Author: George Robinson

Musical Programming to Inspire Wellness and Connection

At Waterstone Senior Living, music is about so much more than entertainment. It’s a bridge to memory and connection. In this feature, we explore how live music performances, personal stories, and purposeful programming uplift the lives of senior residents at Waterstone, touching on the endearing qualities of the universal language of music.  

A Look at Music and Brain Health at Waterstone:

Table of Contents

The Rockin’ Chairs

A Life in Music

Musical Programming at Waterstone

Music and Brain Health

Music as a Mood Booster and Stress Reliever

Music as Therapy

Music as Part of Wellness Programming

Using Music to Communicate

Music as a Universal Language

Final Thoughts

The Rockin’ Chairs at Waterstone at the Circle, Boston 

The room began to transform as residents awaited the melodies of The Rockin’ Chairs. This concert is one of the many scheduled musical performances in the monthly activity calendar at Waterstone at the Circle, located in Boston’s historic Cleveland Circle in its Brighton neighborhood.  

Residents were chatting quietly in a low hubbub as seats were held for friends and neighbors.  

The band introduced themselves and got stuck into their setlist of 50s rock’n’roll classics: think hits from all the greats – Elvis, Bill Haley & His Comets, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, and more.  Frontman Alan Joseph deftly guided residents through the set, recounting jokes and real tales of how the songs came to be.  Toes were tapping and heads bopped to familiar rhythms. There were plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” as everybody collectively reminisced about the golden age of American rock’n’roll. 

Rich Appleman, a resident of the Circle, a longtime musician, and former Berklee College of Music professor, was among the many residents who came to enjoy the show. His story is one that illustrates how music continues to inspire and uplift in every stage of life.

A Life in Music  

Before moving to Waterstone at the Circle, Rich and his wife lived in a beautiful Victorian home in Jamaica Plain, MA. “There were three stories. Laundry in the basement. My balance isn’t what it used to be, so we had to consider a move.” 

They explored a few options, but many were too far from the city. “My wife grew up in Boston,” he said. “And I’ve been here with her for over 50 years, playing music and teaching at Berklee College of Music downtown. So, this place [Waterstone at the Circle] spoke to us.” Their decision was sealed not just by the location but by the vibrancy of the Waterstone community. “We saw The Rockin’ Chairs, and there was a special dinner with Chef Jason. The team treated us really well. It felt like home.” 

Soon after moving in, Rich found himself drawn into the rhythm of community life, both as an attendee and a performer. A professional bassist, Rich has performed several concerts at Waterstone alongside his son, also a Berklee instructor and multi-instrumentalist. “We’ve done five concerts here,” he said proudly. “We play every couple of months, and it’s been great. Because of that, we’ve made quick friends with a lot of the residents.” 

Their sets range from jazz standards to sing-along favorites by Billy Joel and Elton John. But the true magic, Rich believes, isn’t just in the song selection but in the connection. “I think the thing they like the best is that it’s a father and son, family kind of thing. My son jokes around with the audience. We have a good rapport.” 

“We’re rock stars,” he laughs. 

Musical Programming at Waterstone  

Rich isn’t the only one bringing music to life at Waterstone. “Usually, there’s something at least once or twice a week that’s a musical event,” he said. From guest performers like jazz musician Rich Greenblatt to global music programs, Waterstone offers a rich array of musical experiences. 

And residents love it. “They’re smart and really educated,” Rich noted. “They show up for the events. And they’ll tell you if they didn’t like something!” he added with a grin. Yet what stands out most is how deeply residents engage with the music. “When you’re playing old songs, they know all the words. You can just see them losing themselves in the music.” But residents ‘losing themselves in the music’ is about so much more than the mere enjoyment of a performance.  There’s a growing awareness of the positive effects of music on brain health.  

Music and Brain Health 

Music is a universal language that not only entertains but also supports brain health and emotional well-being. Music’s emotional resonance is well-known; Rich spoke eloquently and emotively on the topic. Yet, research reveals its deeper value as a wellness tool that promotes healthy aging. Music can: 

• Improve attention and memory skills 
• Improve physical coordination 
• Reduce stress and elevate mood 

Harvard Neuroscientists explain that listening to music sparks activity across multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for hearing, memory, movement, attention, and emotion. This kind of full-brain stimulation – you might say ‘losing yourself’ – makes music a powerful tool for keeping the mind sharp. 

