Fun Senior Fitness at Spring Lake Village, Santa Rosa

Physical activity supports health and well-being for residents of a senior living facility in Santa Rosa, CA, including older adults who face mobility challenges or memory concerns. Active lifestyles help older adults maintain their quality of life. The right balance between movement and enjoyment makes all the difference in encouraging regular participation.

Activities that accommodate different abilities don’t require sacrificing fun. Games give residents arm and leg movement while offering far more enjoyment than traditional exercise classes. 

Gentle activities designed for people with limited mobility can promote movement while bringing smiles and laughter. These thoughtfully designed options respect each person’s capabilities while encouraging physical engagement. Residents at Spring Lake Village can enjoy these activities in a variety of on-campus spaces. You’ll find indoor games and pool fun at the Montgomery Center and can enjoy fresh-air play at the Creekside Patio and outdoor courtyards.

Gentle Sports & Games That Encourage Movement at Spring Lake Village

Frisbee golf with soft disks

Disk golf provides an excellent low-impact activity that helps people maintain flexibility and balance. Lighter-weight disks work best for older players as they require less arm speed yet still deliver satisfying flights. The sport includes walking, which offers cardiovascular benefits with each hole played. Start with a beginner-friendly set that includes:

• A putter for short distances
• A mid-range disk for moderate throws
• A lighter fairway driver for longer shots

Soft, grippy plastic disks work particularly well for people who may have diminished hand strength or arthritis concerns.

Ring toss with large targets

Ring toss games with oversized targets create an accessible challenge that improves hand-eye coordination while fostering social connection. Large 10-inch rings with soft rubber edges make this activity enjoyable, even for those with limited mobility.

Adjust the throwing distance based on individual abilities. The scoring system—middle post worth three points, outer posts worth one point—adds a competitive element that keeps participants engaged.

Saucer slam with foam disks

Saucer slam combines teamwork with gentle physical activity, ideal for people who benefit from social interaction during exercise. One partner tosses the foam disk while the other redirects it toward the goal, fostering communication and cooperation.

Scoring stays straightforward: one point for hitting the outside of the goal, two points for a redirect into the goal and an automatic win for an unassisted goal. The lightweight foam disks work for indoor or outdoor play and the goals fold flat for storage. 

These activities are excellent active senior exercise options that build physical strength, coordination and social connections.

Seated and Wheelchair-Accessible Activities

Seated options provide excellent opportunities for residents to maintain strength, coordination and social connections without standing. These exercise activities for residents in wheelchairs can be implemented with minimal cost while delivering maximum enjoyment for your community.

Fly swat tennis with balloons

This activity, which transforms ordinary fly swatters into tennis racquets and colorful balloons into slow-moving tennis balls, can be set up in the Montgomery Center activity room at Spring Lake Village. The balloons’ unpredictable movement creates excitement as they float along unexpected paths, encouraging players to reach and stretch while remaining seated.

Many communities report success using punch balls instead of regular balloons as they last longer and are less likely to burst. Pool noodles cut in half make excellent alternative racquets that are lightweight and easier for residents to manage.

The benefits extend beyond physical activity—this activity generates genuine laughter as participants work together to keep the balloon afloat. The activity increases heart rate, expands lung capacity and improves eye-hand coordination, which helps keep the brain sharp.

Dice rolling for arm movement

Dice-based exercise routines offer a fun element of chance that keeps residents engaged. Use two different colored dice—one indicating repetitions (2-12) and another representing specific movements like arm circles, marching in place or arm swings.

This format works well in a circle setting where participants take turns rolling the dice and completing the corresponding exercises. For residents with different ability levels, you can easily adapt by:

• Using lower numbers and easier movements for those needing simpler options
• Adding more challenging movements for more capable participants

These accuracy activities develop fine motor skills in a low-pressure environment. They provide residents with cognitive stimulation alongside gentle physical activity.

Beyond Exercise: Social & Physical Wellbeing at Spring Lake Village

The goal extends beyond exercise alone. Residents at Spring Lake Village can enjoy these activities in a variety of on-campus spaces, with group classes or wellness programs such as:

• Gentle Moves
• Strong & Stable
• Functionally Fit
• Buffed & Balanced
• Shine at Nine
• Yoga
• Pilates

The community also offers resident-led Tai Chi, and Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, as well as Fitness & Balance assessments by the Wellness Staff. These thoughtfully designed activities create social connections while supporting physical well-being.

These adaptive sports programs represent one aspect of our commitment to joyful, active living at Spring Lake Village. We believe in helping you maintain your well-being through ongoing Active Aging initiatives that support your mind, body, and spirit. We invite you to call us at (707) 538-8400 to schedule a tour and see wellness in action by taking a look at the Montgomery Center and courtyards during your visit.

FAQs

Q1. What are some enjoyable exercise activities for seniors?

There are many fun options for seniors to stay active, including frisbee golf with soft disks, ring toss with large targets and seated games like fly swat tennis with balloons. These activities provide gentle movement while encouraging social interaction and enjoyment.

Q2. What is considered the most beneficial exercise for seniors?

While there’s no single “best” exercise for all seniors, activities that combine strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness are ideal. Walking, swimming and chair-based exercises are excellent options that can work for different ability levels and provide multiple health benefits.

Q3. How can seniors in wheelchairs participate in fitness activities?

Seniors in wheelchairs can engage in various adapted sports and exercises. Options include seated balloon tennis, dice rolling for arm movements and hook & loop toss games. These activities improve upper body strength, coordination and provide cognitive stimulation.