Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of communities—from families with young kids to groups of seniors—and one thing has always stood out to me: no matter the age, we all seek a sense of connection and belonging. Whether you're twelve or eighty, the fundamental needs are the same. We want to feel welcomed, safe, and part of something meaningful. This insight has shaped how I approach community-building activities across all stages of life.

In retirement villages, building that sense of community is more than just about comfort or safety. It’s about creating an environment where residents can thrive emotionally and socially. It’s about making life in the village enjoyable and fulfilling by giving residents opportunities to engage, bond, and share experiences with others. As anyone managing a retirement village knows, when residents feel connected, the entire community comes alive, and this positive energy flows through staff, visitors, and everyone involved.

One of the most effective tools in fostering this type of vibrant community is a thoughtfully designed activities program. In this guide, we’ll share practical strategies tailored specifically for Australian and New Zealand retirement villages. You’ll discover how to plan activities that meet the unique needs of your residents, encourage social interaction, and maintain safety—all while creating an environment that enhances their quality of life.

Why Run Activities in Retirement Villages?

As leaders of retirement villages, you understand that your role goes far beyond providing a place to live—you're shaping a home where residents can truly thrive. Well-organized activities are more than just fun pastimes; they are essential tools that enhance residents' well-being, build connections, and foster a true sense of community.

Here are key reasons why activities are a foundational element for a successful retirement village:

• Physical Health Promotion: Regular movement through well-designed physical activities such as water aerobics, gentle yoga, or balance exercises not only boosts cardiovascular health and muscle strength but also significantly lowers the risk of falls—one of the most common health concerns in retirement villages. These activities can be tailored to meet the varying levels of mobility within your resident community.

• Cognitive Stimulation: The mind, like the body, needs regular exercise. Engaging residents in puzzles, memory games, or workshops on new skills such as learning a language or mastering technology helps to keep their brains active, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Hosting discussions on current affairs or book clubs can also keep residents mentally sharp and provide a space for deeper social connections.

• Social Interaction: Loneliness is a silent issue in many retirement communities, but planned group activities such as communal gardening, film nights, or themed dinners can break those social barriers. These interactions foster meaningful relationships, turning the village into a vibrant, connected space.

• Purpose and Fulfilment: Activities aligned with individual passions—like painting classes for the creative, or mentoring younger generations—offer residents a renewed sense of purpose. A village where people feel they’re contributing and sharing their skills leads to higher resident satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging.

• Reduction in Conflict: Well-planned activities give residents more opportunities to get to know each other, which naturally leads to fewer misunderstandings and conflicts. When residents build a rapport through fun, relaxed settings like trivia nights or social clubs, they're more likely to form positive relationships.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: There’s joy and fulfilment in participating in a variety of activities, and that joy spreads throughout the community. From laughter shared at a comedy night to the sense of accomplishment after completing a knitting project, these moments lift everyone’s spirits and make daily life richer.

• Boosted Independence: Empowering residents through activities that encourage independence—such as cooking classes or fitness challenges—helps them maintain a sense of control over their lives, preserving their dignity and confidence.

• Family Engagement: Family-inclusive events, such as grandchildren’s days or multigenerational game nights, not only strengthen family ties but also showcase the vibrancy of the village to the broader community, creating lasting memories and building loyalty.

• Staff Morale: It’s no secret that staff morale rises when the residents are happy and engaged. A lively activity program doesn’t just benefit residents—it energizes the staff, making your retirement village a more enjoyable place to work.

• Community Building: Activities create shared experiences that weave together the fabric of your village. Whether it’s organizing a community-wide festival or celebrating milestones, these moments foster a true sense of belonging and make your village a place where residents want to stay long-term.

Catering to Resident Interests and Preferences

The most successful activity programs in retirement villages are those that deeply reflect the unique personalities, interests, and needs of your residents. By prioritising resident input, you can create a dynamic, engaging calendar that feels personalised and relevant.

Here’s how you can ensure your activities hit the mark:

• Surveys and Feedback: Regularly conduct surveys or informal chats with residents to uncover what activities genuinely interest them. Make sure to ask not only about their hobbies but also what new things they might like to try. Knowing that their preferences are shaping the program will keep engagement high.