A 2023 analysis published in Neuropsychology Review explores the relationship between music engagement and cognitive health in older adults. The review found that music can help with something called cognitive reserve: the brain’s ability to adapt and stay resilient in the face of aging or disease.  Essentially, playing an instrument, singing, dancing, or even passively listening to music may help keep your brain healthier over time. Think about it for a moment, and it makes sense: following a rhythm, anticipating changes in melody, remembering lyrics, performing dance moves – all of these actions require the brain to form and reinforce new neural pathways, but in a way that doesn’t feel too taxing.  

Some studies even suggest that regular music engagement may enhance brain resilience against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, may support the creation of compensatory brain networks, helping to preserve mental function despite these age-related changes. 

Music as a Mood-Booster and Stress-Reliever  

Humans have always used music to uplift, soothe, and connect. This is hardly a revelatory idea. We all know that listening to our favorite songs resonates emotionally, especially those tunes that are tied to personal memories. When we listen to these songs, we embrace a satisfying, joyful nostalgia. Thanks to this, music is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to quickly shift our mood and brighten our day.  

Yet, we now know more about the holistic benefits of music, rooted in our very biology. We can thank dopamine for that positive, nostalgic feeling we get when we listen to our favorite songs. Listening to calming music, or any music you enjoy, reduces your cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. This means that putting on a favorite piece of classical music or a nostalgic song from decades past can create a genuinely healing sense of peace. 

Certain types and genres of music, particularly those with slower tempos and fewer lyrics, have been linked to lower heart rates and reduced blood pressure, too. Studies show that classical compositions by Mozart and Bach can promote relaxation and focus thanks to the music’s effect on our bodies’ vital signs.  

Music as Therapy  

Music is also a powerful therapeutic tool. Music therapists will often use familiar songs and rhythms to help older adults express themselves and connect with others, engaging their minds in meaningful ways.  

For those experiencing MCI or advancing dementia, music helps to unlock memories and ease anxiety. Research shows that these types of music-based interventions can improve mood, reduce agitation, and even enhance attention and recall for those experiencing memory loss.  

Music as Part of Wellness Programming 

All these reasons are why we’re so keen to weave music into daily life at Waterstone. We play host to live musicians not just because of their entertaining talents, but because it is part of our commitment to wellness programming.  Rich touches on similar themes in our conversation as he waxes lyrical about music: 

“There’s a woman I know having some memory issues,” Rich said. “But she can sit at the piano and play all the old songs. They’re just there. Music’s ingrained in us.” 

He continues: “You do lose yourself in the music. And it doesn’t always have to be happy, you know. Sometimes sad songs can make you feel better,” Rich reflected. “You think, ‘Oh, someone else is sad with me. This is universal, no matter what language you speak, you know, it relates.” 

Using Music to Communicate 

The Rockin’ Chairs’ visit to Waterstone exemplifies this notion of music as a vehicle for connection. The gathering is as much of a social mood-booster as an opportunity to listen to some live music. Senior Advisor at Waterstone at the Circle, James Corcoran (another talented musician), shared his thoughts after the show:

For James, music has always been intertwined with his memories. “I think I was initially into a lot of ’60s and ’70s music,” he recalls. “I loved The Doors when I was a kid, Bob Dylan… and my mom used to listen to oldies on 103.3—best hits of the ’50s and ’60s.” He started playing guitar at age 10 and found it “like therapy… sit down with the guitar, play for a couple of minutes, and your mood is instantly enhanced.”  

“For residents, familiar songs can unlock decades-old recollections: they say ‘I remember that song… I remember where I was when I heard that song… that brings me back to my first date in ’50,’ you know? Music has a great way of invoking old memories, which is, I think, a key component of why it’s so important in the senior setting.” 

