According to the CDC, isolation and loneliness puts seniors at a greater risk of serious medical conditions. Social life challenges can have serious consequences, and forging (and maintaining) social bonds gets no less important as people age.
Too many seniors find themselves missing out socially as they age. Their friend groups tend to shrink, and they may no longer live near family members. They may find themselves with no local support network to speak of.
We understand the challenges of maintaining a social life in old age. While living in an assisted living community can help, it’s not an automatic fix.
Read on to learn about what seniors can do to thrive socially in their golden years.
Get Connected
One of the great things about assisted living communities is that they host events and have amenities centered around social interactions. There are many opportunities to connect with other residents.
Joining in on community activities, classes, and events is a great way to meet new friends and neighbors. Assisted living communities offer a wide range of activities, from art classes to book clubs and exercise classes to movie nights. Participating in these activities allows you to meet others who share similar interests and hobbies (and hopefully make new friends).
Don’t be afraid to try something new. While you get social, you may find a new favorite hobby.
Build a Sense of Community
Getting to know your neighbors is important to building a sense of community in assisted living. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and start a conversation. You never know who you might meet.
You might find that you have a lot in common with your neighbor. They may have a fascinating life story to share. Sharing your own stories and experiences with others can also help build connections and friendships.
Being open and friendly can help create a welcoming and supportive community where everyone feels at home. It can be difficult to do this, especially if you’re prone to shyness. It can all start with introducing yourself to one person who may be able to introduce you to their friends.
Stay in Touch with Loved Ones
Regular phone calls and video chats can help you stay connected with family and friends who live far away. Many assisted living communities also offer technology support and resources to help you stay in touch with loved ones. A video call isn’t quite as good as being with someone in real life, but it’s close and helps in a pinch.
On that note, bringing a friend or family member to join you for meals, activities, or just a visit can help you stay connected with loved ones and make the transition to assisted living feel less daunting. If you have friends or family nearby, don’t be afraid to ask if they can join you.
Many communities also offer family days and events, which can be a great way to spend time with loved ones and meet other families. This way, everyone has their family members with them, so you won’t stand out too much, which may be more comfortable.
Address Loneliness Proactively
Feeling lonely or isolated is common in assisted living, especially at first. Adjusting to any new place can be challenging. However, there are many resources available to help you overcome these feelings.
If you’re feeling lonely, don’t be afraid to reach out to staff or a trusted friend for support. If you can’t connect on your own, they can help you connect with others who share similar interests or experiences.
Try not to internalize those feelings. Many people find themselves further self-isolating. Instead, get ahead of the problem and reach out for help.
Stay Engaged and Active
Staying mentally and physically active is important for overall health and well-being, especially in assisted living. Participating in exercise classes, games, and other activities can help keep your mind and body sharp. Staying sharper may boost your confidence and help you maintain those crucial social skills you’ll need to make new social connections.
Many communities also offer cognitive stimulation programs and memory support resources to help you stay engaged and active. Finding your passion and pursuing your interests can also help you stay engaged and motivated.
While you’re doing these things, you’ll be meeting other people who are also working on self-improvement and health. By working on aging well, you’ll also be opening yourself up to new friendships and social opportunities.
Make the Most of Your Assisted Living Community
Assisted living is a new chapter in life, full of opportunities to make friends, try new things, and thrive. You can help shape activities and events to suit your interests and needs by getting involved in your community.
Try to embrace your new life of living in an assisted living community rather than an apartment or single-family home. Take advantage of everything the community has to offer, and you may find yourself merging seamlessly into various social circles. Volunteering for activities and events can help you meet others and make a positive impact on your community.
Making your space feel like home can help you feel more comfortable and settled. Bring personal items and decorations to make your new place feel cozy and familiar. While this may not help you socially per se, feeling more comfortable in your space may give you the drive to start integrating into the community.
Overcome the Challenges of Maintaining a Social Life in Old Age
It’s possible to overcome the challenges of maintaining a social life in old age with just a bit of effort. In an assisted living community, it can be easier than you think. By getting involved and making an active effort to meet your new neighbors, you may find yourself making new friends before you know it.
If you’re looking for a fantastic new place to call home in Raleigh, NC, come join us at TerraBella Northridge. We offer many fun events, restaurant-style meals, a game room, and so much more.
Schedule a tour today.
