An important part of aging well is having meaningful connections. Loneliness and isolation have been linked to several serious health conditions in older adults. Let's explore some of the ways residents in vibrant senior living communities can cultivate new connections and sustain long-term relationships, too.
Establishing healthy connections
Get involved
Shared interests are a great way to build friendships, and community activities provide an opportunity to meet like-minded neighbors. Take advantage of the activities your senior living community offers, such as fitness classes, social clubs, or community events.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, too. Trying new activities and experiences introduces you to people with varied backgrounds and interests. Open-mindedness is the key to forming diverse and enriching relationships.
Hello!
A smile and a friendly hello may be all that it takes to make a connection with neighbors. Attend social events and engage in a bit of small talk. When taking that first step, remember you are not alone. Many older adults choose a senior living community for those opportunities for social connection.
Keeping it friendly
Regular check-Ins
“Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, and the other’s gold.” Maintaining existing friendships is just as important as developing new connections. After all, you have a history together. Be sure to schedule regular check-ins with friends, whether they're part of the senior living community or not.
Plan activities together
Plan outings or get-togethers with long-time friends. Whether it's a weekly card game, a monthly dinner, or an annual vacation, creating opportunities to spend quality time together strengthens the bond and ensures that distance or changes in living arrangements don't hinder the connection.
Nurturing existing romantic relationships
Spend quality time together
Senior living communities often offer couple-friendly activities that make it easy to prioritize quality time with your partner. Whether it's attending social events, participating in fitness classes, or enjoying a peaceful walk, these activities contribute to the vibrancy of your relationship.
Maintain open communication
Open and honest communication with your partner can strengthen your emotional bond. Discuss your desires, aspirations, and concerns. Navigating this shared adventure in senior living can bring you closer.
Overcome challenges as a team
As aging often brings health challenges, supporting a partner in health and wellness can provide comfort. Participate in wellness programs together, accompany each other to medical appointments, and demonstrate care and understanding during challenging times. During the unexpected challenges of life, facing transitions together often reinforces the strength of your relationship.
By cultivating meaningful connections, whether with new friends, longtime friends, or existing companions, seniors can create a network of joy, support, and shared experiences that bring meaning and purpose to life. Life is so much better – healthier, happier, and often longer – with relationships that help us to flourish.
Our relationship-centered approach to senior living
Stoney Brook’s relationship-centered philosophy is at the core of what we do. We believe that residents and staff who maintain positive relationships live more fulfilling lives and are valued contributors to community life. Our approach is built upon our 5 Pillars of Well-Being (Relationships, Health, Mindset, Spirit, and Purpose). To learn more about relationship-centered living, check out our 3-part blog series.
Discover how Stoney Brook senior living communities in Central Texas help residents flourish. We offer assisted living and memory care options with charming apartments and/or cottages, a cozy and secure environment, a fun and maintenance-free lifestyle, and a range of amenities and services to suit your needs. Contact us today!