The results are in. As we age, we indeed grow more lonely. Socialization becomes harder as you get older because of many factors, such as retirement and lack of routines and hobbies.
One of the best ways to combat loneliness is by moving into a senior living community. Senior living and assisted living communities have many social activities for seniors to thrive.
Read on to learn all about the challenges of maintaining a social life in assisted living and how a senior living community is great for enhancing social connections.
Why is Socialization Important in Assisted Living?
Socialization is important for seniors to maintain their health, both physical and mental, while in assisted living or retirement communities.
Not only can socialization boost your mood, but it has many documented health benefits, such as a stronger immune system and reduced stress levels.
Challenges of Socialization For Seniors
Unfortunately, you may experience some challenges when you first make the move to an assisted living or retirement community. Transitioning to a new lifestyle is difficult for anyone, but it can be especially hard for seniors who may have lived in the same house for many decades.
Cognitive Decline
If you have a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it may accelerate when you enter into a care community. This is because you won’t have some of the familiar comfort items that you’re used to.
Sometimes, assisted living is the best option if you find your cognitive impairment interferes with your daily routine. Although it may be a safer environment, it can put a lot of stress on the mind and body, which can, in turn, affect your brain functioning.
Combating Loneliness and Isolation
Even if your senior living community has many different options for connection, you may still suffer from loneliness.
Being removed from your neighborhood and familiar people is tough, especially if making new friends doesn’t come naturally. If you are used to a house full of people, living in a new apartment is a radical change.
Transitioning to a New Environment
Many seniors have lived in the same house for years, if not decades. Moving to an assisted living or retirement community often involves downsizing.
Deciding what to keep and what to leave is a stressful process, especially when you have many cherished possessions.
You also have to get used to your new environment. You may be surprised how much muscle memory your body has from being in the same space for many years.
Not knowing where to find things and adjusting to a new floor plan can be difficult. This is especially hard when you suffer from memory issues.
Being Away From Family
When you live close to family, it’s easy for them to stop by and visit you. Sometimes, finding the best retirement community means sacrificing the closeness of your children or grandchildren.
You may have to adjust to fewer or shorter visits from your loved ones.
Tips For Senior Socialization
Once you grow more comfortable with your senior living community, you can branch out and learn to socialize. There is no perfect method, but here are some tips for enhancing social interactions with people in your community.
Move Close to Friends
Do you have friends who recently went into assisted living or downsized into a retirement community? Consider moving in with them or getting an apartment close by.
Even having one familiar face to see can greatly improve your quality of life as you navigate your new home.
Find New Hobbies
One of the best things about your golden years is that you have more time than ever to invest in yourself. Are there any hobbies or activities you have wanted to try over the years but never had time? Now is your chance.
Hobbies are also a fantastic way to meet people in your senior living community and accelerate elderly social interactions.
If your community has an activities calendar, look at it regularly to see if there is anything you’re interested in trying out. Usually, there will be group meetups. You will get a chance to interact with others who share common values and interests.
Try to Get Out of the House
Staying in the house can be good in small doses, but it can be detrimental to your mental and physical health over long periods.
One of the best assisted living tips is to get out of the house as often as you are able. Even if you have mobility limitations, it’s important to experience fresh air and sunshine.
See if there are any group excursions planned that you can participate in. Group hiking, walking, and other outings are an easy way to start exercising and improving senior relationships.
Start Small
You may feel overwhelmed at first when you move into your new assisted living community. It’s completely normal to want to isolate when you first arrive.
Take small steps by slowly engaging with the community. Try going to one activity a week or talking to your neighbors. You may be surprised by how much you have in common.
Use Technology to See Family and Friends
One of the best features of modern technology is the ability to easily connect with loved ones. Apps like Facebook, Skype, or FaceTime allow you to video chat to your heart’s content.
Schedule calls regularly with people you care about. You can keep them in the loop about what’s happening in your life and celebrate milestones with them.
So Many Social Activities For Seniors
You shouldn’t have to worry about finding social activities for seniors that you will enjoy. With the right retirement community, it will be easier than ever to build a life full of friendships.
At Morada Midwest City, we’re dedicated to providing an environment where seniors can thrive. Our amenities include features that enhance the quality of senior living, without sacrifices in comfort and style.
Want to get to know our community or learn more about us? Take a look around our website or contact us today to schedule a tour.
