surrounded by open space, trails, and scenic views, Parker boasts a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Local favorites like Rueter-Hess Reservoir offer outdoor recreation while maintaining a peaceful environment perfect for senior living.

This balance makes Parker an ideal place for seniors seeking a calm, yet connected lifestyle. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the mountains or enjoying a walk with visiting family, life at BeeHive Homes of Parker reflects the town’s deep sense of place.

BeeHive Homes: Where Elderly Care Feels Like Home

Our beautiful BeeHive Home in Parker Colorado at sunset

Located at 11765 Newlin Gulch Blvd, BeeHive Homes of Parker isn’t just another senior living option, it’s a warm, family-style residence built on the values that define Parker itself: community, trust, and care.

With only 16 private rooms, BeeHive offers a cozy environment where residents receive personalized support for activities of daily living (ADLs): including bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

Each room is thoughtfully designed for comfort and accessibility, and residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture, photos, and mementos to make it feel truly like home.

️ Dining, Activities & Daily Life That Feels Meaningful

Mealtimes at BeeHive are more than just nourishment... they’re gathering times, filled with conversation, warmth, and fresh, home-cooked meals. Whether it’s breakfast with mountain views or celebrating a birthday with loved ones, we create moments that matter.

Residents enjoy a wide range of senior living activities from games and crafts to music and fitness. This not only supports physical well-being but fosters social connection and emotional health, vital for aging with joy and purpose.

Serving More Than Just Parker

While located in Parker, BeeHive Homes proudly serves surrounding neighborhoods such as Auburn Hills, Stonegate, Meridian Village, Antelope Heights, and nearby communities like Castle Rock and Centennial. Whether you're looking for respite care Parker families trust or full-time elderly care Parker CO, our doors are open.

And thanks to our proximity to Children’s Lighthouse daycare and Lutheran High School, families of all ages feel right at home when visiting their loved ones.

️ Peace of Mind for Every Stage of Life

Our care model is flexible; residents can often remain with us through end-of-life, avoiding stressful transitions and giving families peace of mind. Our high staff-to-resident ratio ensures that each individual receives the attention, care, and respect they deserve.

We also offer respite care for family caregivers needing temporary support, including furnished rooms, full access to services, and short-term flexibility.

Discover the BeeHive Difference in Parker

BeeHive Homes of Parker stands as a modern extension of the town’s values: neighborliness, independence, and heartfelt care. We invite you to come and experience our community firsthand, where history lives on and every resident is treated like family.

Schedule a tour today at 11765 Newlin Gulch Blvd, Parker, CO
Call us at (303) 752-8700
Visit our website to learn more

Honoring Heroes: A Memorial Day Reflection

Memorial Day holds a sacred place in the hearts of our BeeHive Homes families across New Mexico. It's a time to pause in reflection and honor the brave souls who gave everything for the freedoms we cherish.

A Legacy That Lives On

Originally known as "Decoration Day," Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a time to honor Union soldiers by decorating their graves. Over time, its scope expanded to commemorate all American military personnel who died in service. The name "Memorial Day" became more common after World War II and was declared the official name by federal law in 1967 .

Sharing Stories from the Heart

Throughout Memorial Day week, our residents and staff come together to share powerful memories. A daughter remembers her father's quiet strength. A husband speaks of the brother he lost. These stories don’t just echo history—they bring it home. Around the table and in quiet corners, voices fill our homes with remembrance and pride.

Honoring Through Tradition

We celebrate Memorial Day through meaningful activities that bring residents and staff together. Patriotic crafts brighten our spaces. Special meals echo picnic-style favorites from years past. Residents help decorate with American flags, placing each one with intention and care. These simple traditions carry profound meaning.

A Moment of Unity

At 3 PM on Memorial Day, all BeeHive Homes observe the National Moment of Remembrance. We stand together in silence—honoring every life lost, every family forever changed. It's a moment of stillness, but also one of deep connection across generations and communities.

Gratitude in Every Detail

At BeeHive Homes, “home” means more than comfort. It’s where we preserve legacies, cherish stories, and hold gratitude at our core. On Memorial Day—and every day—we remember not just with words, but with the way we live, care, and love.

As we reflect this Memorial Day, may we carry forward not just the memory of our heroes, but the responsibility to live with gratitude, to care deeply, and to honor legacies in all we do.