• Resident Committees: Forming an activities committee where residents play a direct role in planning ensures the program reflects their desires. This fosters ownership and provides insight into what really matters to them.

• Varied Interests: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. You need a spectrum of activities that can engage gardeners, tech enthusiasts, culinary lovers, and music fans alike. Introduce activities like gardening clubs, digital literacy workshops, cooking demonstrations, and live music events to cater to these diverse interests.

• Activity Rotations: Rotate activities and introduce seasonal or themed events to keep things fresh and exciting. For example, plan outdoor activities in the summer months and cozy indoor workshops during winter. Regularly updating the schedule also keeps boredom at bay and resident interest piqued.

• Individual Preferences: Not every resident enjoys group activities, and that’s okay. Provide options for those who prefer solitude, such as quiet reading corners, painting kits, or access to nature walks. Creating balance in your offerings ensures inclusivity.

• Focus Groups: Beyond surveys, organize focus groups where a small set of residents can delve deeper into what they’d like to see. This allows you to get more detailed and nuanced feedback, helping you refine activities.

• Trend Monitoring: Stay informed about what other successful villages are doing. Attending industry conferences or networking with other leaders can give you fresh ideas to implement in your village, whether it’s a new tech-based activity or a cultural event.

• Trial Runs: Test out new activities before making them part of the regular schedule. A trial run gives you and your residents a chance to see if something works before committing fully.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Consider the cultural backgrounds of your residents and incorporate culturally appropriate celebrations, events, and activities. For example, host cooking classes that explore different cuisines or plan activities around important cultural and religious holidays.

• Resident Spotlights: Many of your residents have unique skills and stories. Whether it’s a former artist, a teacher, or a chef, feature their talents by allowing them to lead activities or showcase their work.

Addressing Physical and Cognitive Abilities in Activities

Inclusivity is critical when designing activities for your residents. Each person in your community has unique physical and cognitive abilities, and the more adaptable your program, the more fulfilled everyone will be.

Here’s how you can create a program that caters to all:

• Accessibility: Ensure activities are inclusive for residents with all levels of mobility, from those who use wheelchairs to those with minor mobility issues. Modify spaces so they’re easy to navigate, and make use of adaptive equipment to allow every resident to participate fully.

• Adapted Activities: For residents living with dementia or cognitive decline, create activities that focus on sensory engagement and simplicity, such as guided music therapy, familiar games, or reminiscence sessions where residents can share memories from their past.

• Physical Fitness Levels: Develop a range of fitness options to cater to both active residents and those with limited mobility. Gentle yoga, chair-based exercises, or Tai Chi can work for those with mobility issues, while more active residents can enjoy walking groups or swimming classes.

• Cognitive Engagement: Offer a blend of mentally stimulating activities, like book clubs or educational talks, and simpler, low-cognitive tasks like crafting or coloring for residents who may find higher-level mental activities too challenging.

• Assistive Devices: Ensure residents have access to assistive devices like hearing aids, large print materials, or magnifiers. This not only helps them participate but ensures they feel comfortable and included.

• Personalised Plans: Work closely with healthcare providers to create personalised activity plans for residents with specific health concerns or cognitive impairments. Tailoring activities based on medical advice ensures safety and engagement for all.

• Staff Training: Provide your staff with specialised training on how to accommodate residents with different abilities. This can include learning to adjust activities on the fly or identifying when a resident might need extra help.

• Flexible Scheduling: Recognise that residents have different energy levels throughout the day. Offering activities at varying times—morning, afternoon, and evening—allows residents to participate when they’re feeling their best.

• Therapeutic Activities: Include therapy-based activities like art therapy, music therapy, or pet therapy in your program. These activities are particularly effective for residents living with cognitive impairments or physical limitations.

• Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Partner with healthcare professionals to design activities that are both safe and beneficial for your residents. Regular consultations will ensure that the activities meet their physical and cognitive needs.

Plan Ahead to Alleviate Health and Safety Issues

As a leader of a retirement village, you’re not only responsible for creating enjoyable and enriching experiences for your residents, but you also carry the critical responsibility of ensuring their health and safety. Planning activities isn’t just about what’s fun or stimulating; it’s about creating an environment where residents can engage with confidence, knowing their well-being is fully supported.

