Activities and Entertainment for Seniors Make the Hazy Days of Summer Anything But Lazy

From fireworks and barbecues to freshly grown produce, there’s no time quite like summertime. And you’ll find all the sights, sounds and tastes of this grand season at The Village at Germantown senior living community, where there’s tons of indoor and outdoor fun.

We caught up with Resident Services Director Kaylee Jackson and asked her for a “sneak peek” at the summer activities, cultural programs and holiday celebrations in store for the energetic seniors who are part of The Village family.

Music in the Air and Cars Fit for a Spy

Starting in May and running through August, the monthly Village Outdoor Concert Series gives music-loving seniors a chance to connect with friends and enjoy several toe-tapping evenings out. “We supply the band, the sangria and the ice cream bar, and our residents supply the enthusiasm,” Kaylee says.

So, what types of bands grace our grand lobby courtyard for this series? First up is the ever-popular Mighty Souls Brass Band, brewing a strong pot of jazz, funk and swing. For folks who prefer to be serenaded by strings, the Alice Hasen Trio plays favorites from bluegrass to Broadway with three-part harmonies and a dollop of fiddle. Other acts heating up summer nights at our Germantown senior living community include the classic rock Garage Band and the Homegrown Tomatoes country trio.

Concerts aren’t the only cultural programs adding sizzle to the Tennessee summer. “We’re holding a James-Bond-themed car show in June, complete with a refinished Rolls-Royce,” Kaylee reveals. “Martinis (shaken, not stirred) are optional.”

Time in the Garden Promotes Healthy Aging—and Healthy Competition

Many active gardeners call The Village home, and we’re delighted to help them pursue their passion. After all, gardening provides seniors with a sense of accomplishment while enhancing cognitive function and mental wellness. And while some don’t think of gardening as exercise, it’s an excellent way to maintain strength and make light aerobic activity part of daily life.

The highlight of our growing season is the annual garden party, typically held in June. “We have a community garden, and the various beds—everything from flowers to veggies to strawberries—are tended by different residents,” Kaylee explains. “So, every year, this party gives folks a chance to show off the fruits of their labors. We also serve lots of cold beverages and shaved ice.” She adds that the gardeners themselves play a big role in organizing the yearly soiree and act as hosts throughout the event.

As the growing season gets into full swing, the competition heats up as well. Every month, staff members award prizes to the prettiest flower bed, the first ripe produce and other agricultural achievements. The highest honors, though, are reserved for tomatoes. “Toward the end of the summer, we award a plaque to the resident who grows our community’s best tomatoes,” Kaylee says. “They also receive a crown and a recognition ceremony at our Resident Council meeting. It’s pretty competitive,” she laughs.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with a Festive Parade and Great Eats

Kaylee says the Fourth of July is the most popular time to see and be seen at our Germantown retirement community. The centerpiece of the day? Our annual golf cart parade. “Folks here get up at sunrise to decorate their carts with flags, streamers and other patriotic trimmings,” she explains. “We make a whole party out of it, serving Bloody Marys, sausage biscuits and other snacks.”

Once the golf carts are transformed into floats, the parade route travels through our 29-acre campus before spilling over into the nearby Thornwood and Somerset neighborhoods. “The parade has evolved over the years,” Kaylee says. “Some people ride their bikes with their dogs sitting in the baskets, and one gentleman even plays the tuba. It’s great fun for all.”

All that decorating and parading helps our vibrant residents stay fit and mentally alert and also works up quite an appetite. They can hardly wait until our dedicated staff rings the dinner bell for our annual Fourth of July Cook-In. “Tennessee summers can get pretty steamy, so we hold our holiday barbecue indoors,” Kaylee explains. “Everyone fills up on hot dogs, watermelon and corn on the cob while a 20-piece band performs a stirring concert. Many of our veterans wear their uniforms, and my assistant Mark dresses up like Uncle Sam.”

Folks who don’t mind the heat can also grill to their heart’s content in our picnic area—and our kitchen staff will happily supply the burgers, franks and buns. You’ll even spot their grandkids giving belly rubs to Brody, The Village dog. And, at dusk, everyone gathers in our front circle area for a breathtaking view of the Germantown fireworks. It’s the perfect ending to a patriotic day.

See Why Our Germantown Senior Living Community is Splendid in Summer—and All Year Long

Summertime at The Village is about creating memories that transform neighbors into family. Here, we fill the bright days and balmy nights with so many engaging activities that the only question is what to do first.

Call us today at 901-737-4242 to schedule a visit—and make these senior-friendly activities part of your summer.