The Power of Staying Engaged: How Daily Connection Shapes the Way We Age
Oct 9, 2025
Abby
Durr
A new study published in Nature Communications found that long-term creative engagement can help keep the brain young. Across the Greater Puget Sound, we see this truth every day in senior living communities where residents find purpose, friendship, and joy through daily connection.
The Power of Staying Engaged
Researchers followed thousands of adults and discovered that those who practiced creative hobbies such as painting, writing, dancing, or playing music showed signs of “younger” brains, including stronger memory and mental flexibility.
What mattered most was consistency. People who had been active in creative pursuits for many years benefited the most. The takeaway is clear: it isn’t just creativity that matters, but the habit of staying engaged.
This mirrors what we see in senior living communities across the Greater Puget Sound area, from Tacoma to Everett. The more opportunities residents have to connect, create, and participate, the more fulfilled and mentally vibrant they tend to be.
More Than a Hobby, A Habit of Joy
Having a hobby is wonderful, but being in a setting where it becomes a regular part of life is something else entirely. That consistency turns interest into joy and gives people something meaningful to look forward to each day.
At one home in Bellevue, residents meet weekly for watercolor classes with a visiting art teacher. The sessions focus on expression, laughter, and connection. The same home takes residents on outings to the Frye Art Museum or the symphony, bringing new energy and stories to share.
Other homes find enrichment in simple, everyday routines. Residents tend gardens, plant flowers, and enjoy the satisfaction of watching something grow. One woman proudly replanted her beloved dahlia bulbs from her previous home, which made her new environment truly feel like her own.
During another visit, a resident showed us her cream-colored couch, brought from her old home. She smiled as she explained how much it made her feel at peace. These personal touches matter deeply.
Everyday Moments That Matter
Across the region, adult family homes and assisted living communities are proving that it doesn’t take grand or expensive programs to enrich life. The secret is intention and care.
Many communities bring in live music, hold weekly Bible studies, or welcome therapy animals. Others do morning stretches, daily walks, or balloon tosses that spark laughter and light movement.
Some homes have personal trainers for residents who want to stay active. Others make “Takeout Fridays” or “Pizza Sundays” a highlight of the week. In multigenerational homes, children bring daily joy, and residents become affectionately known as “the cookie lady” or “the candy lady.”
One home even has a teenage daughter who plays piano for residents while her father joins in on guitar for sing-alongs. It’s these everyday moments that fill life with warmth and meaning.
Assisted Living and Adult Family Homes: Different Paths to the Same Goal
Assisted living communities and adult family homes both support meaningful engagement, though in different ways. Assisted living communities often have larger-scale amenities like swimming pools, activity centers, and group outings. Adult family homes offer a more intimate setting, with activities tailored to the residents themselves.
Some residents enjoy cooking or baking together, while others help fold laundry, read the morning paper, or water the garden. The goal in both settings is the same: to create an environment where life feels active, personal, and full of connection.
A Local Example of Purposeful Programming
The Northshore Senior Center is another wonderful example of what intentional engagement looks like. While it is not a place where people live, it is a valuable resource for older adults who want to stay active and connected today.
Their programs range from art and fitness classes to travel groups and volunteer opportunities. Whether you live at home or in a senior living community, centers like this help keep creativity and connection alive.
You can see their Fall 2025 program catalog here.
Why Community Living Is Worth Considering
Many people feel that staying at home is the best option for as long as possible. But what we often hear from families after their loved one moves is, “I wish we had done this sooner.”
The reality is that isolation at home can slowly limit opportunities for connection and stimulation. In contrast, life in a senior community—whether an adult family home or assisted living—creates structure, purpose, and belonging.
At Silver Age, we help families explore these options and find the right environment for their loved ones. A simple 30-minute call with our team can bring clarity, relief, and vision for the future. Our service is typically no cost, and many families tell us that once they begin exploring, they feel more hopeful about what lies ahead.
The Bottom Line
The new research confirms what so many families already sense. Staying engaged, creative, and socially connected is one of the best ways to stay healthy and happy as we age. Whether through painting, gardening, or simply sharing stories over coffee, it’s the rhythm of daily connection that keeps the mind and heart young.
If you’re beginning to think about the next step for a parent or loved one, reach out to us today. Together we can explore what community living might look like and help you find a place that truly feels like home.
Sources:
Abby
Durr
At Silver Age, we believe that treating people well and doing the right thing leads to lasting success. Our story began with founder Abby Durr’s personal caregiving journey. While caring for her grandfather—who was like a father to her—she experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of end-of-life care. “I lived next door and had the incredible privilege of sitting with him, holding his hand, bathing him, and helping guide his care.”
Abby’s passion for serving older adults grew while working at a local assisted living and memory care community. She recalls the first resident fondly: “She proudly introduced herself to everyone as the first to move in.” That community grew to 92 residents, each with a unique story. As a care coordinator and later a marketing director, Abby discovered senior referral services and felt called to help families facing major care transitions.
Most people hope to stay at home through life’s end—but when plans change, we’re here. With compassion and expertise, we’ll guide you to trusted care resources and housing that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Since 2008, Silver Age has been helping Seattle-area families find trusted care providers.
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