Finding ways to socialize can become increasingly difficult as we age. Many factors like lack of transportation, declining health, and the loss of close friends and family can cause seniors to be socially isolated.
However, research has shown that socialization has numerous health and wellness benefits for seniors. It’s important to identify opportunities where you or a loved one can remain connected with others.
Learn the benefits of socialization for older adults in this blog and get tips on how to maintain an active social life.
Health and Wellness Benefits of Socialization for Older Adults
Loneliness and social isolation can place seniors at greater risk for health problems like depression, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and anxiety. You can minimize these risks and boost your health and wellness when you regularly socialize with others.
Here are a few of the health and wellness benefits of socialization:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Creates a sense of belonging
- Increases opportunities for physical exercise
- Increases mood and feelings of happiness
- Improves quality of life
- Lessens anxiety and risk of depression
- Improves cognitive function
5 Ways Seniors Can Maintain an Active Social Life
As you identify ways to socialize more, it’s also essential to focus on all aspects of your overall wellness. Do your best to eat nutritious foods, make time for physical activity, and get plenty of sleep. Combining these efforts can greatly improve your mental and physical health.
Here are five ways seniors can socialize more:
- Enroll in a class that interests you. Locate a community center, senior living community, or university nearby to see what options are available. Some senior centers may provide transportation. If getting out is difficult for you, explore online classes that meet with others in a virtual setting.
- Set aside time each week to contact loved ones. Find what works best to stay connected, whether it’s a phone call, letter, email, or video call. Meet for lunch or coffee if possible. Staying in regular contact with others helps build relationships and creates a reliable social support system.
- Volunteer your time for a cause or organization that’s meaningful to you. You’ll likely meet others who share your passion and start to create new friendships and connections. Helping others can provide you with a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Sign up for a local walking group or exercise class that is geared toward older adults. You’ll have the opportunity to not only engage in physical activity but also socialize with others.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors. Get to know your neighbors better by asking them about their day. Offer to help organize neighborhood gatherings so it’s easier to socialize. Set up regular lunch outings or monthly card groups. Find others with common interests and ask how they stay active with hobbies and friends.
Senior Living and Socialization Opportunities
Senior living communities can provide numerous opportunities for you or a loved one to socialize and meet others. Typically, a life enrichment team is dedicated to meeting the health and wellness needs of the residents.
Most communities offer exercise classes and walking clubs. They usually provide activities that cover a variety of interests, like woodworking, art classes, bingo and card games, special dinner outings and trips, live musical entertainment, and more.
In senior living communities, residents also find themselves surrounded by their peers who likely have faced some of the same challenges and life experiences. Knowing you’re not alone in what you’re feeling can provide reassurance and support when you need it most.
Life at Sonrisa Assisted Living
If you’re looking at options for senior living, we invite your family to visit Sonrisa Assisted Living, designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life.
We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team — who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs, and an elevated secured courtyard.
Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible, and be reassured that help is available whenever needed.
In addition to our personalized services, we offer:
- Assisted Living dining room, bistro and two sitting lounge/living room areas
- Memory Care living and dining room
- Elegantly designed common areas
- Fitness and wellness center with physical and occupational therapy room
- A commercial kitchen
- Barber and beauty salon in both assisted living and memory care areas
- 24-hour on-duty care staff
- Secured community
- Art room
- Multipurpose room
- Large state‐of‐the‐art theater
- A large secured Assisted Living and separate Memory Care courtyard with walking paths
- On‐grade parking for immediate use of visitors and staff
- Dog Park
If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit Sonrisa Assisted Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour.
You may also download our complimentary brochure to get additional details about Sonrisa Assisted Living.