This sentiment was clear in a conversation in the hallway after the show. Two neighbors reminisced: one recalled long drives in the 1950s, tuning in to the radio to hear this exhilarating ‘new’ music; the other was transported back to her teenage days in Chicago. Another woman chimed in: “I’ve seen them before, and they played the same songs, but that’s what I wanted to hear anyway!” 

All three women got so much more from the show than the songs themselves.

Music as a Universal Language 

As James spoke, a similar theme cropped up: “Music’s a universal language. When you sit down to play and listen to music with people, you connect over these vibrations that turn into coherent sounds. People respond to it when it’s in tune, and it has a positive response in the brain.” And James is speaking from experience. Never a community to let talent go unused, he recently had to step in with a musical performance at the Circle.  

“I played with a good friend of mine—Jim Mazzy, a banjo player in the Banjo Hall of Fame,” James shares. When an act was canceled at the last minute, the Activity Coordinator asked if James could fill in. Within an hour, his friend Jim was on site, and they delivered a bluegrass show the residents adored.  “They’ve asked me to play again… I’ll be playing tomorrow at our English tea party.” 

What is clear after speaking to team members and residents is that music plays a vital role in the social life of the Waterstone community.  The Rockin’ Chairs’ visit to Waterstone at the Circle was more than a mid-afternoon concert with snacks and beverages. It was a celebration of shared history, emotional resonance, and community spirit.  

When two residents got up to do the twist to Chubby Checker, they rolled back the years in a way that spread joy for all present. Through the talents of residents like Rich, team members like James, and visitors like The Rockin’ Chairs, music continues to be a vibrant thread woven into daily life here. 

Final Thoughts 

Music is a powerful tool for healthy aging. At Waterstone, we recognize this impact and thoughtfully incorporate music into our lifestyle offerings across all of our communities.  

Explore the monthly calendars to see what’s happening at our locations: 

• Dynamic programs at Waterstone at the Circle, MA
• Customized programs at Waterstone on High Ridge, CT 
• Enriching programs at Waterstone of Lexington, MA 
• Engaging programs at Waterstone at Wellesley, MA 
• Compelling programs at Waterstone of Westchester, NY 

If you’re interested in discovering how Waterstone blends wellness, connection, and vibrant living, we invite you to explore what our communities have to offer. We’re always available to answer questions, whether you are interested in independent living or assisted living.

Reach out today. 

Hobbies for Seniors to Promote Well-being

There’s something deeply satisfying about doing something just for the joy of it. Hobbies enrich our lives in ways that go far beyond filling the hours.

As we grow older, these simple pleasures can become powerful tools for wellness. The right hobbies for seniors can promote physical strength, boost brain health, build social connections, and even ease symptoms of anxiety or depression. 

At Waterstone Senior Living, we’re firm believers in the power of purposeful living. That means creating an environment where older adults can pursue passions, explore new interests, and connect with others who share their enthusiasm. We want our residents to thrive, so we take great care to offer various activities to enrich their days.   

In this blog, we’ll explore how hobbies support overall well-being and offer inspiration across four categories: physical, mental, social, and digital.  

Of course, many activities blur the lines between categories. That’s part of the beauty of a good hobby: a gardening group might offer physical movement, mental stimulation, and a chance to connect with others, all at once. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hobbies. Your interests, mobility, and access to local resources will shape what works for you. Our goal in this blog is to brainstorm ideas and encourage you to engage in activities that bring joy, keep your mind sharp, and support your health.

Table of Contents

Why Hobbies Matter for Aging

Physical Hobbies to Maintain Independence

Mental Hobbies to Stimulate the Brain

Lifelong Learning

Social Hobbies to Build Connections

Digital Hobbies to Connect Through Technology  

Finding the Right Hobby for You 

Hobbies for Seniors: Final Thoughts 

Why Hobbies Matter for Healthy Aging 

Research has consistently shown that staying engaged in meaningful activities benefits physical and mental health.  

A 2023 study in the Nature Medicine journal found that older adults who participated in hobbies reported higher life satisfaction and fewer symptoms of depression, regardless of income or education levels. 

Other studies have linked regular leisure activity to improved cognitive function, lower risk of dementia, better sleep quality, and even reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The key is finding something you genuinely enjoy, doing it regularly, and then reaping the natural rewards over time.  

