Unlocking Joy at Berkeley Square

Mary Huhn

Hello, friends! It's Mary here, back for another episode of the Mindful Living Initiative at Berkeley Square. I hope wherever you are, you're taking a few slow breaths with me. Today I'm excited—actually, almost giddy—because we're tackling the topic of FUN. Yes, fun! Now, I know for some of us, that word might feel a bit foreign. I get it—I really do. If you've listened to my story before, you know fun wasn't exactly on the menu when I was growing up. In my house, fun was almost suspicious. Laughter was something rare, almost too precious to spend. It’s funny to think how different my life is now, where joy and lightness are part of my every day.

Mary Huhn

So, why fun, and why now? This isn't just about tossing in a few parties or a game here and there. It's about making each day a little brighter, each laugh a little louder, and those small, silly moments a lot more memorable. Jim Donovan's 2024 in depth research into retirement communities came up with a model that really captures this—fun isn’t just a side dish, you know, it's integrated with how we find purpose, how we support each other, and ultimately, how we belong. Fun links arms with all these important things that help us thrive as we age.

Mary Huhn

The thing that hits home for me is the idea that fun is just as crucial as purpose, social support, and community. For so many years, I thought fun meant frivolity or goofing off, but the research tells us—and my experience tells me, too—it’s actually a key sign of a thriving, vibrant life. I wish I could go back to my younger self and tell her: laughter isn’t a distraction from real life; it's the light that lets us see all that's good and possible.

Mary Huhn

Now, let's talk about loneliness, because, well, it’s real—especially in retirement communities. We all know those quiet days that just feel a little too long. Here at Berkeley Square, we started noticing: when people gather for something fun, even if it’s just a small group sitting around, something shifts. Laughter acts sort of like—well, it's like it opens a window. The air gets lighter, and suddenly, you’re not as alone in the room or in yourself.

Mary Huhn

But let’s not sugarcoat it—there are reasons people don’t join in. Some of us have trouble hearing, or moving easily, or maybe we worry we won’t know the rules to a game. And for plenty of people, there’s a sneaky voice in the back that says, “You’re not good enough at this,” or “What if you look foolish?” I know that voice. Sometimes, honestly, it’s easier to just stay home. But over time, that pattern of sitting out becomes a pattern of loneliness, and it gets harder to step back in.

Mary Huhn

The magic, I think, happens when residents create their own fun—like the Family Christmas story with every part of the retirement community participating or just recently when residents made up their version of the Winter Olympic games. I remember one afternoon watching a group giggle through a “whodunit” board game. The group wasn't just playing a game, they were inviting each other to belong again. That’s why these activities—dancing, cooking together, even just sitting for BINGO—matter. They dissolve the distance between us, if only for an afternoon.

Mary Huhn

What fascinates me about all this is the positive feedback loop Jim Donovan's research revealed when someone joins a game or helps cook a meal, they're not just filling a slot on the activity list—they're rediscovering that feeling of being needed, of being valuable. That sense of purpose, when it comes from fun, sparks more engagement, and people start to seek each other out. The Stone Soup community meal is a beautiful way for residents to act out a centuries old story and enjoy a unique sensory experience because people realized, hey, sharing a good meal is fun, but planning and preparing it is fun, too. Or the brand new Bourbon and Scotch with discussion tasting club that opens new approaches for sensory experiences.

Mary Huhn

I get asked, “Mary, what about someone who feels really adrift? Like, they just don't see the point anymore?” My answer—okay, and I’m not saying this is a magic cure or anything—but invite them to help with something playful. It doesn’t have to be leading the big game; even helping organize a snack table or handing out clues for a treasure hunt can crack open that sense of belonging and meaning. It’s like you need a little jumpstart—sometimes helping someone else have fun reminds you that you still can, too.

Mary Huhn

Let’s get into some science, because, well—I know some of you love your data! Fun isn’t just for the “kids at heart.” Engaging in things we find enjoyable actually does things like reduce stress, boost mood, sharpen our minds, and even help keep us physically healthy. There are ten very specific benefits that our research highlighted —everything from better relationships to enhanced resilience and even living longer. Sounds like a pretty good prescription, doesn’t it?

Mary Huhn

Now, I want to say this directly—fun isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Berkeley Square, our version of fun is consciously inclusive; it's meant for introverts, extroverts, everyone who wants a seat at the table, no matter how bold or quiet you are. One of the most powerful things that can happen is when a neighbor reaches out to a neighbor and says, “Hey, come try this with me.” That’s how we break those negative patterns of isolation, one invitation at a time.

Mary Huhn

And here’s something else: we practice a bit of “you are seen and you are good enough” in our chats—no one has to be the best or know everything. The magic isn’t in winning; it’s being together, giving each other permission to be part of it, even if that means learning something new from scratch. That’s one reason BINGO is so beloved around here. People say it’s just chance, but actually, it’s a masterclass in mindfulness—waiting, listening, being present in your body when your number gets called, and rooting for your neighbor’s card, too. It’s a tiny window into connection and patience and, yeah, joy.

Mary Huhn

We actively encourage everyone to design activities that fit their comfort zone—maybe that’s leading a club, or maybe it’s just showing up once a month. And sometimes, the person you least expect becomes the life of the party. I watched one resident, who’d never really joined group events, take charge of a scavenger hunt. Before long, she wasn’t just participating; she was orchestrating fun for others. That’s the thing—fun is for all of us, and sometimes, unlocking it in ourselves unlocks it for somebody else, too.

Mary Huhn

Well, I could keep going all day, but I’ll save some stories for next time. If you take one thing from today, let it be this: joy is an invitation. Say yes, even if you just dip a toe in at first. Fun is waiting for you here, in whatever shape fits you best. Until next time, friends—let’s keep living, laughing, and learning together at Berkeley Square. There’s so much more ahead.