Here are some essential considerations to ensure activities are safe and conducive to a healthy atmosphere:

• Supervision: Activities should always be adequately supervised by trained staff or volunteers. Beyond basic observation, this means actively engaging with residents, helping them navigate any physical or cognitive challenges during the activity, and responding swiftly to any emergencies. For example, having a dedicated staff member closely monitoring those in more physically demanding activities like walking groups can prevent accidents before they occur.

• Safety Measures: Implement a thorough safety protocol for each activity. This can range from ensuring non-slip mats are used during fitness classes, to providing sun protection and hydration stations during outdoor events. Having first-aid kits easily accessible at all times and assigning staff to specific roles during larger events ensures a quick response in case of accidents.

• Emergency Protocols: Establish clear, documented emergency procedures and ensure that all staff members are thoroughly trained. This includes running regular drills for fire safety, medical emergencies, and evacuation plans. Being proactive about emergencies is essential when working with an older population, where quick intervention can significantly impact outcomes.

• Health Checks: Regular health assessments should be part of the activity planning process. Work with healthcare professionals to evaluate residents' fitness levels and medical needs before high-energy activities, ensuring participants are healthy enough to safely engage.

• Medication Management: For many residents, medication schedules are integral to their health. It’s essential to coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure activities do not clash with medication times. For example, if a morning fitness class coincides with a resident’s need for blood pressure medication, adjustments should be made to accommodate their schedule without compromising their health.

• Risk Assessments: Prior to every activity, conduct detailed risk assessments to identify potential hazards. Whether it’s slippery floors in an art room or insufficient lighting during an evening event, identifying and mitigating risks beforehand can prevent accidents and create a more comfortable environment.

• Sanitization: In a post-pandemic world, hygiene is non-negotiable. Activities that involve shared equipment, such as board games or musical instruments, should come with clear sanitization procedures. Regular cleaning routines and providing hand sanitizers at activity stations are simple but effective measures to maintain high standards of cleanliness.

• Comfort Considerations: Ensure that the environment is physically comfortable for all participants. This means providing comfortable, supportive seating, maintaining appropriate room temperatures, and ensuring good lighting. These considerations may seem small, but they are essential for residents’ comfort, particularly for those with limited mobility or vision impairments.

• Resident Briefings: Before engaging in activities, give residents a clear briefing about what to expect, including safety instructions and potential risks. For example, if they’re participating in a cooking class, provide clear guidance on how to safely handle equipment and move around the space.

• Feedback on Safety: Encourage ongoing dialogue with both staff and residents regarding safety concerns. Creating a culture where everyone feels comfortable reporting safety issues or suggesting improvements will ensure continuous enhancements to the safety of your village’s programs.

Maximise Social Interaction

Social interaction is at the heart of community life in a retirement village. For many residents, these moments of connection are the highlight of their day, and it’s your job as a village leader to foster opportunities for meaningful engagement. A thriving social environment not only combats loneliness but also enhances the emotional well-being of everyone involved.

Here’s how to maximise social opportunities through thoughtful activity planning:

• Community Building: Design activities that encourage residents to come together, interact, and build a sense of shared experience. Whether it’s group walks, casual book clubs, or communal dining events, these activities foster relationships that enhance the sense of belonging within the village. For example, a “Welcome Week” for new residents with daily group meet-ups could help them integrate smoothly into the community.

• Inclusivity: Ensure no one is left out, especially newcomers or those who are shy or less socially active. Consider offering gentle icebreaker activities to help residents connect on common interests. A weekly "Meet Your Neighbour" social, where residents are encouraged to share their life stories or favorite hobbies, can bridge social gaps and build lasting friendships.

• Icebreakers: Simple, structured icebreaker activities are invaluable in helping residents connect. Consider fun, low-pressure games like human bingo or ‘two truths and a lie’ that can spark conversations and reduce initial awkwardness, especially for new residents.

• Intergenerational Activities: Foster connections between different generations by organizing visits from local schools, youth groups, or family members. Activities like gardening projects or storytelling sessions where younger generations can listen to the life experiences of older residents build understanding and mutual respect.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Many older adults find fulfillment in giving back. Providing volunteer opportunities—such as mentoring youth or organizing charity drives—can offer residents a renewed sense of purpose and connection, both within the village and with the broader community.

