For seniors, strong human connections are a critical component of good health. That’s why living in a community that promotes social activities is so critical to emotional and physical well-being. Anything from organized classes to impromptu game nights can be an opportunity to make friends and connect.
Keep reading to learn the six ways social friends enhance the assisted living experience!
1. Boost Mental Health
Improving senior well-being starts with solid friendships. Living independently can come with a sense of pride, but it can also come at the expense of mental health. Seniors are more prone to feeling isolated and lonely as they age.
That’s why living in a senior assisted living community can be the right choice. Apart from staff interactions, seniors always will have other residents with whom they can interact. When these small interactions blossom into friendships, the payoff comes in better mental health.
Seniors won’t be as likely to battle depression when they’re surrounded by social outlets. They’ll have mealtime companions they otherwise may not have had outside of a senior living community. Sharing conversations and laughter over meals is one of the best ways to start and end the day!
2. Stimulate Thinking
Another one of the benefits of social activities for seniors is the ability to learn new things. This, in turn, helps stimulate deeper thinking and conversation. Senior living communities are an excellent source of educational opportunities.
The activity lineup in a senior community will include options centered on growing knowledge. Lectures, discussion groups, and other activities are the perfect ways to encourage learning. Seniors can join book clubs or learn from experts in a variety of fields.
Being a lifelong learner means there’s always something new to discover. An environment that promotes this way of being is the healthiest decision a senior can make. Besides, learning is even better among friends – and that is possible in a shared living community.
The benefits of lifelong learning don’t end there, either. Seniors who proactively seek learning experiences can keep their minds fresh. Further, they can help prevent problems with cognitive decline.
3. Foster Social Skills
Social engagement for seniors can feel challenging the older someone gets. That’s because many seniors may be isolated from family and friends. Without regular and frequent interactions, once-confident social skills may feel shakier.
As a result, seniors can feel reluctant to initiate social interactions. They can feel out of practice or wonder if it’s even worth trying.
Structured activities in a senior living community can be a helpful way to rebuild a sense of comfort in social settings. Seniors can hone their skills at group events or through interactions with staff. Even better, some of those casual interactions can turn into deep friendships.
Likewise, dining with others is an informal way to start socializing again. The mealtime ambiance is light, making these scenarios ideal.
4. Feel Emotionally Fulfilled
Social friends help seniors feel bonded and satisfied with each day. With greater emotional fulfillment, it’s easier to find meaning in everything else.
For seniors, it may be trickier to get that sense of fulfillment at this stage in life. Someone’s family may live far away and be unable to visit all the time. Older friends may have passed, leaving deep voids.
Fortunately, senior living communities bring together individuals who may be craving new friendships. Building social bonds in elderly care can be a new source of emotional fulfillment.
With each passing interaction, friendships can flourish. Good friends can become confidants and sources of support during difficult times for individuals in senior living communities.
5. Help Physical Health
In an assisted living community, staying on top of physical health is a priority. Maintaining muscle mass, balance, and heart health can contribute to longevity and better days.
It may be surprising to learn that friendships can play a pivotal role in shaping better physical health. Consider that seniors who feel alone and isolated may be very sedentary. They may also be fighting depression and anxiety, all of which can lead to inactivity.
Seniors in living communities have the advantage of being surrounded by a support system. Many activities that can spark better mental health also can jumpstart better physical health.
Seniors can join classes or go on group walks. They can wander the grounds with a friend or two while enjoying a chat. And even the act of leaving an apartment to visit a friend can be an action that helps improve mobility.
In short, opportunities to socialize can be a catalyst for physical activity. Simply going for a short stroll or electing to take a physical activity class because a friend signed up can go a long way. Ultimately, embracing a more active lifestyle as a senior can help control blood pressure, lower the risk of falls, and improve coordination.
6. Gain a Fuller Calendar
For many seniors, the prospect of moving to a shared living community may feel like it means giving up independence. But the right senior living community offers ample opportunities to socialize. Some seniors who may have been limited by mobility challenges or an inability to drive suddenly will gain a fuller social calendar in a senior community.
Social friends in assisted living will be facing many of the same feelings and limitations. As a result, the activities will be geared toward their needs and abilities. This creates an environment where everyone can participate and feel connected.
A climate that encourages socialization is one that creates a better quality of life for seniors. A full calendar is a good problem. It means there’s no shortage of things to do, and residents are interested in participating!
Build Connections with Social Friends
Social friends can make an assisted living experience better. Interactions can bolster mental health while providing emotional fulfillment. Friendships also expand thinking and communication skills, which helps create a full calendar of activities.
At GreenTree at Westwood, we provide residents with robust socialization opportunities to feel enriched. With a full slate of classes and services, our community is an ideal fit for seniors seeking the best blend of care and connection. Contact us today to learn more!
