How to Help Seniors Stay Social

With retirement, changing health needs, and families moving farther away from home, it can often be difficult for older adults to stay social. But the importance of social interaction for seniors is well-documented; staying involved in families and communities can help fight disease and keep you happy throughout your later life. In this article, we’re going to outline some of the benefits of social interaction for seniors as well as some tips and suggestions for staying active in your community.

Benefits

Social connections can help keep seniors healthy! The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that seniors who are more social often rate higher in terms of their physical health. Specifically, they note that socially active seniors are less likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. Furthermore, Psychology Today has previously written that socialization is a great way to prevent mental illness like depression and can contribute to a longer life. 

This means that social interaction for seniors is especially important to staying happy and healthy!

Join Groups or Clubs

Interest groups or clubs are a great form of social interaction for seniors. Think about if there are any new skills you’ve always wanted to try, or if there is an old hobby that you’ve been meaning to pick back up. More than likely, you can find a group of people to do it with you! Knitting, card groups, hiking clubs, and the like are all great ways to be social with people who enjoy the same things that you do.

Volunteering is another great way for seniors to stay active in their community. Studies have shown that seniors who give back to their communities reported significant improvements to their mental health, increased productivity, and a greater sense of happiness in life overall. If you’re able to find a group that works on something you’re passionate about, volunteering can be a great way to keep you social and feeling happy.

Having Standing Dates with Friends or Family

Reach out to your friends or family and see if they’d be willing to set a standing date to meet with you regularly. If once a week is tough to fit into a busy schedule, meeting with friends and family once or twice a month is a great way to keep you social! Plus, it keeps you involved in your family and friend’s lives, giving you something to regularly look forward to.

Become a Part of a Retirement Community

Living on your own can be lonely. Many retirement communities offer a variety of group activities, including hobby-based groups, religious groups, and more. Copeland Oaks, for instance, prides itself on being able to improve the lives of seniors 55 and older, regardless of how much or little living assistance they need. Through our living facilities and activity groups, we encourage all residents to stay active in the retirement community, engage with arts and humanities, and live their later years to the fullest.

Copeland Oaks

If you’re looking for support while increasing your social interactions, Copeland Oaks is here to help. By choosing to live at Copeland, you’re bringing yourself into a new, supportive community of other seniors just like you. We have a variety of religious services, activity groups, wellness groups, and more that will help you feel right at home. 

Contact us to schedule a visit today.