At Crystal Care Collection, we believe person-centred care starts with listening. That in mind, we asked residents across England and Wales which activities in our daily timetables they most enjoyed and made them happy.
Their answers gave a clear picture of which activities make a difference day-to-day, and the results might not be what you’d expect…
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Music and Singing
Nearly a quarter of the responses we received from our care home residents mentioned musical activities and singing groups. Not only does music act as a social connecter, encouraging people to come together, it also has some great physical and emotional benefits.
- Exercising the lungs: When we sing, we breathe deeply (especially when we need to hit those high notes), which in turn increases our lung capacity and improves our breathing.
- Improved Fitness: Whether it’s a simple toe tap in your chair or doing the Twist across the room, dancing improves, physical fitness, muscle strength, mobility, and coordination.
- Sentimental values: Music can unlock powerful memories, helping residents recall moments from their past and encouraging conversation.
- Sense of Community: Group singalongs and choir sessions bring residents together, creating and strengthening bonds across different friendship groups, generations, and abilities.
- Self-expression: Music gives everyone a voice, even those who might struggle to communicate verbally, allowing residents to express feelings and connect in deeper ways.
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Quizzes and Games
Activities involving trivia and games that test the mind came in close second with Crystal Care Collection care home residents, with people mentioning traditional pub quizzes and games of Rummikub. Benefits of mentally stimulating activities like these include:
- Improved memory and focus: Games that involve recalling facts, solving puzzles, or remembering rules help keep the brain active and agile.
- Supporting cognitive function: Regular mental challenges stimulate neural connections, which can encourage sharper thinking skills over time.
- Strengthening relationships: Quizzes, board games, and team activities bring residents together, encouraging friendly competition and shared achievement.
- Maintaining dexterity: Many games involve handling cards, game pieces, or tiles, which helps keep hand muscles and coordination strong.
Zilda Law (86) and Marion Clements (86), two good friends at Somer Valley House in Midsomer Norton, like to spend their time engaging in friendly competition to top the Scrabble Leaderboard. Marion said,
“At this point of our lives it is more important than ever to keep our brains active, and we both have a competitive streak which makes our games more enjoyable.” Zilda laughed and added, “At our age, you use it or you lose it!”
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Exercise
Crystal Care Collection residents were particularly enthusiastic about regular exercise classes within their care homes, including seated yoga, dancing, and balloon tennis.
According to NHS guidelines, adults aged 65 and over should partake in light physical activity every day (such as cleaning, dusting, moving around the house), with at least an hour and a half of moderate activity per week (like water aerobics, mowing the lawn, or going for a walk).
As well as improved physical fitness, there are some lesser-known benefits to working some light activity into your daily routine…
- Better Brain Function: Regular movement increases blood flow to the brain, helping sharpen thinking and concentration.
- Maintaining Independence: Staying physically active supports balance, flexibility, and coordination, which are essential for carrying out everyday tasks confidently and safely.
- Improved Sleep: Gentle exercise helps regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy more restful nights.
- Supporting Mental Health: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.
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Arts and Crafts
Creative expression was another favourite among residents – from painting and pottery to knitting, flower arranging, and seasonal card-making workshops. Many said they enjoyed the chance to make something personal, often as a gift for family or to brighten their shared spaces. These activities bring a range of meaningful benefits:
- Boosting self-esteem: Completing a project gives residents a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
- Enhancing fine motor skills: Activities that involve cutting, drawing, or threading are great for maintaining hand-eye coordination.
- Encouraging mindfulness: Craft sessions provide a calm, focused environment where residents can relax and unwind.
- Building connections: Group craft tables are often filled with conversation, turning creativity into companionship.
- Preserving identity: Art allows residents to express their individuality and share stories from their lives through colour, texture, and design.
Resident Choice is Key
At Crystal Care Collection, every activity is more than a pastime. By listening to what our residents enjoy, we can tailor life in our care homes around their interests and passions, filling each day with what matters the most.
Whether it’s a lively singalong, a quick quiz, a gentle exercise session, or a creative craft afternoon, these moments remind us of what make the biggest difference. When residents guide the rhythm of daily life, care becomes person-centred.
To learn more about daily life in our homes or arrange a visit, please contact your local Crystal Care Collection care home here. You can also speak to our friendly Customer Care Team on 0330 401 0014 or email [email protected].