Social Activities for Seniors That Inspire Movement and Joy

Participating in social activities for seniors can help you stay active and gain a sense of belonging. You can find senior events in Greenville through your senior living community.

According to a Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans, 27% say they’ve fallen into a mundane routine and have “a bit [of a] boring life.” Boredom may lead to social isolation and loneliness, which can compromise your health. Before that happens, look for social activities for seniors in Greenville, SC.

Having an active lifestyle may improve your health and longevity. Why is community engagement important, and what resident programming is there in SC? Read on to find out!

How Can Seniors Get Daily Community Engagement?

For enhanced social wellness, seniors should socialize at least once a day. According to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, daily socializing may extend your longevity by 87%.

To socialize daily, seniors can:

• Explore their senior living community
• Ask questions
• Give compliments
• Use active listening
• Start conversations with strangers
• Have approachable body language
• Get involved in social activities for seniors
• Volunteer
• Take a class
• Host coffee dates or meals
• Call friends or family at least once a day

Why Is an Active Lifestyle Important for Seniors?

According to the CDC, one in three Americans feels alone. About one in four doesn’t have social or emotional support. These adults are at risk of social isolation and loneliness.

Social isolation occurs when you don’t have meaningful relationships or support from others. Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected from others. Both can increase your risk of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Dementia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Premature death

Prioritizing community involvement may help reduce your risk. Socializing can give you a sense of belonging within your community. You could protect and improve your health as you meet other seniors through community events.

Social Activities for Seniors

Check your senior living community’s events and activities calendar for resident programming SC. You can find fun events that will help you live an active lifestyle. Here are some programs to explore.

Dining

Consider asking friends to join you for meals. Their presence may encourage you to make healthier decisions. Eating with friends is also a great opportunity to socialize and connect with your peers.

Other potential benefits of dining together include:

• Improved mobility
• Reduced loneliness
• Stronger relationships
• Reduced risk of chronic conditions
• Improved overall well-being
• Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms

Try eating more whole foods, including fruits and vegetables. Whole foods are high in antioxidants and nutrients, which can lower inflammation. Reducing inflammation levels may lower your risk of certain health conditions.

You can find nutritious meals through your senior living community’s dining program. Otherwise, consider joining a cooking or baking class. You can take pride in what you make before sharing it with friends.

Events and Activities

Your senior living community’s events and activities calendar may offer:

• Bingo
• Card games and poker tournaments
• Book club
• Movie club
• Birdwatching
• Art therapy
• Sewing, crocheting, quilting, and knitting circles
• Gardening
• Game club
• Music classes
• Music therapy
• Pet therapy
• Arts and crafts
• Art therapy
• Cooking and baking classes

Engaging in a hobby may help improve your mental well-being. Having a hobby may increase levels of:

• Health
• Life satisfaction
• Happiness

Joining one of these hobby groups can help you share your passions with other seniors. Choose a group that meets regularly to avoid loneliness and social isolation.

Exercising

You can find group exercise classes through your senior living community’s fitness program. These may include:

• Aerobics
• Water aerobics
• Swimming
• Dance classes
• Weight lifting
• Hiking
• Walking
• Tai chi
• Pilates
• Yoga or chair yoga
• Resistance band training

Joining a group fitness class will encourage you to spend more time with friends.It can help you stick to a schedule, which may add structure to your life.

Ask friends to hold you accountable. They’ll ensure you attend regularly. Exercising regularly may help:

• Improve bone strength and counteract bone loss
• You live independently longer
• Prevent chronic disease
• Ease inflammation
• Reduce depression and anxiety symptoms
• Improve your immune system function
• Boost your mood
• Ease relaxation
• Help you sleep
• Ease osteoarthritis pain and stiffness

Choose a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching or flexibility exercises. These exercises can improve your strength, balance, and mobility. Improving your physical health can help you live independently longer.

Consider working with a personal trainer or expert at your senior living community. They can help you build a personalized fitness regimen based on your health and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is At Risk of Social Isolation?

Certain health conditions and experiences may increase your risk of social isolation and loneliness.These include:

• Living in rural areas
• Language barriers
• Facing a divorce
• Unemployment or retirement
• The loss of a loved one
• Limited transportation
• Having a chronic disease or condition
• Facing a long-term disability
• Having a psychiatric or depressive condition
• Being marginalized or discriminated against

Reach out to members of your Greenville community if you’re facing these risk factors. You can build a strong support system by engaging in resident programming SC. Building strong friendships may help reduce your risk of social isolation and loneliness.

Where Can Seniors Meet Other Seniors?

Seniors can meet other seniors through:

• Hobby groups
• Local senior living communities
• Fitness classes
• Community centers
• Volunteer groups
• The local libraries

Check your senior living community’s events and activities calendar. You can find fun opportunities to engage with and meet new people. Try to strengthen your relationships by spending time with friends every day.

Explore Senior Events Greenville

Engaging in social activities for seniors can improve your overall health. It may help extend your longevity while improving your quality of life. Remember, you can find senior events in Greenville through your local senior living community.

TerraBella Greenville helps seniors enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in a community that prioritizes leisure and fun. Our endless opportunities and amenities are designed to enhance your quality of life in retirement.

Explore our six exclusive lifestyle programs, from Sensations Dining to Celebrations Events & Activities like bingo or live musical performances. Contact us now to schedule your tour!