Recharging Retirees in Retirement Communities

One of the fun evenings in our community is when I host the Not-so-Newlywed Game. I’ve done this a few times and the residents really enjoy getting to know some of our couples better. It is not a program that I do every year. I like to mix it in to the calendar so that it stays fresh. I also have it based on when there are enough fun and interesting couples to participate. It is very important that those who are participating are quick witted, up-beat people, who the community knows and likes. The residents remember the real Newlywed Game with Bob Eubanks, so I make sure to speak to the couples independently and assure them that the questions will not be anything inappropriate. I explain to them that I do realize that unlike a cruise ship, that I know that they have to see the people in the audience for the rest of their lives and that I would not embarrass them. I find that having four or five couples is perfect in order to make the program move along and stay within the ...

Looking for a good indoor program for your residents this summer? I've done this program with independent living residents two different ways. I will share those ideas with you now. A COLLECTION SHOW  is a great way to have residents share their possessions with the community. There are so many interesting stories that come out of this event! The first time that I hosted this special event, I asked residents to sign up to participate. They needed to tell me what they were bringing and how many card tables or banquet tables they would need. I tried to limit it to one table per person of either size. I then set up a time when the exhibitors could bring their items and get their displays ready. The doors to the event opened shortly afterwards. Residents attending the function walked around to the different tables, looked, touched, asked questions and learned something new about their friends and neighbors. This program went very well, but there were some negatives. The firs...