At Waterstone, our independent and assisted living communities are designed with this in mind. Through thoughtfully curated programs, beautiful amenity spaces, and a supportive, vibrant atmosphere, residents have countless opportunities to discover and participate in fulfilling hobbies. 

What’s more, many of our activity options allow you to pick up or rediscover a hobby within a social setting. This group-based dynamic ticks another box to promote our overall wellbeing: spending time with others. 

Physical Hobbies to Maintain Independence 

As we age, staying fit is often about maintaining independence, energy, and confidence.  

At Waterstone, wellness is woven into daily life, with access to fitness centers, personal training, and a full calendar of group exercise classes. But exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym at all.  

These hobbies are a great way to stay active and feel your best, and many of our Waterstone communities offer groups and classes to help you get started: 

• Walking groups: Gentle on joints, walking boosts cardiovascular health and provides a natural opportunity for conversation. 
• Tai Chi or yoga: Improve balance, flexibility, and inner peace through these mindful movement practices. 
• Gardening: Planting, weeding, and harvesting keeps the body active while encouraging time outdoors — a win for both physical and mental health. The low-intensity, steady movements of gardening make it a perfect activity to give the body a workout that isn’t too strenuous.  
• Dancing: Whether ballroom, line, or something else entirely, dancing combines cardio, rhythm, and joy. 
• Pickleball: Growing in popularity among older adults, pickleball offers friendly competition and light aerobic exercise. 

Check out some of our other fitness tips for seniors, covering how to add these physical hobbies to your daily routine.  

Mental Hobbies to Stimulate the Brain 

We’ve covered the importance of brain games for seniors before. 

Keeping the brain active helps preserve memory and sharpen attention. A 2023 meta-analysis of various recent studies highlights how mental stimulation — including reading, learning new skills, and creative activity — contributes to long-term brain health, even reducing the likelihood and pace of cognitive decline.  

At Waterstone, residents can attend lectures, art classes, and creative workshops designed to stretch the mind in rewarding ways.  

Here are some mentally demanding hobbies to consider: 

• Puzzles and crosswords: Challenge spatial reasoning, vocabulary, and pattern recognition. Get on the NY Times bandwagon and check out Wordle and its other simple puzzles. If you’re more numerically inclined, Sudoku is as popular and as challenging as ever.  
• Playing a musical instrument: Learning or revisiting music strengthens memory and coordination. 
• Creative arts: Painting, writing, knitting, crocheting, or sculpture are all powerful ways to express yourself and engage new parts of the brain. 
• Book clubs: Reading expands knowledge and fuels meaningful discussion. 
• Language learning: Even just a few minutes of practice each day with a new language can boost cognitive flexibility. 

The key is novelty and challenge. Trying something new, even in small doses, gives the brain a healthy workout. Just as when we were children, as we were developing our cognitive abilities, we still need to provide our brains with tasks that are ‘just right’. Too easy, and we don’t benefit from those new neural connections. Too challenging, and the task is unapproachable, so we tend to give up. 

As such, no matter where you are in terms of cognitive ability, you’re looking for ‘Goldilocks’ mental challenges that push you just enough for a task to be rewarding. And don’t underestimate your brain’s elasticity; it’s never too late to learn something new.

Lifelong Learning and Hobbies for Seniors

It’s worth dwelling on the concept of lifelong learning a moment longer.  

Lifelong learning not only exercises the brain but also nurtures a sense of purpose, creativity, and confidence. Whether you’re mastering a new language, exploring history, or learning to play an instrument, challenging your mind builds cognitive resilience that can help delay or reduce age-related decline. 

A growing body of research supports the connection between lifelong learning and brain health. The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that mentally stimulating activities — especially those involving novelty and problem-solving — can support neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. Another study published in Psychological Science found that older adults who engaged in challenging new learning (such as digital photography or language courses) showed significant improvements in memory over time. 

At Waterstone, our communities are rich with opportunities for continued learning and exploration. Residents enjoy: 

• Guest lectures and speaker series featuring authors, historians, and experts 
• Language classes and cultural discussions 
• Interactive technology workshops 
• Art and music instruction led by professionals 
• Brain fitness programs and memory workshops 

Whether you’re reigniting an old passion or diving into something entirely new, learning never has to stop. In fact, it’s one of the most exciting parts of this chapter of life.