Why BeeHive Homes Makes Assisted Living Easy

When the time comes to find the right care for a loved one, the decision can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you choose a place that feels like home? At BeeHive Homes, we believe that assisted living in New Mexico should be simple, compassionate, and comforting—for both residents and their families. Here’s why BeeHive Homes is the next best place to home, making everything else easy.

A Homelike Community, Not Just a Facility

Unlike large, impersonal assisted living facilities, BeeHive Homes offers small, family-style residences across New Mexico—from Alamogordo to Santa Fe. Each location, like BeeHive Homes of Four Hills or BeeHive Homes of Roswell, is designed to feel warm and familiar. With personalized care tailored to each resident, it’s no wonder families call us “the next best place to home.” Whether your loved one needs assisted living, memory care, or respite care, our homelike settings provide comfort and connection every day.

Clear Pricing, No Surprises

One of the biggest worries families face when exploring senior living in New Mexico is cost. At BeeHive Homes, we take that stress away with clear, transparent pricing. No hidden fees, no unexpected add-ons—just straightforward information so you can plan with confidence. Whether you’re looking at assisted living care in Clovis or memory care near me in Hobbs, we’re here to make the financial side as easy as the emotional one.

A Seamless Transition to Care

We know moving to an assisted living facility can feel like a big step. That’s why our seamless admission process is designed to lift the burden off your shoulders. From the moment you reach out to BeeHive Homes of Rio Rancho or BeeHive Homes of Farmington, our team handles the details with care and kindness. We’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your loved one’s transition is smooth and welcoming—so they feel at home from day one.

Compassionate Care Around the Clock

At the heart of BeeHive Homes is our commitment to compassionate, 24/7 care. Whether it’s memory care in Albuquerque or respite care in White Rock, our caregivers are more than staff—they’re family. They’re there to assist with daily needs, share a smile, and offer peace of mind for families. Aging gracefully becomes easier when you know your loved one is surrounded by people who genuinely care.

Tailored Options Across New Mexico

With locations throughout the state, BeeHive Homes makes it easy to find senior care near you. Need memory care in Deming? Short-term respite care in Gallup? Assisted living in Enchanted Hills? We’ve got you covered. Each BeeHive Homes location offers a unique blend of services to meet your family’s needs, all delivered with the same warmth and dedication.

Peace of Mind for Every Family

Choosing BeeHive Homes means choosing peace of mind. Our small communities foster lasting relationships—between residents, caregivers, and families. It’s a place where stories are shared, laughter fills the air, and everyone feels like they belong. For families across New Mexico searching for elderly care or a senior care community, we’re here to make the journey simpler and more meaningful.

Ready to See the BeeHive Difference?

At BeeHive Homes, we’re proud to offer assisted living, made simple. From our homelike environments to our clear pricing and heartfelt caregiving, we’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way. Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a tour at a BeeHive Homes location near you—like BeeHive Homes of Portales or BeeHive Homes of Bernalillo. Let us show you why we’re the easy choice for assisted living in New Mexico.

Home Away From Home

Assisted Living Facilities may become an alternative as we age.  It isn’t easy to find a place suitable for the needs of your family or loved one when they become unable to totally care for themselves. These facilities offer many advantages for a person who feels depressed or needs help with daily activities.  Several different types of homes exist, but you would want to check out the needs of the patient and the advantages of each facility before signing a contract for your loved ones.  Not all are alike, so let’s examine how to find the right one.  It depends on how healthy or active the person is.  Are they active and over 55?  It’s important to consider if you have dementia/Alzheimer’s or any other condition that might require special attention. Or, you may just be looking for an amazing place to live?

There are several different facilities, according to the needs of the resident, which offer activities to suit their needs.  Activities consist of daily exercises, shopping trips, music performance, cooking demos, manicures, bowling, volley ball and golf.  Activities and special events are normally planned on a week to week basis.   There are movie nights and trips to the store.  Their vehicles are equipped for wheel chair patients and supervised by attendants who assist with physically challenged residents.

If you are able to cook and do things for yourself, you may want an Active 55 or independent living facility.   Some places offer 1 and 2 bedroom suites.   These come with many amenities, and are often fully equipped with washer and dryer, granite countertops, central air, walk-in closets, and covered parking.   Residents can enjoy an amenity package that includes a barbeque area, beautiful courtyard and fountain, fire place, resident lounge. Some have a café, full service hair and nail salon, library and genealogy center, game room, fitness center and more.

