Retirement opens up time to focus on the activities we love, but sometimes it can come with a shrinking social circle. It’s natural for work friendships to fade when the office is no longer a shared space, and even close friends and family may move away to be closer to their children and grandchildren. How can we rebuild our social connections and forge new friendships in this stage of life? For many, transitioning to a senior living community provides an ideal solution.
Ways to Interact in Senior Living Communities
Here are ways you can connect and build healthy relationships with other residents at senior living communities:
Join a Club or Pick up a Hobby
Senior living communities provide countless opportunities to connect with others while learning new skills through both scheduled activities and spontaneous pastimes. Many communities offer a variety of classes, such as cooking, art, and gardening, as well as organized social clubs for hobbies like crocheting, knitting, or book discussions.
You can enjoy group games like cards, poker, dominoes, bingo, and other classics, or work together on scrapbooks and puzzles. Explore new technology or participate in creative and social activities that foster connection and engagement. The possibilities are endless.
Hearty Mealtime Conversations
Senior living communities feature restaurant-style dining options. These offer the perfect way to meet new individuals. Instead of eating in your room alone, enjoy your lunch or evening meals in the dining area. Find an open seat at a table and introduce yourself, or invite other people to join you. You might form a regular group of dining companions, or you can sit with new people at every meal to meet as many residents as possible.
Join an Exercise Group
What better way to improve your physical and social health than to join others for regular workout sessions? You will boost your body, spirit, mind, and self-sufficiency. Many senior communities have fully equipped fitness centers and wellness programs overseen by a dedicated team member.
Participate in group fitness classes such as Pilates, yoga, sit & fit aerobics, water aerobics, dance, and Tai Chi, along with plenty of other stimulating activities.
Engage in Events and Outings
Senior living communities regularly host a variety of popular events, including casino nights, movie nights, live entertainment, dances, birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, and happy hours.
They also organize frequent outings and group trips, complete with chauffeured transportation, to destinations such as coffee shops, restaurants, local attractions, parks, and more. Participating in these activities is a fantastic way to enjoy yourself while building meaningful friendships.
Visit the Available Common Spaces
Spending more time outside your senior living community apartment makes it easy to make new friends. Most communities have plenty of shared spaces, such as game rooms, computer centers, libraries, landscaped areas, outdoor patios, and chapels.
You can read a book in the library or sip your coffee on the shared patio. When other residents use those areas, you can strike up a conversation.
Participate in Volunteer Programs
Retirement communities usually host a variety of volunteer programs. Whether it is supporting nearby churches, assisting with local events, or contributing to local shelters, giving back can be a fulfilling activity for seniors. Plus, it’s a convenient and easy way to meet like-minded individuals.
Good Friends Are Waiting for You at Merrill Gardens
At a time in life when building new friendships and nurturing old ones seem difficult, seniors should take every chance to socialize with others. Senior living communities offer countless opportunities to connect and form friendships. Find out how you can enjoy more at merrillgardens.com.