• Buddy Systems: Help newcomers settle in by pairing them with an established resident. This buddy system can provide a familiar face in a new environment, easing any initial anxiety and fostering relationships from day one.

• Social Clubs: Facilitate the formation of resident-led clubs that cater to specific interests, such as knitting, chess, or gardening. These small groups create opportunities for deeper connections based on shared passions, and they give residents a chance to take ownership of their social interactions.

• Celebrations: Host regular celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, and other personal milestones. These events bring everyone together, creating joyous occasions where residents can celebrate each other and build a stronger, more connected community.

• Interactive Games: Include team-based activities like trivia, bingo, or charades that require collaboration and encourage light-hearted competition. These games not only stimulate the mind but also promote teamwork and camaraderie.

• Resident-Led Activities: Give residents the chance to lead activities. Whether it’s a resident teaching a painting class or organizing a weekly film screening, resident-led events foster leadership, boost confidence, and deepen connections within the community.

Develop Regular Scheduling with Variety

Structure and routine provide comfort and predictability for residents, but variety keeps life engaging and prevents monotony. As a leader, balancing these two aspects is key to maintaining an exciting, yet dependable activity schedule.

Here’s how to create a well-rounded schedule that keeps residents engaged and excited:

• Routine: Establish a core schedule of regular activities so residents can develop a sense of rhythm. For example, daily morning exercise classes or afternoon tea sessions create a dependable structure that residents can look forward to.

• Variety: While consistency is important, introducing new and diverse activities prevents residents from getting bored. Consider switching up the weekly movie selections or organizing new monthly events, such as a rotating cooking class or art exhibit, to keep things fresh and interesting.

• Seasonal Activities: Plan events around the seasons and holidays to celebrate throughout the year. Organize spring gardening projects, summer picnics, or winter holiday craft fairs to keep the environment festive and attuned to the changing calendar.

• Special Events: Break the routine with unique events like themed weeks or special guest performances. For example, a “Cultural Week” featuring different cuisines, music, and films from around the world could provide an exciting, immersive experience for residents.

• Feedback-Based Adjustments: Regularly gather feedback from residents to ensure your activity schedule evolves with their changing preferences and needs. Perhaps your residents want to explore new hobbies or are interested in adding more physical activities. Listening to their voices helps tailor the program for higher satisfaction.

• Daily Activities: Ensure there are daily activities, including weekends, to keep residents engaged. Offering a balance between quieter activities like reading circles and more energetic ones like dance classes ensures all energy levels and personalities are catered for.

• Time of Day: Consider that some residents may be early risers while others are more active in the afternoon or evening. Offering activities at different times throughout the day ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate at their best.

• Short and Long Activities: Provide a mix of shorter activities, like 15-30 minute stretching sessions, and longer, more involved activities, such as 1-2 hour painting workshops, to accommodate varying attention spans and preferences.

• Collaborations: Work with other retirement communities to organize joint events, such as inter-village sports tournaments or social gatherings. These collaborative events provide a change of scene and an opportunity to meet new people, adding excitement and variety to the calendar.

• Drop-In Activities: Offering drop-in activities, such as board games or puzzles, gives residents the freedom to engage at their own pace without the need for advanced registration. This spontaneity can encourage participation from residents who might shy away from scheduled events.

Activity and Event Ideas for Retirement Villages

A well-rounded activities program is key to keeping residents engaged and providing opportunities for social interaction, creativity, and personal growth. Here are 100 ideas to help keep your retirement village’s activities fresh, varied, and exciting.

Books

1. Book Club: Book of the Month Review
   Invite residents to read and discuss a chosen book each month, rotating through different genres.

2. Book Fair:
   Organise a book exchange where residents and their families can trade books and meet local authors.

3. Poetry Reading:
   Host a poetry session where residents can share their favourite poems or their own written works.

4. Audiobook Sessions:
   For residents who prefer listening, set up audiobook sessions followed by group discussions.

5. Resident Writers' Group:
   Support aspiring writers by creating a resident writers' group where they can share stories, receive feedback, and work on new projects.

Community

1. Become a Justice of the Peace:
   Qualified residents can witness official documents, providing a sense of purpose and service.