There are other community resources and people who volunteer to consult  residents about elderly challenges and issues such as Medicare, Social Security, Wills and Insurance.  Some volunteer organizations ask permission for their members to visit with residents and read to them or write letters for them.  .

 

MEMORY UNITS – These units have Caregivers to be with the residents and watch over them.  These facilities offer many advantages for a person who needs help with daily activities.  Special meals are prepared and brought into the Unit.   Aids (CNAs) are with the residents at all times and assist with bathing, comforting, and checking on them often to see that their daily needs are met.  They even play games and help with small tasks for the mentally impaired.  The nurses check vital signs and administer medication, and there is usually a doctor who comes in when needed.

18 Activities for Senior Citizens Pt. 2

  If you have somehow found this article without reading Part 1, you may want to go back and read through the introduction.  You'll find helpful information there to spur your own creative thoughts on this subject and give you the “why” behind the projects that I've highlighted here.  I hope you find at least a couple of useful activities in this 2 part list as you seek to encourage those you care for and give them new goals to reach and life to live!

10. Another option is to consider clay as a very forgiving activity.  Having a sculptor come to give lessons is not out of the question, or perhaps consider a video tutorial.  Clay can be squished and re-made countless times as a person seeks the form they would like.  If they are so inclined, they could practice on malleable clay & then purchase another type of clay for baking into a final project that they might find useful.  There are even colorful clay-like materials that can be baked and made into erasers! 

11.  Food sculpture is a great way of increasing fruit and vegetable intake as well as engaging the whole person. Learning how to carve radishes and cucumbers and eating their mistakes will be enjoyable and funny.  Their final product could be presented at a group meal for all to enjoy.

12.  Lighting or clockwork might be of interest to some senior citizens who are even mildly mechanically inclined.  This could also serve a practical purpose if they need a bit of extra light in a corner of their room to make a cozy reading or listening area.  Materials to make lamps are incredibly variable, but all lamps have very basic “guts” inside.  Clockworks, likewise have very basic parts and their faces can be as varied as the people making them!

13.  A very practical class on making your own hygiene products might be interesting to certain individuals.  Making toothpaste pellets or tooth powder, lotions that are effective for aging skin, nourishing, non-drying deodorants with beneficial essential oils, salves, & etc. encourages the use of all of the senses, except perhaps taste! 

14.  Learning slight of hand or card tricks to share with young visitors might encourage someone to reach out in a new way to forge a friendship.  It also engages the mind as you try to master some of these things while watching yourself in the mirror!

15.  Balloon twisting, likewise has great potential for helping them connect with a young generation and perhaps even teach them how to twist balloons.  It is incredibly easy on arthritic hands and great fun for all involved.

16.  Leather work of heavier or thinner leather employs many faculties, as well as being a useful and creative outlet.  Consider belts, wallets, camera/phone pouches or even smaller projects like photo frames and bracelets.

17.  Book binding is incredibly fun for all ages.  Learning the basics of book stitching will then enable people to bind together several things that are meaningful to them, whether they be postcards from their travels, notes taken over a course of years but placed into different notebooks that they want to bind together as one, or even to make their own bound book of scratch paper or recipes.

18.  Finally, soft metal work or punching.  Many people enjoy this old time skill.  Punching a bit of tin or other thin sheet metal to let light through a lantern or let air into a cabinet may still have useful applications, though it will mostly be for decorative use these days.  Create a candle sconce that has punched tin, or perhaps even a framed piece. Perhaps create several panels for a box or cabinet or as the backing on a bookshelf.  The cabinetwork itself may be beyond the scope of ability for the person in your care, but the tin punching may not be.

  Be sure as you mull over all of these ideas to keep the person/persons you are working with in mind.  If they aren't able to do the full project, can they do parts of it?  Do they have certain aversions or disabilities that will make it impossible to accomplish the task with joy?  The intent is not to frustrate, but to give them new things to think about, new ideas to try & a feeling of pride in their newfound skill and craftsmanship.  After all, how many times when we are young do we say, “I'd love to do that when I have more time...”?  It is a difficulty in life that when we have all kinds of strength and ability we have very little time.  When we have more time, our strengths and abilities decrease.  I'm sure that this behooves us to develop patience with ourselves, but it can be frustrating.  If someone you are working with is getting frustrated by their lack of strength or dexterity, gently encourage them that the project need not be finished quickly, but well & that they can do it in increments that are fitting for their current ability.  In all things, enjoy yourselves!

