Though our world is more connected than ever, a stunning 37 percent of seniors said they experience loneliness in a recent survey.
Many seniors age in their homes, meaning they choose to stay put and receive in-home care. However, moving to retirement communities is an attractive option for more senior social engagement.
Are you a senior wondering how social activities enhance senior living? Read on for an explanation of the benefits of socializing for seniors, and different senior living activities that will help you break out of your shell.
1. Improved Physical Health
As you age, you may notice your health begin to decline. Some of this is natural, but you can keep your body in the best shape possible by exercising regularly.
Working out alone can be difficult or even dangerous if you want to do things like weight lifting. Exercising with a partner or group will keep you accountable and help you make friends with similar interests.
Exercise groups are one of the best senior living activities. Many communities offer exercise classes specifically tailored to older folks, such as:
- Chair yoga
- Water aerobics
- Jazzercise or Zumba
- Tai Chi
- Strength training
Remember, meet with your doctor or medical team before you engage in any new exercise activities. Take breaks if you feel the need. You mustn’t push your body too far.
If your senior living community doesn’t have a class or group for the exercise you want to try, consider starting your own. You may be surprised by how many people have an interest in the same type of workout.
In addition to the numerous senior social engagement benefits, exercise is also good for your mental health and well-being.
Have you ever heard of a “runner’s high?” This sensation comes from the boost of endorphins you experience after a workout.
2. Enhanced Social Skills
When you leave the workforce, you may not feel the need to retain your social skills. However, good social skills can increase your comprehension and improve your quality of life. Aging and social interaction go hand in hand.
Try to engage in conversations with other residents as often as possible. Even if you feel rusty, it is good to try.
When you’re dining, see if you can sit with a group of residents who look engaging. It may be scary at first, but often, your courage will reward you with engaging conversation and new friendships.
3. A Sense of Community
One of the biggest benefits of socializing for seniors is that everyone is in the same boat. Most people come to retirement communities or assisted living because they suffer from loneliness or need a bit of extra care.
Relating to others in your situation can be incredibly helpful. You’ll immediately have common ground for stimulating conversation. You can also work together through negative feelings and emotions as they arise.
In a retirement community, there are endless opportunities to socialize and strengthen the community bond. Try to sign up for as many activities as you feel comfortable with to foster your sense of belonging in your new home.
4. Increase Cognitive Health
Working on your physical health is not the only goal to enhance your senior lifestyle. Mental health and cognitive health are just as important to maintain your socializing skills.
Having intelligent conversations with others is a great tool to keep your mind sharp. Consider joining a book club or another type of group that focuses on intellectual activities.
Engage in lifelong learning. Try taking classes available through your community, or consider enrolling in classes through a local senior center or community college.
You can do things on your own to take control of your cognitive health as well. Train your brain with memory exercises or puzzles to ensure that it is still sharp.
5. Cultural Experiences
You don’t have to leave your senior community to experience many different cultures. See if your community will put on events for different holidays so you can embrace diversity.
Some of the most popular activities include holiday celebrations. Many different cultures and religions have events during December, such as:
- Christmas
- Hanukkah
- Kwanzaa
- Winter Solstice
Another holiday pairing is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and Halloween. If these types of celebrations aren’t readily available, ask around to garner interest. It is always beneficial to learn about new cultures, languages, and ethnicities.
6. Stress Reduction
Retirement shouldn’t be stressful, but living in a senior community can be a stressful experience at first. You may feel anxiety about being in a new community or uprooting your lifestyle.
Socializing with others can increase your happiness chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. When you experience these positive emotions, they will serve as reinforcement and encouragement to continue making friends.
You can also try group activities such as meditation and yoga. These types of exercises have an explicit focus on mindfulness and stress reduction.
You will learn how to breathe and center yourself, be mindful, and be aware of the feelings in your body.
7. Reduce Isolation and Loneliness
Although it may seem attractive to live at home, aging in your house can accelerate aging due to loneliness and isolation. By moving into a retirement community, you can easily combat those feelings.
You may feel overwhelmed at first or lonely because you don’t have friends or family. With socialization, these insecurities will go away over time. You will find yourself excited to meet new people or try new things with your friend group.
How Social Activities Enhance Senior Living
When you move into a senior living situation, you don’t have to feel alone and hopeless. Once you learn how social activities enhance senior living, you can experience the full benefit of socializing with other retirees by joining a senior living community.
Are you looking for the ideal senior living arrangement in Biloxi? The search is over! Summerhouse Bay Cove has everything you need to enjoy life in your retirement years.
With our numerous amenities and beautiful floor plans, you’ll fall in love instantly. Ready to get started? Contact us today to see what the hype is about and tour our community.
