Moving into senior living in Salisbury, NC, can enhance your sense of belonging and purpose in life. This may help improve your mood, health, and longevity.
According to a recent AARP study, 40% of American adults report being lonely. Loneliness and social isolation are linked with mental and physical health issues that may affect your longevity. Instead of allowing your health to deteriorate, start aging with purpose by moving into senior living in Salisbury, NC.
A senior lifestyle community can help you discover a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. You can connect with other seniors by engaging in group activities, sharing meals, or volunteering.
Why is resident engagement important, and how can you renew your sense of purpose during retirement in Salisbury, NC? Read on to find out!
What Is Social Isolation?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions. Social isolation refers to a lack of contact with or social support from others. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or disconnected from other people.
Individual risk factors for social isolation and loneliness include:
- Language barriers
- Facing a divorce
- Unemployment/retirement
- The loss of a loved one/grief
- Having a chronic disease or condition
- Having a long-term disability
- Living in a rural or hard-to-reach area
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Having limited access to transportation
- Having a psychiatric or depressive condition
Seniors, especially those who live alone, are at a higher risk for social isolation and loneliness. If you’re at risk, consider moving into assisted living in Salisbury, NC. You can surround yourself with other seniors, develop lasting friendships, and gain a renewed sense of belonging.
Why Is a Senior Lifestyle Community Important?
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness can pose health risks in older people. Both can increase your risk of mental and physical health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Cognitive decline
- Early death
Engaging in meaningful activities with other seniors can renew your sense of belonging and purpose in life.It may help improve your mood, strengthen your immune system, and extend your longevity. Here are a few reasons resident engagement is essential to your well-being.
Mental
Developing strong social networks may help reduce your risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.According to a study by Ageing and Society, people with the highest levels of social connectedness and engagement score the highest on cognitive tests. Socially active people had 70% less cognitive decline compared with others.
Socializing stimulates the mind. Keeping the brain active can strengthen brain cell connections and create new neural pathways.
Physical
According to Holt-Lunstad in World Psychiatry, social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of mental and physical health issues. This includes hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. Social isolation and loneliness may increase stress hormones that cause inflammation, increasing your risk of chronic illnesses.
Finding a new purpose in life can help you relieve stress. It may help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation, which could extend your longevity.
Emotional
Having friends to talk to may improve your emotional resilience. Finding a sense of belonging can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms while boosting endorphins.
Assisted Living in Salisbury, NC
As you explore your senior housing options, look at each community’s resident engagement programs. Here are a few ways assisted living in Salisbury, NC, can enhance your sense of purpose.
Engaging Activities
Your community’s events and activities calendar can help you discover new passions. Engaging in hobbies may help:
- Boost your mood and self-reported happiness
- Improve brain health and function
- Encourage healthy aging
- Relieve stress
- Improve sleep
Participating in these activities can help you meet seniors who share your passions. You can learn from one another, which can help new neural pathways form. Completing projects can also boost your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Shared Meals
Sharing meals with other seniors may help:
- Reduce social isolation and loneliness
- Strengthen communication skills
- Encourage healthy eating decisions/nutrition
- Improve your mood
- Reduce the risk of chronic conditions
- Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms
- Improve mobility
- Encourage self-care
- Strengthen relationships
Join friends for meals in your senior living community’s dining room. Otherwise, consider baking or cooking together. You can discover new dishes, keep your mind active, and gain a sense of accomplishment.
Fitness Classes
Staying physically active can benefit your mental, physical, and emotional health. Consider joining a walking group through your senior living community’s fitness program. Walking together may help:
- Encourage socializing
- Keep you on a schedule/improve accountability
- You maintain a steady pace
- Ensure safety
- Keep you motivated
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
Seniors should try to socialize at least once a day. According to The BMJ Group, frequent socializing is linked to a longer lifespan in older adults.
People who socialized occasionally delayed their “time to death” by 42%. Those who socialized nearly every day, however, delayed this time by 87%.
To socialize more often, explore your senior living community’s events and activities calendar. Choose activities you want to engage in regularly. Use these group activities to foster new friendships with members of your community.
How Can I Start Aging With Purpose?
To start aging with purpose, try:
- Moving into assisted living in Salisbury, NC
- Socializing with other seniors
- Learning new skills
- Pursuing hobbies and finishing projects
- Volunteering and giving back to the community
- Setting goals for personal growth
- Mentoring others
- Embracing new challenges
- Documenting your family history
You can find a renewed sense of purpose and belonging after moving into a senior lifestyle community. Connecting with other seniors can enhance your sense of belonging, while engaging in activities can rekindle your sense of purpose.
Choose Senior Living in Salisbury, NC
Moving into senior living in Salisbury, NC, can help you discover a new sense of purpose and belonging. It could help improve your health, mood, and quality of life. Look no further than TerraBella Salisbury.
The Discovery Senior Living family of management companies ranked number one in Customer Satisfaction Among Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities in the JD Power 2025 US Senior Living Satisfaction Study. Enjoy our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared meals through Sensations Dining and Celebrations Activities & Events like music classes. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
