It’s time to talk about senior isolation.

This problem is a growing issue among older adults, with nearly 35% reporting feelings of loneliness, according to data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Another 29% revealed they feel isolated, resulting in 64% of the surveyed population reporting feelings of isolation.

Fortunately, there are several tips for seniors meeting seniors, from group activities to community life. Learn more about the benefits of active senior living for socialization.

Is It Time to Move Into a Senior Living Community?

It’s important to approach the topic of senior communities before senior isolation sets in or worsens. Depression only worsens age-related health issues like chronic pain, obesity, and fatigue. It can lead to poor nutrition or increased stress, as depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand.

Senior communities like SummerHouse Ashton Manor have everything seniors need on-site to stay active and engaged. Social activity calendars are posted monthly, offering a daily itinerary of activities, from social hours over coffee to light morning exercise. Seniors may also enjoy everything Luling has to offer during scheduled outings.

Meals are provided in social settings like dining halls, offering seniors plenty of opportunities to make conversation and connections. Meals are prepared with senior nutrition in mind, providing the necessary nourishment and energy seniors need to stay active.

These communities come with such additional amenities as:

Courtyards and community gardens (and patios)
Beauty salons and barber shops
Fireside areas for reading and socializing
Activity centers
Religious and spiritual services
Senior wellness classes
Proximity to local attractions

Cozy senior suites and apartments are designed for senior safety and mobility. Providing a comfortable and safe living environment is essential for promoting healthy socialization for seniors. It’s all about offering peace of mind.

Here’s an even closer look at the above amenities in action.

The Social Calendar: Community Activities for Seniors

After settling into your senior living space, learn more about all the activities available in your community. Booking a tour of the community is also an excellent way to learn more about socializing at SummerHouse Ashton Manor. You can even see senior activities in action, like arts and crafts sessions and outdoor recreation.

On the calendar, you’ll notice weekly morning exercise sessions. These light exercises, designed for seniors, include light aerobics, steps, chair exercises, and movement classes. These classes are led in groups which gives seniors a chance to meet other seniors and bond over shared wellness journeys.

Music and dance sessions are also available, providing the perfect amount of exercise for seniors. Dance is also creative, making it a cognitively stimulating activity for seniors. Exercise is essential for brain health, creative curiosity, and problem-solving.

The last point leads right into another engaging senior social activity: games. Game nights at Summerhouse bring residents together to socialize and make memories. Playing cards, bingo, tabletop games, and Uno.

Even coffee social hours are scheduled on the calendar so seniors never miss a meet-up to talk about news topics, interests, and the events of the day. It’s an excellent way to start the day, and residents can enjoy a filling breakfast afterward in the dining area.

There is also an ice cream parlor perfect for summertime socializing.

Retirement Socializing Ideas in Town

You’ll also find scheduled trips outside of SummerHouse Ashton Manor on the community calendar. These outings may include errand runs like grocery shopping or trips to the department store for clothes. Cultural outings like theater shows and ballet performances may be scheduled, as well as movie nights and guest speaker talks.

Residents are also welcome to explore everything Luling has to offer. Outings may be pre-scheduled on the calendar. Seniors may also talk to a community manager about planning an outing to a local attraction; this is a wonderful way to bond on shared interests around arts and culture.

Seniors may also enjoy local attractions with visiting friends and family.

Popular attractions include:

Lafon Performing Arts Center
Westbank Bridge Park
The Annual Alligator Festival
Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge
Library Planetarium

Mardi Gras season also brings plenty of festivities to the area. It’s an excellent time to buy holiday and birthday gifts for loved ones. St. Charles Parish is also home to catfish festivals and holiday-themed festivities.

How to Form Senior Friendship Groups

There are plenty of ways to form socialization circles. Senior living communities like SummerHouse Ashton Manor are designed to help seniors find their footing and social connections. The calendar also schedules weekly meet and greet hours to help residents get to know each other.

These types of communities welcome seniors who share a similar journey, a path to healthy aging. This foundation is central to social groups. Exercise hours, for example, allow seniors to create a buddy system with fellow residents to keep up with their goals.

A shared love of art and music is another foundation. Residents are also encouraged to talk to community managers about starting groups like knitting and painting groups. Movie nights are another excellent way for creative seniors to find their social circle.

Social Networking for Seniors

Internet-savvy seniors may also socialize online through various platforms.

Facebook is one of the most popular social networking sites, especially for families and friends who want to stay connected over the years. Seniors can send messages, share photos, and post updates about their lives; there are also countless Facebook groups seniors can join to meet other seniors with shared interests and journeys.

Seniors can join alumni Facebook groups to connect with school peers from the past. There are also Facebook pages for local communities. Nextdoor is another local-based social network site that connects seniors with the community.

A Community For Seniors Meeting Seniors

SummerHouse Ashton Manor specializes in successful aging, from chef-prepared dining experiences to activities designed for senior enrichment. Remember the above tips for seniors meeting seniors as you start planning for the future.

Our team has a range of experience across the industry spectrum, giving the Ashton Manor community a uniqueness all its own. The leadership team is local to the St. Charles Parish area and devoted to the needs of its aging community. Our health and wellness director also brings 27 years of experience in public service to the role.