18 Activity Ideas For Senior Citizens Pt.1

  All of us need activity.  From the smallest child to the oldest adult, our bodies urge us to move after a time.  As we age our joints become stiff and painful if we are stationary for too long, in front of a television, for instance.  It is good to change positions and do something else for a time.  Planning activities into our day can help alleviate some of our muscle and joint pain and rigidity.  But it has far more benefits than this.  It can also give our minds something to look forward to. Anticipating what we'll spend our time on during this particular day that has been given to us is just as important as the activity itself because it engages our mental faculties in new ways of problem solving, as well as future planning.  It also gives us the chance to create and possibly express to others our love through the gifts that we make. The idea that it's important for our bodies to have something to do, our minds to have something to think about and our hearts to have something or someone to love in order to nourish the entire person throughout the day was proposed by an educator in the 1800's named Charlotte Mason.  She was correct, of course. If we set up our days in this way with: 1. Something to do 2. Something to think about 3. Something or Someone to love, we'll find that we're never bored and always moving forward. 

  Activities, especially in a long term care facility can be challenging to come up with.  Many of the suggestions online are for crafty projects that are not terribly useful or beautiful to look at.  Yet, most people of older generations lived their lives with a great appreciation for the useful.  Any kind of activity that we propose, then, should have some thought for its usefulness in mind.  It will be regarded with more interest and valued more if it is proposed in this way.  This is not to say that sometimes silliness is necessary to lighten the mood, but oftentimes silliness is something that happens spontaneously and cannot be planned, which is a large part of the fun!  Also note that the people in our care are much older than we are and can easily recognize when they are being given, “busy work”.  No one wants their time to just be idled away without value.  If we're going to make a craft, then, let it be beautiful, useful or helpful to someone.  If we are going to do a game, let it be well planned.  If we are going on an outing, let it be interesting.  Employ the mental faculties at the same time as the physical ones in order to have a much more rewarding activity.  Also strive to employ different senses as you plan activities.  The sense of smell, touch, taste, hearing & seeing are all at our disposal to engage those we care for in a more meaningful way.

  With these things in mind, here are a few unique activities that you may not have thought of to do with patients, clients or your elderly loved one. 

  1. Make potting soil mixes.  Many people pot pretty plants with senior citizens.  Buying all of that potting mix can get expensive.  It is much more economical to make your own potting soil mixture. Especially in a long term care facility, the ability to make potting soil is valuable.  It employs several senses and engages gross motor, as well as fine motor skills.  It also employs a good deal of mental acuity without being too fussy as ratios are used between different ingredients, but it is a forgiving media!
  2. Grow herbs for tea or for cooking.  Even in an indoor space with less than stellar lighting, herbs can be grown.  Planting seeds, checking for lighting conditions and setting up a lighting system where necessary, and caring for the seedlings takes a good bit of time & mental activity. Solving problems and watching newness each day gives hope.
  3. Make herb mixes or tea sachets.  Whether using the herbs that they've grown or store-bought ones, making herb mixes or tea bags to give as gifts can be a great activity.  It will engage the sense of smell, taste and use fine motor skills.  Figuring out loved ones that might appreciate these things as gifts is another great way to open their heart to the outside world.
  4. Working with wood.  I do not mean that you should get out the table saw for your activity time in the senior center, but think about crafts that can be made using wood as a texture. Wood is a quality material to work with, and also has the benefit of smelling amazing!  Final sanding can be done by most elderly.  Painting can also be done.  If you find a project that has selling potential, consider whether they might like to be involved in producing it for a fundraiser for something in the community.  Let them know that their impact on the world is not diminished just because their bodies are aging. 
  5. If you must use paper for crafts, consider an older craft like Paper Sloyd to make useful items out of paper.  Choose heavier paper that can still be folded and cut easily.  Making key tags or labels, small baskets to hold their items or even a frame for a favorite print might be an enjoyable pastime for some.
  6. Glass beads for garlands or sun catchers are always a good idea.  Light is so important & being able to watch it pass through colored glass and dance around the room is cheering to most people.  Making a garland or sun catcher using several materials can make it more visually attractive.  Consider including driftwood to add a natural element. 
  7. Pebble art has become popular in recent years.  Taking pebbles or small smooth stones to make figures of people or animals can be very entertaining.  Making them into scenes engages the imagination and sometimes the memory.  Treat the final projects with respect by being sure they are matted and framed.  Consider having a favorite quote or verse added to the masterpiece to make it a keepsake.
  8. If writing has become laborious, and they are no longer able to write out recipes, have them consider making customized watercolor paper recipe cards.  Their loved ones can then print or write favorite family recipes onto the cards and still have a reminder of them whenever they use it.
  9. If crocheting and knitting is too painful on arthritic hands, but a person really enjoys working with yarn and similar textiles, consider whether weaving may be an option.  Woven tops for throw pillows & even woven rugs are trending and in high demand.  They would be appreciated as gifts.  

