Socializing is one of the most important aspects of living a fulfilling life, and this is even more true as we grow older. However, as our parents or loved ones age, it can be hard to find the time to bond with them and keep them in our lives.
Assisted living makes this easier because your loved one will have a safe space where they can socialize with people their age. Even better, activities such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, and libraries are often amenities. This makes it easier to plan activities together!
Read on to learn all about the importance of socializing for seniors and some of our top senior social tips today!
Importance of Socializing for Seniors
Socializing with people is important at any age. As human beings, we were built to be social creatures. This is true of all ages and even more necessary for the elderly.
For seniors who are staying consistently social, they can enjoy a number of benefits by staying active in their communities and social circles.
Memory
Seniors can prevent memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and dementia through a combination of physical exercise and socialization. This is because both activities help bring down their stress levels and exercise both their bodies and brains. This can be as simple as a walk around the block while you discuss the latest news!
Emotional Health
Even if we’re natural introverts, we all know we need some human interaction with people who we love in order to have fulfilling lives. This doesn’t change as we get older.
Seniors that regularly socialize are less prone to depression and anxiety. They’re able to connect with people and adapt to their surroundings because they don’t feel as alone.
Longevity
Stress can take a toll on the body, but regular socializing helps reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, seniors who are still active in their social circles take better care of their health.
How to Stay Connected with Seniors
Many families hesitate to take their parents to assisted living. They’re understandably afraid that they’ll have trouble adjusting as well as finding their own social networks. Now that you know how important socializing is for seniors, here are some activities that you can enjoy with them.
Group Exercise
Group exercise provides both physical as well as emotional benefits because of the social component. Most of these exercises are formulated to be gentle and low-impact so that seniors can strengthen themselves but not at the risk of further injury. This is important because exercise is said to help prevent falls!
Walking Clubs
Walking around the neighborhood with a group of people is a fun way to get exercise and fresh air. When seniors meet for these clubs, they’re far more motivated to complete the exercise together. You can join your loved one and talk as you walk, reconnecting as you both exercise.
Book Clubs
If your loved one is a reader, they’ll enjoy the library on the premise. Book clubs can help foster their love of reading as well as encourage them to share what they’ve read with new friends. If you want to connect with your loved one, choose a book to read with them, and plan to talk about your progress and insights once a week.
Arts and Crafts Classes
Arts and crafts are a great way to relieve stress, express creativity, learn new skills, and socialize all at the same time. Some seniors may have never been able to learn how to use watercolors or acrylic paint while they were still working. You can join your loved one during these classes or plan to do more crafts with them after the class.
Pet Therapy
A furry friend is a great companion for seniors. Dogs especially can motivate seniors to get out and walk around the block. They can also connect with people as they had to the dog park and let their friend run free. Spending time with animals is therapeutic in and of itself, and you can work with your loved one to help with training or just a fun play session.
Self-Care
No matter how old you get you’ll always care about your appearance, and it’s important that seniors have special self-care days too. Some senior centers offer hair and nail salons so that you can both plan a day of indulgence. Not every day needs to be a day full of activities–sometimes you just want to relax, too. You can both have a quiet chat at a cafe or bar. You can even plan for a relaxing pool day.
Excursions
Last but not least, your loved one doesn’t need to be bound to the center. The best assisted living communities will offer scheduled transportation. You and your loved one could visit museums, listen to symphonies, or have a picnic in the park.
Senior Social Tips for a Fulfilling Life
These senior social tips are here to show you that you can still bond and connect with your loved one even when they’re in assisted living. A good senior living community offers high-end facilities, amenities, and activities that ensure your loved one is comfortable and happy.
Whether they view themselves as a social butterfly or not, many of the amenities cater to people of all different walks of life. For instance, if your loved one would rather spend a relaxing day reading a book, they can. Social time can be discussions with other book-lovers or even both of you reading the same book and sharing your perspectives.
Likewise, seniors who love the outdoors can join walking clubs or go on excursions in order to keep their minds and bodies active.
If you’re looking for a quality senior living center, contact us today!
