With 34% of older adults feeling lonely, there’s never been a better time to seek out intentional communities. Regular community involvement can help seniors feel connected. And these connections might just help with longevity and mental health.
Senior living communities are the ideal place to find stronger connections. Read on to learn more about the role of community involvement in assisted senior living!
Avoid Isolation and Associated Health Risks
As people age, it becomes harder to get out and connect with other people. Health issues, for instance, might make it harder to schedule get-togethers. And if family members don’t live nearby, a senior’s social circle can start to feel small.
As a result, many seniors deal with loneliness and even depression. They may withdraw from existing social opportunities. They can lose socialization skills in the process.
That’s why community involvement needs to be a critical component of a senior’s life. Engaging with others can help seniors feel connected and find meaning in each day. Assisted living centers are an excellent space to help facilitate these connections.
Residents who maintain an active lifestyle feel more fulfilled. They’ll be able to handle difficult situations more easily. And they can avoid problems with their physical and emotional health.
Dementia, hypertension, and other chronic health issues can be linked to isolation. But being in a place where each person is known can foster a healthier, more social lifestyle for seniors.
Develop New Friendships
Maintaining a robust social life can be challenging as people age. Limited mobility or driving can hinder access to opportunities to mingle with friends over dinner. Some friends may pass away or move to retirement communities, making it harder to keep an active calendar of activities.
That’s where assisted living communities can be a source of renewal for seniors. These communities bring people together and offer intentional ways to feel involved. Every gathering within an assisted living community offers a chance to form new friendships and build trust.
Residents can join clubs or attend activities where they’ll meet others with similar interests. The connections they make can set the foundation for deeper friendships.
In an assisted living community, seniors also will be around supportive staff members. Even the smallest interactions with staff members can be clear signs of caring. And for seniors who’ve felt alone, this sense of community is critical to their well-being.
Find Mental Stimulation
Community involvement can do more than build friendships. It can help improve seniors’ cognitive function, too. Every new activity or interaction can spark new ways of thinking and lively discussions.
Regular interactions, learning information, and trying new hobbies contribute to mental stimulation. Seniors can talk with each other as they’re learning a new craft and bond over the process. Or the craft project might just be the backdrop for a deeper conversation.
They can attend a seminar on a historical topic. They can learn new recipes or games. Regardless of what community activities they try, seniors will reap the benefits of better brain health.
Continuous learning in communities ensures that seniors are always thinking, and this benefit can positively impact other parts of their lives.
Seniors will experience mood-boosting benefits from being in a community and maintaining a social life, too. Moments where they’re sharing ideas or talking about family with others can provide huge mental boosts. As a result, seniors may feel happier and more optimistic.
Enjoy Physical Benefits
Being in a community is also beneficial for seniors’ physical health. An active senior social life can contribute to better physical condition and diet. By contrast, when seniors are disengaged, bad habits are more likely to take hold.
Staying home can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting and watching television might seem like an easier option than trying to organize a social gathering. And physical inactivity can raise the risk of issues like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and dementia.
Being in a robust community can help seniors connect. They won’t have to worry about making plans since the activities will already be there for them to join. Without that pressure, it’s easier to commit to a full slate of engaging opportunities that can help their physical health.
As a bonus, many activities at assisted living centers have movement built into their being. Seniors will be moving around more to play a game together, for instance, which contributes to better physical health. They can join hikes, walk to meetings, and go outside to be with friends.
Opportunities to exercise through classes or routine walks can help promote better physical health, as well. Seniors will be able to see exercise as more than just physical exertion. Instead, these opportunities can be a way to visit with friends, too.
Find the Right Activities
Ultimately, finding the right activities is critical for seniors hoping to feel engaged with a community. Activities could include baking, creating themed holiday celebrations, or volunteering.
These activities can give residents a much-needed outlet. They’re also a way to discover new talents or indulge interests. And best of all, residents can do these activities alongside fellow residents at an assisted living center.
A good senior living community provides residents with a diverse array of activities. After all, caring for seniors involves listening to their needs and interests.
Some individuals may enjoy going on excursions into the great outdoors. Others might prefer listening to concerts. With the right activities, residents will be able to feel a sense of purpose and meaning as they approach each day.
Understand the Role of Community Involvement in Assisted Senior Living
Knowing more about the role of community involvement in assisted senior living can help seniors make an informed choice. The right community can help seniors feel connected and develop a sense of belonging. They’ll benefit from physical and mental engagement with the right activities.
At Sabine Place, we give residents a positive and fulfilling experience designed to help them flourish. With ample social opportunities, like regular outings and a wellness program, our residents always feel connected. Contact us today to learn more!