There are plenty of amazing projects out there and the variations are only limited by our own creativity!   Find more ideas for useful projects next week on the blog!

Local Events to Get You Out & About

The long, dog days of summer are upon us.  The intense heat can make it difficult to get outside and be involved in things going on, even though the options are generally more plentiful at this time of year.  But, please remember, no matter what your age, it is important to be involved in the things going on in your community.  Seeing aging citizens active and involved gives a sense of stability to the younger population.  Being involved with them gives them hope for the future, and you just may find that it gives a bit of joy back to you as well!

Activities are varied throughout the country, but most communities have certain events that are annually put on within their community that you can attend, or even help to put on!  I’ll start with some that are available throughout the country & then give you some ideas to find more near you.

  1. Farmer’s markets. Almost every small town in America has markets where local farmers and gardeners go to sell their produce.  These vendors love to talk with people.  Becoming friends with them is easy and it if you’re eating their produce, you’ll become healthier at the same time! Plan a morning to go and walk or wheel around your local market, even if you’ve never been there before.  Pick up some food or a bouquet of cut flowers to put on your table!

  1. Community gardens. Many of the larger towns in the United States also have community gardens with plots available.  Rent a plot that you can cultivate.  It is better if you can rent it with someone else that can help you in the garden in order to spend some quality time with them in nature.  Chances are good that you’ll run into people while you’re working in your plot and make new acquaintances while you’re growing your meal!
  2. Reading programs. Public libraries all across the country offer reading programs that are not just for children.  Our library offers a summer reading program for children and a winter reading program for adults.  The program includes specific types of books to read, but also specific activities to attend.  Oftentimes these programs are linked with a class that they’re offering or a local author coming to speak.  Being involved in these programs will help you to interact in your community, but they may also turn you on to a new genre of book that you’ve never read before, or a new hobby that you’ve never tried.  We recently had a wire-working class offered in our library and the end products look amazing!
  3. County fairs. Throughout the country, county fairs take place.  They are great ways to get out and find many new people and interests.  Plan to walk around, but to take breaks at benches and picnic tables to rest.  Eat some of the amazing food in the food trucks.  Visit the various buildings.  If they offer a list for open entries, take the list and look over it closely.  Perhaps there are things listed that you could enter next year to win ribbons and money.
  4. Community education classes. Oftentimes communities will put out little booklets of classes that are offered throughout the year in their area.  Some classes require payment for materials and some are free.  All of them offer you a chance for interaction and to learn something new!
  5. Swimming or other exercise classes may be available in some areas at the local pool or fitness center. They often have fitness classes that are geared specifically for senior citizens.
  6. Art guilds will sometimes offer classes to beginners to get them interested in that particular type of handicraft.
  7. Church functions. These are an ongoing thing in most churches and there are almost always groups of older people within the congregation that will organize some of their own activities or even outings.
  8. Community theater. If you’re too shy to go onstage and audition, attending their performances will be a big boon to you and to the actor and actresses!
  9. Parades, block parties & special days. Many areas have different things that they celebrate within their community.  If yours has these things, find ways that you can get involved. Tell your son that you want to take you antique car through at the next parade.  Offer to sit at a table for promoting a certain business or cause that has one set up. You’ll meet many people in this way.

The things to do are almost endless, especially in summer.  Winter-time events are a little sparser, but might also include holiday parties, fundraising events, indoor fairs, etc.  Keep your eyes open all year long for things in which you could be involved.  Think about how you could contribute your time to help.

How to Make Your Senior Citizen Center Come Alive!