2. Volunteer with Homeless Connect:
   Coordinate events where residents create care packages or participate in local community service projects.

3. Indigenous Community Volunteers:
   Connect with Indigenous communities through volunteering efforts or hosting educational sessions to learn about their culture.

4. Australian Youth Mentoring Network:
   Create mentoring programs where residents provide guidance to young people in need, fostering intergenerational connections.

5. Neighbourhood Cleanup Day:
   Organise a village-wide effort to clean up the surrounding area, allowing residents to give back while spending time outdoors.

Creativity

1. Sip and Paint:
   Host monthly wine and painting workshops that are fun and creative, no prior experience needed.

2. Morning Crocheting/Knitting Sessions:
   Encourage residents to gather for crafting, sharing skills, and building friendships.

3. Pottery Classes:
   Bring in a local artist to teach residents how to make their own pottery pieces, offering creative expression and relaxation.

4. Photography Walk:
   Organise a guided photography walk around the village or nearby parks, with an exhibition afterwards to showcase the residents' work.

5. Flower Arranging Workshops:
   Residents can create their own floral arrangements to decorate their rooms or communal areas.

6. Mosaic Art Classes:
   Teach residents how to create beautiful mosaic pieces using colourful tiles, creating personal or communal art projects.

7. Collage and Scrapbooking:
   Provide materials for residents to make personal scrapbooks, filled with memories, family photos, and shared stories.

Education

1. University Open Day for Residents:
   Local university representatives can visit to talk about short courses available for mature students.

2. Learning a New Language:
   Offer introductory language lessons taught by a resident or local teacher.

3. History Talks:
   Bring in guest speakers or local historians to discuss different eras of history, including Australian heritage.

4. Skill Exchange Workshops:
   Create sessions where residents teach each other valuable skills such as cooking, sewing, or technology tips.

5. TED Talk Viewing Party:
   Curate a list of TED Talks on various topics and host group viewings followed by lively discussions.

6. Current Affairs Discussion Group:
   Hold weekly or monthly discussion sessions on current events, encouraging residents to stay informed and share their perspectives.

7. Genealogy Workshop:
   Help residents research their family histories through genealogy tools, allowing them to uncover interesting ancestral stories.

Eras

1. Dapper Day:
   Organise a retro-themed day where residents dress up in their favourite vintage styles.

2. 1950s Social Event:
   Host a nostalgic party with classic music, décor, and dancing, reminiscent of the 1950s.

3. Decades Dress-Up Day:
   Pick a decade for themed attire, music, and activities, making history fun and interactive.

4. Vintage Hat Showcase:
   Host a fun day where residents can wear their favourite vintage hats and share the stories behind them.

Family

1. Teddy Bear’s Picnic:
   A family day out featuring picnics, games, and activities that involve residents’ grandchildren.

2. Family Tree Craft Project:
   Collaborate on a large family tree art project, encouraging residents to add their family members.

3. National Wine Tasting Tour:
   Organise an in-house wine tasting event featuring wines from Australia’s renowned wine regions.

4. Monthly Adventure: Being a Local Tourist:
   Take residents on monthly excursions to local landmarks, providing a new way to explore familiar surroundings.

5. Family Video Series:
   Film residents talking about their life stories and share the videos with family members as a keepsake.

6. Family Cooking Day:
   Invite family members to cook traditional meals with residents, followed by a shared meal.

7. Grandparent and Grandchild Games Day:
   Set up games and competitions that both generations can enjoy together.

Fashion

1. Spring Cleaning: Suitcase Rummage:
   Organise a garage sale-style event where residents can bring a suitcase of clothes to trade or sell.

2. DIY Fashion Show:
   Have residents design their own outfits using household materials, then showcase their creations on the runway.

3. Tie Making Workshop:
   Offer a class where residents can make their own ties, learning a new skill while creating something personalised.

4. Fashion History Talk:
   Bring in a fashion historian to discuss the evolution of style over the decades, or invite residents to share their own fashion memories.

Film

1. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party:
   Organise a Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party with decorations, costumes, and film viewing.

2. Outdoor Cinema Night:
   Host an outdoor movie night with a classic film, blankets, and popcorn for a fun communal experience.