Social Hobbies to Build Connections  

Human connection is essential for emotional well-being. Unfortunately, many older adults face loneliness or social isolation. Research has shown that this kind of isolation can increase the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even premature death. 

At Waterstone communities, we understand that it’s our natural inclination to want to be part of a group. We work best when we’re given chances to truly co-exist alongside like-minded others (while retaining some sense of independence).  

Residents at Waterstone are surrounded by voluntary opportunities to form friendships. From group outings to game nights, shared meals to holiday celebrations, social connection is a natural part of daily life. 

Here are some hobbies that bring people together: 

• Volunteering: Give back to your community while forming meaningful relationships. Waterstone frequently partners with local organizations for group volunteering. 
• Card and board games: Games like bridge, mahjong, or Scrabble combine fun with mental challenge. 
• Choirs or music groups: Singing together boosts mood and strengthens the sense of community. 
• Cooking or baking clubs: Sharing recipes and meals builds connection, while often bringing back fond memories. 
• Group travel or cultural events: Museums, theater, and nature outings can be even more enjoyable when shared. 

Even introverts benefit from regular, low-pressure interaction. The right hobby group provides structure and a shared sense of purpose: an ideal way to meet others without feeling overwhelmed.

Digital Hobbies to Connect Through Technology 

Digital tools can open new worlds for seniors and retirees, allowing them to travel virtually, learn new skills, and stay connected with distant loved ones.  

In a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, researchers found that internet use among older adults was associated with lower levels of depression, particularly when used for communication and hobbies. 

At Waterstone, we provide technology support and access to high-speed Wi-Fi, helping residents confidently navigate the digital world. Some hobbies to explore online include: 

• Genealogy and family history: Discover your roots with tools like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch. 
• Online social groups: There are plenty of online groups you can join to explore hobbies virtually – birdwatching forums, online book groups, crafting communities, and much more. We put together a handy list of online social groups perfect for seniors. 
• Photo editing or digital scrapbooking: Use apps to preserve and share special memories. 
• Online classes: Learn anything from watercolor painting to philosophy — many are free or low-cost through platforms like Coursera or Skillshare. 
• Blogging or journaling: Express your thoughts or record your life story in a digital format. 
• Virtual museum tours and performances: Explore the Louvre, attend a symphony, or enjoy a Shakespearean play, all from the comfort of your home. 

While learning new technology can feel intimidating at first, the benefits are worth it, especially with a little help from friends, family, or the team members at a Waterstone community. 

Finding the Right Hobby for You 

There’s a fundamental problem with any compilation exercise such as this: there’s no universal list of the “best” hobbies. The most important thing is to find what fits your lifestyle, preferences, and comfort level. Start by asking yourself a few questions: 

• What activities have brought you joy in the past? 
• Are there any skills or interests you’ve always wanted to explore? 
• Do you prefer solo time or group interaction? 
• What is your current mobility level and energy availability? 

Waterstone’s lifestyle is built to support exploration. With concierge services, transportation, and an experienced team to coordinate programming, trying something new is as easy as saying yes to what’s on offer. 

Residents often discover new passions simply by joining a group class, attending a lecture, or saying yes to a neighbor’s invitation. Whether it’s watercolor painting in the art studio, learning tai chi with friends, or participating in a spirited discussion at a book club, there’s always something to spark your interest. These enriching programs are one of the main reasons our residents love our senior living communities.  

Hobbies for Seniors: Final Thoughts 

Hobbies are a pathway to health and purpose. For older adults, the right hobby can provide structure to the day, strengthen physical and cognitive skills, and build a lasting sense of community. 

At Waterstone Senior Living, we support every resident in finding what lights them up. Our communities help older adults live life to the fullest through diverse programming and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

If you’re considering a move to independent or assisted living and want a lifestyle that encourages growth, creativity, and joy, we invite you to explore Waterstone – a place where you can thrive. 

Reach out to a member of our team today.