How can seniors make the most of their experience at a senior living community?
Retirement brings a whole new phase of life. Choosing to transition to a senior living community can be exciting and even a little bit overwhelming, but it also begins an entirely new chapter of friendships, activities, and social opportunities. The senior living experience is what you make of it. Read on for tips on making the best of your time at a senior living community.
Develop Friendships
Seniors are at an age where they can begin to enjoy their retirement years and live a life of comfort, but there are times when they may feel lonely and isolated in their senior living community because of the lack of interaction with other people their age. This can be managed in a variety of ways, including developing friendships with people who already live in your senior community.
Increased socialization is part of a healthy lifestyle and a necessary piece of active living. Part of your socialization could also include participating in online social networks like Facebook, where you can connect with other senior adults who live in similar retirement communities.
Participate in Social Activities
Retirement can be very different for each person. Some people enjoy group activities, while others prefer to spend time on their own. People who live in senior communities and enjoy a more social lifestyle may like social activities like book clubs, community walks, or even learning how to make beer with neighbors in their community.
Chances are your community’s lifestyle director is always interested in finding new events residents are interested in. You can always suggest starting a club as a way to meet new people with shared interests. Those who want a more creative outlet may enjoy taking pottery classes with a group of friends, and again, if there are no classes nearby, suggest starting a club in your community!
If you or your loved ones prefer to spend time alone enjoying the community, one way to do so is to find out if the senior living community has a community garden or outdoor spaces. This can often be a way to spend time outdoors, alone, and explore nature.
Share Your Expertise and Talents
Senior citizens have contributed a lot to society during their earlier years and have been able to accomplish and learn many things.
Senior residents can use their past experiences and talents as an opportunity to interact with friends and neighbors at your senior living community. You can even find volunteer opportunities that utilize your skills. Senior living residents interested in cooking and similar activities can help the community kitchen. You can arrange prayer meetings or meditation sessions in the community to form a connection with your neighbors. Another way to share your expertise is by participating in or starting a game night. Start a game night and teach other residents new and exciting games.
Play Outdoor Games
Seniors can enjoy their retirement days by playing outdoor games while living in a senior living community. Many senior living communities have open spaces that allow for outdoor games and activities. You can enjoy your experience in your senior community by getting outside and playing any of the following games:
- Horseshoes
- Croquet
- Frisbee
- Cornhole
- Bocce
- Shuffleboard
Getting outdoors will entertain and help build your physical strength. Physical strength is very important as your body ages. Regular exercise can help prevent many diseases and sicknesses. If senior individuals play outdoor games, it will boost your health and provide enjoyment.
Get Involved with Gardening
Senior residents can also participate in gardening while living in their senior living community. The whole community can sow the food and vegetables on their own. You can easily plant, grow, and sow some raw vegetables and fruits.
Gardening in your senior community has several advantages:
- First – it will pass the time
- Second – it will provide fresh vegetables
- Third – it will save you money on fruits and vegetables
Attend Many Events and Programs
While living in a senior living community, be sure to give yourself time to establish a routine. Find some events or programs that you enjoy attending and make it a priority to attend these events or meetings regularly. Commit to a few clubs or events and promise yourself that you’ll attend. Getting to know the people in the groups will help you establish a sense of community and will make your time in the living community much more fulfilling.
Join Our Vibrant Community and Start Your Next Chapter with Summit Vista
Live your best retired life at Summit Vista. Enjoy delicious and nutritious meals in multiple dining venues, work up a sweat in our fitness center, engage in life-changing wellness programs, and more. Contact our retirement counselors online or call 801-758-3138 to learn how you can live life to the fullest in our award winning senior living community.