3. Film Festival:
   Showcase short films, either professionally made or by residents, and hold a voting contest to choose the crowd favourite.

4. Make a Movie Workshop:
   Teach residents how to film and edit their own short movies, allowing them to explore storytelling through film.

5. Documentary Viewings:
   Schedule weekly documentary screenings followed by discussions on topics of interest, from wildlife to history.

Finance

1. Finance Seminar:
   Invite banking or finance experts to give talks on budgeting, estate planning, and managing superannuation in retirement.

2. Investment Basics Workshop:
   Offer an introductory class on investment strategies tailored for seniors, helping residents feel empowered in managing their finances.

3. How to Avoid Scams:
   Provide a practical session on identifying and avoiding financial scams, giving residents the tools to protect themselves.

Food & Nutrition

1. Farmers Market Visit:
   Plan excursions to local farmers markets where residents can purchase fresh produce and meet the farmers.

2. Cuisine of the Month:
   Host a monthly cooking class exploring the cuisine and recipes from different countries, allowing residents to taste flavours from around the world.

3. Bake-Off Competition:
   Organise a friendly baking competition, encouraging residents to showcase their baking talents with a village-wide tasting event.

4. MasterChef Session:
   Bring in a local chef to teach residents how to cook a signature dish, offering a hands-on culinary experience.

5. Healthy Eating Workshop:
   Invite a nutritionist to talk about healthy eating for seniors, and provide residents with simple, nutritious recipes.

6. High Tea Experience:
   Host a formal high tea event complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and tea. Consider making it a recurring, special event.

7. Homemade Jam Making Class:
   Show residents how to make their own jams using fresh fruits, which they can enjoy later or gift to family members.

Generations

1. Generation Mix-Up:
   Encourage residents to dress as different generations (Millennials, Gen Z), and invite younger participants to dress as seniors.

2. Intergenerational IT Class:
   Partner with local schools to have students teach residents practical tech skills, such as using smartphones or setting up social media.

3. Grandparent and Grandchild Craft Days:
   Set up craft tables where grandparents and grandchildren can work on projects together, like painting or building models.

4. Family Sports Day:
   Host a sports day featuring games and activities that are inclusive for all ages, from sack races to lawn bowls.

Global Trends

1. Excursion: News Station Tour:
   Take residents on a tour of a local news station to see how the news is produced and broadcast.

2. Cultural Exchange Day:
   Celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds of your residents by hosting a cultural exchange event, featuring food, music, and performances from different parts of the world.

3. Sustainability Workshop:
   Invite experts to talk about sustainability trends and what residents can do to reduce their environmental impact.

Health & Wellness

1. First Aid Training Session:
   Bring in a local health professional to provide basic first aid training, helping residents feel more confident in emergency situations.

2. Salsa Dance Class:
   Offer a beginner-friendly salsa class that combines social interaction with light physical activity.

3. Meditation and Mindfulness Workshop:
   Help residents learn relaxation techniques through guided meditation and mindfulness sessions.

4. Hydration Challenge:
   Set up hydration stations around the village to encourage residents to drink more water, offering flavoured water options to make it fun.

5. Chair Yoga Classes:
   Offer gentle yoga sessions that are accessible for all mobility levels, focusing on breathing, flexibility, and relaxation.

Home

1. Interior Decorating Masterclass:
   A local interior decorator can teach residents how to personalise their living spaces with simple and effective décor changes.

2. Home Gardening Tips:
   Hold a workshop on balcony gardening or growing indoor plants, helping residents add some greenery to their homes.

Lifestyle

1. Online vs In-Store Shopping Seminar:
   Provide a session explaining the pros and cons of online shopping versus traditional retail, and help residents get comfortable using online platforms.

2. Minimalism in Retirement:
   Host a seminar on the benefits of minimalism, decluttering, and simplifying life in retirement.

3. Upcycling Workshop:
   Teach residents how to upcycle old furniture or clothing, giving new life to items they may have otherwise discarded.

Mentoring

1. Wisdom Forum:
   Residents with industry experience can share their knowledge in a panel setting, offering younger generations valuable advice.

2. Mentoring Program:
   Pair residents with young people or community members looking for guidance, allowing them to share their life experiences and insights.

