You may be happy living your senior years alone in your house, but for many seniors, this lifestyle leads to loneliness. Senior living communities are designed with socialization opportunities in mind, and there are plenty of social benefits of a senior living community that enhance residents’ quality of life. Let’s explore some benefits you can look forward to in a community.
Senior living communities have a lot to offer, from a vibrant lifestyle to delicious foods and amenities you may not have access to otherwise. But one of the top benefits is the welcoming community atmosphere it offers. Here are some of the social benefits of life in a senior living community.
As people get older, their social circles change and may become smaller. Social isolation is linked to several negative health outcomes, including depression, poor physical health, high blood pressure, higher risk of heart disease, and cognitive decline.
A potential solution to these conditions is a vibrant, robust life in a senior living community. One of the top benefits of senior living is being within a community where you have plenty of opportunities to meet new people with similar interests and build new friendships.
This not only expands your social circle but also has some health benefits. According to research, older adults who interact with people beyond their typical social circle are more likely to have fewer negative feelings, greater positive moods, and greater levels of physical activity.
In a senior living community, you’ll find there are always chances to build your social circle and interact with others daily—from simply walking down the hall and greeting a neighbor to joining an activity or game with friends. But don’t worry—when you want your privacy, you can return to your comfortable apartment to read a book or watch TV.
Senior living communities have a full social calendar that offers social activities, events, and classes tailored to residents’ interests. These activities may include exercise classes, game nights, lectures, and group events outside of the community to foster a sense of belonging among residents. Exceptional senior living communities provide a packed social calendar that’s based on residents’ interests, encouraging them to try something new.
At Cedarhurst, we’re guided by our Living TRUE℠ philosophy in everything we do. We ask for residents’ life stories when they move in to get to know them more and develop an understanding of the activities they’re interested in. Then, four times a year, we send out additional surveys to find out what activities residents enjoy and what they want to see more of. This philosophy boosts residents’ sense of comfort and well-being and helps them find others with similar interests who they can enjoy activities with.
A senior living community is just that: a community. You’ll be surrounded by neighbors and team members who genuinely understand and honor your needs and preferences, ensuring you feel valued and cared for. When you relate to others with heart, genuineness, and integrity, you can develop trusted friendships.
Going through life alone is no way to live, so each person’s need for personal space is balanced with a community that offers support and companionship. At Cedarhurst, we support true connections, whether it’s one-on-one close friendships, large groups of friends, or a little bit of both.
Exceptional senior living communities support friendships by offering thoughtfully designed spaces and activities, including shared community spaces, social dining experiences, and an enriching event calendar. Senior living communities make meeting new friends more convenient and less stressful. Your life and social circle are yours to mold how you want.
Senior living communities are filled with premium on-site amenities, such as fitness centers, libraries, walking trails, and more. Each community has its own unique amenities and services, so it's important to do your research when selecting a community.
These services and amenities make it easier to live a low-maintenance lifestyle focused on what you want to do, the passions you want to pursue, and the friendships you want to build and maintain. The valuable support system you’ll build in a senior living community also makes it easier to partake in amenities and events. After all, attending a social event or visiting the fitness center is much more fun when you have your close friends by your side.
On top of all of these social benefits of a senior living community, many communities are pet-friendly and feature walking trails and dog parks. This isn’t just beneficial for those who have a beloved pet—it can also help you make new friends because it isn’t uncommon for other residents to greet a friendly dog or cat within the community and strike up a conversation with the owner.
There are several benefits of volunteering. Not only are you helping others within your community, but you’re also increasing your opportunities for socialization. Volunteering adds a greater sense of purpose to each day and can give volunteers something to look forward to.
Volunteering is a learning experience and supports the local community. It’s also linked to increased levels of physical activity, improved quality of life, and a stronger social network. Research has found that volunteering decreases stress and leads to lower rates of anxiety and depression, especially for those who are 65 and older.
One of the best ways to build a social network is to participate in a shared activity, and volunteering is no exception. By volunteering, you’ll increase your social interaction with others from diverse backgrounds while improving the community.
Staying social has so many impacts, from staying cognitively sharp to improving mental and physical health. Explore how senior living provides essential opportunities for socialization in our free resource, The Power of Connection for Senior Health.