In the weeks leading up to the 2024 Olympic Games, our communities across the country started building the excitement and anticipation. From California to Florida, residents and team members have been getting into the Olympic spirit.
The Olympic games are an exciting time for the nation, and the world at large, as we all come together to watch and celebrate the amazing athletic abilities and accomplishments of our top athletes. National pride is at an all time high, and camaraderie and competitive spirit are in full swing.
People from all walks of life come together to cheer on their stars - and maybe learn a little about some of the events and competitors. Whether you are an avid sports fan or a casual viewer, the Olympic Games have a level of excitement, wonder and possibility to them. The games are where years of hard work culminates, where dreams can come true, and where all the dedication and focus pay off.
Across our communities, residents are enjoying the Olympic spirit. Many of our communities hosted watch parties to kick off the Opening Ceremonies this past Friday. They enjoyed watching entertainers, singers, performers, and the sea of athletes floating in along the Seine.
Celebrating the Olympics at Pacifica Senior Living
In preparation, some of our communities also created Olympic themed crafts and decorations to help add some festive decor to our community common areas. So many of our communities hosted watch parties decked out with Olympic themed snacks, decorations and flags..
As part of our Olympic journey, our communities have been hosting their own Senior Olympic games. Modified sports, crafts, games, and trivia challenges have been going on throughout our communities and residents have been getting into the spirit of the games.
Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa
Memory Care community Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa in Daly City has loved the lead up to the games. They hosted a three day tournament of games and activities leading up to the opening ceremonies this past week.
Day one consisted of balloon volleyball. This modified volleyball game is a favorite among many of our residents. It is a fun game that lots of residents can get involved in at once. Various modifications can be made, which make it more accessible for individuals of all mobility and dexterity levels to participate. Whether it is having residents sit in chairs either side of a net, or using pool noodles to swat the balloons over the net, everyone gets a chance to join in.
Day two saw the archery competition. Residents used toy bows and arrows with suction cup tips to aim at targets. They loved trying out a new skill and testing their aim. Activities like this are also great for keeping up fitness and dexterity - two important factors to focus on as we age.
On day three, residents competed in a fun-filled bowling tournament, taking turns to throw strikes, spares and splits. Each day brought something new, and helped get everyone into the athletic mindset..
Learn more about Pacifica Senior Living’s Fantastic Activities Program and Activities Director HERE
Gardens at Escondido:
Gardens at Escondido is another one of our communities that hosted multi-day Olympic events. For their first game, residents showcased their precision and aim by attempting to toss an egg in a basket. Different targets counted for different points, leading to an exciting competition. Everyone got into the competitive spirit, but also shared a lot of laughs. For day two, it was all about the ring toss challenge.
The third event was a new one for many of our residents. Each competitor had to race a balloon along a string track - the string passing through a straw attached to the balloon. The task took focus, coordination and dexterity, and was a great challenge for everyone.
They end their week of games on day four with crowd favorite; bowling.
Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Peñasquitos:
Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Peñasquitos hosted an Olympic bonanza. One packed day of festive fun, this was an event that had clearly gained a buzz around the community. Residents gathered in the morning to watch the opening ceremonies, excited at the prospect of amazing athletic performances to come.
"I'm a major sports fan, so I'll be watching," Carol, one of the excited residents told us. "I like track and field, as I ran track in high school. Pro football is my favorite, but I like baseball, track and field, and I love equestrian too." 
The community then hosted its own Senior Olympic games, Rancho’s version of many of the popular sports. They started off with Basketball, a modified ball-toss challenge, played on the outdoor patio. Activities Director China amped up the crowd, as everyone started to get into the competitive spirit. Resident Anda took the win with some impressive throws.
Next was Rancho Peñasquito’s shot-put, a corn-hole toss, where a number of residents lined up to try their hand at scoring the bean bags into the hole. Resident Malcolm blew the competition away with a near-perfect score.
Activities carried on with a golf challenge which saw residents take on staff remembers for the gold, followed by a javelin toss which consisted of throwing paper planes from the patio balcony to see which could travel the furthest.
Everyone then took a snack break as Executive Director Wes quizzed us all on Olympic trivia. We then carried on to rubber band archery, ping-pong-ball cup toss, and seated balloon volleyball.
China also led the residents in a 'triathlon' which consisted of running on the spot (while seated), swimming motions with your arms, and mimicking pedaling with your hands. Each activity was done for 30 seconds, and was a fun way to get in a little daily exercise.
The whole event was a huge success and residents had a ball laughing and trying new challenges as they competed against one another.
The Olympics are a great time for everyone to come together and cheer on our athletes. Hosting senior olympic events and similar activities can help older adults feel more connected and integrated in the event - plus, it’s a whole lot of fun.
Participating in modified sports can also help with both mental and physical health. Dexterity, balance, mobility, and flexibility are key elements to work on as we age, and playing games and sports like these Olympic games can help keep muscles strong and balance in take.
As the games continue, our communities will continue to cheer on our nation’s athletes, and try their hand at some of the games here in our own communities.
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