Commonly, older adults who are weighing the decision to move into assisted living fear the impact it would have on their relationships. What you should know is that in the best senior communities, you’ll likely form more connections and interact more often.

Invite your relatives and friends over. Acquaint yourself with fellow residents, their visitors, and staff members, growing these bonds in a face-to-face environment. Even pets can be part of your circle! Immersed in both an exciting, formally organized calendar of group activities and events, and partaking in relaxed and impromptu get-togethers, you’ll experience infinite possibilities for socializing each day.

Frequent Social Engagement Plays a Vital Role for Seniors
The importance of socialization for seniors cannot be underestimated. Of course, all human beings are hardwired to connect. But as we age, circumstances might push us into isolation and loneliness, endangering those seniors who lose continuous access to other people. Research supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) indicates older adults struggle with a variety of physical and mental conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and early death.

Alternatively, assisted living residents gain the numerous advantages of positive, daily, in-person relationships. Generally, they enjoy improved, total health and wellness, enhanced happiness and fulfillment, a restored, rewarding sense of purpose, and belonging contribution, not to mention, increased longevity.

Assisted Living Communities Provide Instant, Essential Social Connections
When searching for assisted living or memory care,[MS2] you’ll want a vibrant community that adopts a relationship-centered approach. That’s a practical, research-based, and science-backed philosophy focused on regular, caring, intentional connection with others.

The right relationship-centered senior living community will demonstrate the following traits:

• Strong, active partnerships between residents, family members, staff, and the overall community.

• A multi-faceted network of friends you can cultivate.

• An authentic sense of family.

• An emphasis on the value and unique contributions of residents.

Stoney Brook’s Relationship-Centered Living Series[MS3] explains more about the importance of this concept, so be sure to read through it.

• Lots of Opportunities to Socialize in Senior Care Facilities

Daily, in a safe and secure living space, you’ll mix and mingle with many contacts, joining them for an abundance of interactions that just wouldn’t happen when you reside solo. Sun up to sundown, spend quality time together, whenever and however you please. Share your favorite hobbies, interests, talents, skills, and passions – and embark on amazing new adventures.

• Private and shared spaces are perfect for hosting.

Welcome guests into your cozy apartment or cottage for laid-back chats and laughter. Or, meet up in common areas around the community. Many facilities offer an array of places to relax and entertain, such as lounges, sitting rooms, a library, a beauty salon, and outdoor spaces.

• Meals nourish your body, mind, soul – and social life.

Assisted living communities should provide this easy way to dine and socialize, at least three times per day. Residents can indulge in nutritious meals and conversation in a restaurant-style dining room, while staff handles the prepping, serving, and cleaning. Of course, you can also eat with tablemates in other spots, such as your own home, on the patio, by the barbecue, in the ice cream parlor or private event space, or at a local restaurant.

• Scheduled and spontaneous activities help develop rapport and abilities.

Look for an assisted living facility that offers group activities covering a variety of hobbies and interests, like:

• Bingo, Billiards, Cards, Poker, Dominoes, Parlor Games, Board Games and Puzzles

• Scrapbooking and Photo Album Projects

• Arts & Crafts, Gardening and Cooking Classes

• Weekly Social Clubs (e.g., Book Club)

• Musical Pursuits (e.g., Choir and Swing Band)

• Worship Services, Bible Study, and Faith-Based Activities

• Computer Stations

That's only a sampling of what some communities make available, and most will even help residents launch new activities that complement their unique preferences and abilities.

• Cant-miss events and outings please the crowd.

Friends, neighbors, and families can bond over a monthly calendar full of special occasions:

community dances, live entertainment, movie nights, casino nights, ice cream socials, happy hours, birthday parties, holiday parties, summer picnics, and more. Also, the community should plan off-site trips with chauffeured transportation, so you and your companions can be whisked off to shops, restaurants, coffee houses, libraries, parks, movie theaters, houses of worship, tours of local attractions and landmarks, and neighborhood arts and culture events.

• Exercise boosts your health and camaraderie

An assisted living community should equip you with ways to engage in physical and mental activity alongside others. Supervised closely by trainers and/or staff members, they might include:

• Total Wellness Programs

• A Multi-Purpoose Fitness Room

• Group Fitness Classes – Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Sit & Fit Aerobics and Dance

• Daily Yoga and Walking Clubs

• Daily Meditation Sessions

• Relaxation Workshops

• Stimulating Games and Activities

• Safe, Level Paths and Walkways Around the Community

• Access to Local Parks

Exercise regularly with your fellow residents, and you’ll all benefit greatly.

• Volunteer endeavors bring everyone together.

Giving back always feels so good. Great residential senior care communities organize a range of volunteer programs and activities. You could become involved in fundraising, food, and supplies drives, helping out at local shelters and events, supporting churches and religious organizations – and simply lending a hand to your neighbors when they need it.

The bottom line: A trusted team should guarantee everyday opportunities for you to enrich your physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual wellness while placing a priority on social connection. Is it time to discover how a fun, sociable senior living community in your area could be your ideal choice?

Achieve the Many Benefits of a Senior Living “Village”
Stoney Brook designed its relationship-centered, Central Texas assisted living communities and memory care communities to ensure residents thrive. In such a setting, you will interact often and enjoy ample, stimulating activities to age well – and savor each day to its fullest.

Say “hello” in person by scheduling a complimentary visit. Explore more from Stoney Brook’s free, insightful resources, all devoted to helping seniors and their caregivers. Subscribe to our blog, and read our eBook, Your Vital Guide to Senior Living and Care Options in Central Texas. Access your copy now!