Key Resources to Help Seniors Stay Socially Connected
When we consider what affects a person’s health and longevity, we often consider the usual cast of characters: healthy diet, exercise, appropriate medical care, and plenty of sleep. We don’t usually consider our social relationships with friends, neighbors, coworkers, family, and others in our community. According to the Centers for Disease Control, researchers have found that “social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being.”
As we age, it can sometimes be more complex and take more effort to stay connected to others. Maybe you’ve retired, and you’re now an empty nester. You might have some mobility issues that make it easier to stay at home than choose to go out with friends. Or maybe you’ve moved to a new area with a warmer climate to get away from snowy winters. Whatever the case, the good news is that many resources for senior social connection, both online and in person, can provide you with the community and relationships you need to support your health and well-being.
Community programs, technology, online groups, social media, hobbies, volunteering, and assisted living communities like the Mission at Agua Fria all offer unique opportunities to foster connections with others. This article discusses some of the best ways seniors can expand their social networks and develop and strengthen relationships.
Research Community Programs
Whether you live in a city or a rural area, there are community programs specifically geared toward seniors to facilitate social opportunities. There are groups based on hobbies, religious beliefs, special interests, and more.
You can search for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts near you if you are a veteran. If you don’t find one, consider hosting your own social group for veterans using resources from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Many towns and cities also have community recreation centers that offer recreational sports leagues, group exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, and activities like game and trivia nights or live music open to all area residents. Some recreation centers are even explicitly focused on seniors and their needs.
Your local library, coffee shops, hobby stores, or community colleges are good places to check for community programs or groups that interest you. Interest groups often advertise in these places, providing contact information or meet-up times, dates, and locations. Common groups or clubs include chess, gardening, volunteering, birdwatching, books, walking, RC vehicles, etc. When you join an interest group, you can meet people with similar passions, making connecting easier.
Use Technology to Keep in Touch
Although seniors can sometimes shy away from newer technology, social media and communication technology are great resources for keeping in touch with family and friends. If you don’t feel confident using technology, there are resources to help seniors become more tech-savvy. Libraries, senior recreation centers, and groups like AARP sometimes host classes, workshops, or seminars to teach new skills to seniors.
Technological applications like FaceTime and Zoom allow us to talk face-to-face with loved ones nationwide or even internationally. Participating in social media like Facebook and Instagram can also make staying up-to-date and communicating with our social network easier and give us access to online interest groups.
Pursue Leisure Interests
Sometimes, picking up a new hobby can be a gateway to building new senior social connections. Have you always wanted to learn to crochet but have yet to find the time? Stop in at your local yarn or craft supply store to see if they have classes or crafting groups to join. Again, recreational centers and your local library are excellent resources when looking for ways to engage in a hobby, new or old.
Exercise and leisure sports are another avenue to foster social connections while getting all the health benefits of physical activity. Get better sleep, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your muscles, and improve your balance in group exercise classes at a nearby gym or recreational center. Join a pickleball or walking club. Enjoy a round of golf with friends. If you have a dog, take a walk around the neighborhood or find a dog park to help keep you active while providing opportunities to meet new people.
Seek Out Mentoring and Volunteer Opportunities
Although it may seem counterintuitive, nothing is as fulfilling as giving to others. Seek opportunities to share your wisdom and experience in a mentoring or volunteer program. Charities, places of worship, and non-profit organizations often need help from responsible and caring volunteers to provide services to those who need them. Many of these opportunities do not require any special training or expertise – just a willing hand. Volunteering can give you a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction with life but can also be a great way to meet others and establish meaningful relationships.
Many communities also have websites full of volunteer opportunities at the library or community events like fairs, parades, and festivals. You can support those around you where you live while also working with other like-minded people.
Consider Senior Living Options
Many seniors find senior living options like retirement communities (55+ communities), independent living communities, drop-in adult care centers, or assisted living communities to be very beneficial. Each of these senior living options focuses on meeting the specific needs of seniors, including opportunities for socializing with others in a similar life stage.
For example, the Mission at Agua Fria has activities and amenities that cultivate senior social connections daily. Between the scheduled recreational and cultural outings (with chauffeured transportation provided), on-site classes and activities (everything from art to music to exercise and wellness), communal dining services, and beautiful common areas, residents find it easy to forge deep connections with others.
If a maintenance-free and stress-free lifestyle in beautiful, sunny Peoria, AZ, sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact us today. We would be happy to provide more information, answer questions, and schedule a tour for you to see us in person.