Senior Living & Its Active Social Calendar
One of the biggest concerns seniors have as they transition into retirement community living is that their social lives – the people and interactions they’ve always known – could diminish as they leave the comfort of their homes, neighborhoods and friends. There is a fear that once they move away, their friends and family will abandon them and they’ll be isolated from everything and everyone they know – that they’ll be trapped in an unfamiliar place with people they don’t know and may not like.
In fact, my neighbor is a senior whose family worries about her. They want her to be happy, enjoying life and safe so they’ve mentioned a senior living option. The thought of spending time with “old ladies who do nothing but complain” (as my neighbor puts it) makes her dig her heels in even further about not leaving her home.
But the reality is quite different from what many seniors visualize. For many, senior living represents freedom from the responsibilities of home ownership and upkeep, giving them more free time to enjoy other activities.
Living in a community filled with their peers opens up a completely new social scene. Most senior living facilities can fill up even the emptiest of social calendars…with many opportunities to try new things, get involved with familiar activities, meet new people, and still get together with friends and family.
The range of activities at senior living communities is impressive (and even sounds fun to me!). From swimming and yoga to needlepoint, educational seminars and wine tastings – seniors have more ways to relax, socialize and discover new pastimes in their twilight years than ever before.
1. Nature-Lovers Paradise
Many senior living facilities have beautiful landscaped surroundings. Walking trails, patios, raised-bed gardens, courtyards, benches and gazebos all serve to provide great opportunities for either some alone-time, exercise or relaxation with friends and fellow residents.
2. Activity, Socializing & Exercise Areas
Some retirement communities have special rooms set aside for activities, crafts and exercise. Classes can range from yoga, Wii exercise and ballroom dancing to painting and even culinary lessons. You can also find current events lectures, happy hour or a good poker game. A first-rate retirement community will offer plenty of indoor common areas where residents can gather and socialize informally, as well.
3. The World at Your Fingertips
Senior living communities can also offer a movie theater, billiards room, library, putting green, chapel and computer room for a resident’s use. Amenities such as a beauty/barber shop, transportation to community outings, shopping or other fun travel events, as well as guest houses for out-of-town visitors all combine to enrich a senior’s life.
It can be harder for older folks to meet and interact with people, but it’s important for them to do so…after all, it’s one of the most enriching aspects of human life. Not only that, but socialization among seniors has been shown to reduce depression, keep seniors sharp, and it may also help prevent dementia. Those who choose to live in a retirement living community have plenty of opportunities to remain physically, socially and mentally active as they enjoy their golden years.
Is your Grandma busier than ever in a retirement community?