Activities for Life: Therapeutic Services, provides therapeutic companion care services/ psyhosocial healthcare for older adults in Grand Junction, Colorado. AFL also provides training for paraprofessionals who have a heart for working with the eldery, and our folks with special needs in their own community. Activities for LIfe is a national program that trains/certifies students, nationwide in being an "Activity Assistant". Activity Assitants training is a national model based on OBRA regulations (OBRA, 1987).  Recreation has been beneficial for all ages when it comes to health benefits, mental health/cognitive clarity, social connectedness, spiritual growth, emotonal health, and more. The numerous benefits are also true for our elderly (Age 65+). When our older adults enter retirement age, they experience a series of changes and losses in their life, and this can disorienting and a cause for decline in overall enjoyment and involvement in life. Therapeutic recreation/activities--and psychosocial activities / intervention may seem like "just fun", it is far more benefiical to the overall well being than meets the eye. Recreation increases blood flow to the brain, cells in the body, raises healthy endorphins in the body, exercises the mind and body and more.  Activities for Life, provides therapeutic activites --which also includes an comprehensive plan, that incorporates daily living, daily chores/task (money, shopping, making list, goals, etc) into the overall plan of improving the quaility of life for our seniors. Life is more than eating, breathing, and just sitting around. Being well is a total effect that includes a holistic approach. Seniors [and human beings] need a reason to get up in the morning, or even getting dressed; it's more than just finding something to do--it's finding meaning, purpose and community. Centenarian studides find one thing in common with adults living to be a hundred or more: they all are involved and are included as a vital part of their community. Essay: Veronica Herrera, B.A. (Activities for Life, Therapeutic Services)  http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/SeniorCenterstudy.pdf http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/SeniorCenterstudy.pdf ...read more