Human Resources

Activities

Seniors can take non-credit classes at SIUE through the Office of Educational Outreach. Visit their website for more information about these classes as well as their other services. The City of Edwardsville also provides many fun and interesting things to do in the community such as senior citizen day trips, Arts in the Park, and outings to the ballpark to name a few. For details, visit the City of Edwardsville website.

Senior Corps enables older adults to remain active participants in the development of their communities. Senior Corps provides programs such as: Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program and Community Project Program (RSVP).

Recreation

Older adults who regularly participate in a variety of activities report feeling an overall sense of physical well-being and mental health, and enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Exercise slows aging, stimulates the brain, keeps muscles mobile and wards off many chronic illnesses (Bean et al., 2004). We have suggested 10 cost-effective and engaging activities for older adults and caregivers that can be done indoors or outdoors throughout the year. It is recommended that you check with your physician to find out what level of physical activity is appropriate for you.

• Golf - Whether it's on an 18-hole golf course or pitch and putt, most times golf requires hand-eye coordination, thinking and a lot of walking.
• Bowling - Indoor bowling or outdoor lawn bowling contributes to balance, coordination and motor skills. It is enjoyed by all ages and abilities. It's a great sport for older adults and their families and friends to get together.
• Swimming - Older adults can stay fit with water aerobics as it's easier on the joints. It increases metabolism and improves cardiovascular health. Other benefits of water aerobics include strength, flexibility and agility. Swimming is a good, full body workout.
• Racquet Sports - Many sport activities involve using a racquet, such as badminton, table tennis, tennis, racquetball and squash. Although racquetball and squash are more vigorous activities, there should be no problems if you have played regularly in the past and are in good health. All racquet sports require skills, techniques, coordination, strength, speed and strategic thinking.
• Softball - Softball is a fun social sport activity for older adults. Whether played competitively or for leisure, it promotes muscular strengthening, hand-eye coordination and endurance.
• Gardening - It's a good form of physical activity. It's therapeutic, helps prevent osteoporosis, and promotes relaxation and stimulation. It requires the use of motor skills such as walking, bending, and stretching.
• Walking - Walking groups often meet in parks or shopping malls. All that is required is dress appropriate for the weather and a good pair of walking shoes.
• Biking - Regular bike riding can reduce arthritis pain, hypertension and depression in seniors. There is low impact on the joints, therefore it is an ideal indoor or outdoor activity.
• Tai Chi Chu'an - Persons who practice Tai Chi often feel refreshed and invigorated. It focuses on the mind and body. It improves balance, mobility, and flexibility; calms the mind; relieves stress; and reduces hypertension.
• Dancing - There are different types of dancing - ballroom dancing, line dancing, square dancing - and its benefits are huge. It can reduce blood pressure, control diabetes, reduce cholesterol levels, maintain stress, and help with weight maintenance.