Living in a retirement community is chock full of opportunities to lead a fun, fulfilling life.
Residents living in a retirement community have many neighbors who are in the same age group, sharing similar experiences and memories. One simply has to open their door to find others living in a retirement community to make new friends.
Maintaining friendships and making new connections are vital as we age, regardless of whether or not one is living in a retirement community. Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people, putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.
Danger of loneliness and isolation
According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, nearly a quarter of older adults over the age of 65 are considered to be socially isolated. Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness and hearing loss. Living in a retirement community offers numerous opportunities to combat these factors, from forming new friendships to participating in activities and outings to having support on-site.
Some seniors face difficulties making new friends, and making friends later in life can be challenging, but not impossible. Whether or not you are living at a retirement community, Healthline offers these 10 tips to make friends at any age.
Healthy bodies and minds
Living in a retirement community promotes health and wellness by offering professional fitness co-workers to lead exercise classes and personal training opportunities, often in on-site fitness centers. Many seniors share that attending regular exercise classes is a highlight as they get to see friends while maintaining health and improving mobility.
For those seniors living at a retirement community, paid staff members research and schedule a variety of events. Residents frequently report beginning a new hobby in their eighth decade or revisiting past interests. A common joke made by seniors living at a retirement community is that there are so many things to do that just reading the activities calendar is fulfilling in itself! Residents have more time to pursue passions, learn a new hobby, take classes, enjoy entertainment, go on trips and get involved in community groups.
At Country Meadows, residents living at a retirement community are offered a robust calendar of activities which includes social events, fitness classes, spiritual enrichment programs, entertainment and lifelong learning courses. Dynamic Living co-workers strategize with campus leadership and residents to create opportunities for residents to enjoy throughout every day and week. Programming offers physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and intergenerational benefits. Some of the activities you may find available for all levels of care when living in a retirement community include purposeful service, educational and art classes and engagement with pets and nature.
Living in a retirement community
At Country Meadows, our Friendship Suites make finding a friend even easier. Residents have an immediate companion to live, dine and attend activities with, and to bond with while transitioning to their new home. An added benefit is the cost savings of shared accommodations.
We invite you to check out what’s going on at our campuses. Country Meadows offers independent living, personal care, assisted living, restorative care and memory support services on its nine campuses in Pennsylvania and one in Frederick, Maryland. Please contact our team for more information about how we can support you or a loved one. Our co-workers are always available to help!
Country Meadows