Senior centers are common entities all throughout the United States. They have been in place for decades & act as a great place for senior citizens to bridge the gap between retirement and old age. Studies have shown that people who are regular patrons of the senior centers in their area are healthier physically, mentally, emotionally & financially.  Most senior centers are funded locally, by people in the community, but some also get state and federal funding or grant monies in order to keep them viable.

The atmosphere of senior care centers is as widely diverse as the people that attend them.  Some are full of life already, and have loads of activities all throughout the day, as well as great-tasting, healthful food and informative talks.  Others are just barely holding on by a thread and only offer the bare bones necessities when it comes to food and entertainment.  Find out what the senior citizen center in your area is like, and then commit to making a difference where you are.

The ratio of men to women at senior citizen centers is widely in favor of women, but in speaking with an elderly woman that attends her senior center regularly, she indicated that men are not altogether out of the loop. “Those older gentlemen really do appreciate getting their meals cooked for them…well, we ladies like getting ours cooked for us too, for that matter!” And meals are a huge part of what senior citizen centers do.  They prepare meals daily for the elderly in their area.  The seniors sign up for the meals that they’ll buy, and the cooks make sure there is a meal waiting for them.

But while eating is a large part of what goes on at senior citizen centers across the nation, it is not the only thing that happens there.   You might say that the food gives people an excuse to get together, but it is a small part of what keeps them coming back every week.  If people were only looking to be fed, they could order appetizers from a restaurant and do just as well.  Senior citizen centers, however, offer much more than food.  They offer community.  And community is hard to find these days.  While you’re visiting your local senior community center, if you find that there are not as many activities or classes as you’d like, offer some ideas to the activity’s director.  It might be that he/she is wearing many hats and trying to get funding for the endeavor is crowding out time to organize events.  Be open, be vibrant & be a part of the change.

Activities that are common in senior citizen centers are quilting, cards & talks. Sometimes, however, finding things that are newer and exciting can be quite challenging!  Offer to ask your great niece or nephew if they’d come to share their musical talent.  See about your old neighbor and find out if their son is still doing physical therapy.  Maybe he could come and do a talk about posture & therapies that could help with common elderly complaints.  If you know someone in dance school, ask if they’d perform for your group.  Start a painting class if you’re an artist.

One place that I’ve been has weekly story-telling session.  A person can prepare a story of their own to share, or they can bring a story that they’ve recently read that they think others will enjoy.  This might require a bit of effort on the part of the storyteller to come prepared to speak in front of others, but it is not costly, nor does it require a lot of coordination.

Other creative ideas include sculpture classes, free form with clay.  Sculpting ornaments from clay or applesauce/cinnamon around Christmastime.  You could also do fruit sculptures in order to make centerpieces for another event the same day.  Think about the things you’ve done in the past using different mediums.  In the spring, you could sculpt garden sculptures to place in outdoor areas around the senior center or at people’s apartment buildings.

If it’s painting, consider classes that will award the winners with a spot on your gallery wall at the center.  Or think about things that could be painted for utilitarian purposes.  Do the walls need to be painted?  Or cabinet doors?  Are there fixtures that need a face-lift?  Let people know that a certain day will be a face-lift day for the building and create a sense of ownership and community by letting them be involved.  Even if they can’t physically help, they can serve coffee or lemonade to those who are helping.

Play cards, but also have a magician come in and teach some slight of hand tricks that the patrons can use to amaze their great-grandchildren or other neighborhood children to help bridge the gap between the generations.  Or invite the neighborhood children to attend the event, as well.  The patrons and the neighborhood children will have an equally enjoyable time trying out their new skills on one another!

If you are running out of ideas, think of one thing, “crochet” for instance, then think of many ways to apply it.  A crocheting class is great, but what if it involved a different medium than yarn?  What if you found a way to use plastic bags for a better purpose than filling the landfills and instead crocheted them into something else useful?  When you start looking at things in an open-ended way, you’ll find that you come up with far more ideas than you’ll have time to implement.

Involving nature studies of some kind is another important thing that gets overlooked.  Oftentimes, because these events are held within doors and in towns or cities, seniors can become cut off from nature.  Even holding classes and bringing in specimens to discuss can help bolster discussion and discovery.

So, attend, volunteer, help come up with ideas and resources that will make your senior center an active, vibrant part of your community!