Every Day is a Chance for Adventure
It was a beautiful morning, and CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Seneca Day Health Center participants were excited for their trip to the aquarium. It was an opportunity to observe stunning marine creatures in the museum’s breathtaking exhibits.
Meanwhile, participants from our Flushing PACE site are still talking about their day at the Botanical Garden—where they enjoyed perfect weather, fresh air, and colorful scenery. Seneca participants, on the other hand, are looking forward to the next time they reconnect with their inner child and bond with their Flushing peers at Dave and Buster’s; and our Bronx participants are excited for the next time they go on a trip to City Island.
These are just examples of trips CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants enjoy. In addition to more than 100 activities on site each month, we also take them on field trips throughout the year. Whether at the PACE center learning new things, or at fun and educational locations chosen based on their interests, every day is a chance for adventure!
Why are field trips part of CenterLight PACE’s Therapeutic Recreation programming?
Field trips provide a variety of benefits for older adults, including:
- Opportunities for socialization. When older adults interact and share new experiences with their peers, their risk for social isolation is reduced. Field trips provide opportunities to interact with others, helping improve their wellbeing. In addition, having something to look forward to, like going to a museum with friends, helps promote mental and emotional wellness.
- New experiences and participating in activities one enjoys can stimulate cognitive function. Whether going to a place they have never been before, learning new things, or discussing new ideas, field trips are a fun way to keep one’s mind sharp.
- Most field trips can encourage physical activity. For example, walking around a museum of their choice or playing a game provide opportunities for exercise and help with mobility. Taking a stroll at the Botanical Garden, for example, not only encourages movement—it is also a chance to enjoy fresh air.
Diverse Interests, New Possibilities
The CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation (TR) team understands that each participant is unique. TR specialists design activities that consider the diverse cultural backgrounds and varied preferences of those we serve. Field trips aim to bring participants together, offer a chance for adventure, provide shared experiences that they will enjoy, and even introduce them to something new, opening them up to interests they didn’t have before.
Visit our Facebook page to view photos from trips and other events/programs for our participants.
This blog post is written by Kathleen Keegan, Director of Therapeutic Recreation Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
H3329 FieldTripBlog Approved 05272025
Updated 04162025