3. Storytime with Residents:
   Invite children from local schools or community centres for a weekly storytime event, where residents can read stories aloud.

Milestones

1. Retirement Milestone Event:
   Celebrate a resident’s retirement milestone with a personalised event that marks their achievement and welcomes them into village life.

2. Celebrating Golden Anniversaries:
   Host a special event for couples who are celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, recognising their love and commitment.

Music

1. Music Lessons:
   Provide instrument or vocal lessons by talented residents or local musicians, fostering new skills and creativity.

2. Battle of the Bands:
   Hold a fun ‘battle of the bands’ event where residents can form musical groups and perform for the community.

3. Musician of the Month:
   Invite a local musician to perform once a month, providing residents with live entertainment while supporting local talent.

4. Village Choir:
   Create a resident choir that performs during holidays or special events.

5. Ukulele Classes:
   Teach residents how to play the ukulele, a fun and easy instrument to learn.

Nature

1. Nursery or Botanic Gardens Excursion:
   Organise day trips to visit nurseries or botanical gardens, giving residents a chance to enjoy beautiful greenery and flowers.

2. Sensory Garden Creation:
   Work with residents to create a sensory garden with fragrant plants, textured foliage, and water features.

3. Bird Watching Group:
   Start a bird-watching club that meets regularly to spot local wildlife and enjoy time outdoors.

4. Nature Art Day:
   Encourage residents to create art using natural materials like leaves, flowers, or stones found during nature walks.

Projects

1. Classic Car Show Visit:
   Plan an excursion to a classic car show, or invite local car enthusiasts to bring their vintage vehicles to the village for residents to admire.

2. Woodworking Workshop:
   Teach residents how to make small woodworking projects, like birdhouses or picture frames, using safe tools and techniques.

3. Craft for Charity:
   Residents can create handmade crafts like blankets or scarves to donate to local charities.

Relationships

1. Speed Friending:
   Host a ‘speed friending’ event where residents can meet and get to know each other quickly, making it fun for both newcomers and long-time residents.

2. Human Bingo:
   Create bingo cards featuring fun facts about residents, encouraging everyone to mingle and find matches during social events.

3. Story Sharing Circle:
   Create a safe, intimate space for residents to share stories from their lives, fostering deeper connections with one another.

Routine

1. Time Management Workshop:
   Offer practical advice on how residents can organise their days for maximum enjoyment and productivity in retirement.

2. Morning Stretch Routine:
   Start each day with a gentle stretching session to help residents feel energised and ready for the day ahead.

Seasonal

1. Christmas Card Making Workshop:
   Provide materials for residents to design and make their own holiday cards, which they can send to family members.

2. Halloween Trick or Treat:
   Encourage residents to hand out treats to visiting children or participate in a costume contest.

3. Easter Egg Decorating and Hunt:
   Host a fun Easter egg decorating workshop followed by a village-wide egg hunt for residents and their families.

Sports

1. Local Sports Match Excursion:
   Plan outings to local AFL, cricket, or tennis matches, providing a lively day out for sports fans.

2. Social Tennis Matches:
   Organise regular social tennis games, encouraging residents to stay active while having fun with friends.

3. Village Bowling Tournament:
   Set up a lawn bowls competition that can run throughout the season, fostering a bit of friendly competition.

4. Top Golf Visit:
   Take residents on an outing to Top Golf for a day of relaxed, social fun.

Bringing It All Together: Building a Thriving Community through Engaging Activities

Creating a dynamic and engaging activities program in a retirement village is about more than just filling the calendar—it’s about enriching the lives of your residents, fostering meaningful connections, and promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With a thoughtfully curated variety of activities, from creative workshops to community outings and wellness initiatives, you can ensure that residents feel included, fulfilled, and excited to be part of their community.

By offering a range of activities that cater to diverse interests, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, you’re providing more than just entertainment; you’re building a thriving, vibrant village where residents can form lasting friendships, discover new passions, and enjoy their golden years to the fullest. The ideas outlined in this list are designed to inspire creativity, encourage participation, and ensure that your program remains fresh, fun, and inclusive.

Ultimately, a successful activity program creates a sense of belonging and helps residents lead happy, active lives—making your village a place they’re proud to call home.