Aging With Grace: Socializing Benefits for Seniors

Author Paul Coelho said, “Friendship isn’t a big thing—it’s a million little things.” That’s certainly true when you consider the countless socializing benefits residents of senior living communities enjoy every day. Spending time with others is a major key to wellness and longevity.

At Heritage, we recognize how important it is for older adults to be connected, engaged and feel part of a community. In fact, we think you’ll feel the benefit of “being social” from the minute you enter our welcoming communities. You’ve come home!

Socializing benefits:  mind, body and spirit

According to MedicalNewsToday, having close social ties can make us happy and improve our overall life satisfaction. Longevity is also affected. SuperAgers, those who live to ripe old ages in the “Blue Zones“of the world, all carry one factor in common—they are dedicated to being highly socially active.

You know how good it can feel to share an afternoon walk with a friend, or relate a special memory to someone special. Working on any project seems easier and more enjoyable when you have company. As children, wasn’t it more fun to have more participants in hide-and-seek?

The great news about socializing benefits this: socializing doesn’t just make you feel good, it’s good for your health. That’s why so many seniors choose to move to senior living communities like Heritage and Orchard Pointe, where they have access to countless social, intellectual, spiritual and fitness opportunities to keep them as busy, or relaxed, as they choose.

Here’s a few of the many socializing benefits for seniors:

• Boosts your mood and self-esteem. Participating in meaningful events with others reminds you how much you still have to contribute to the world. You feel confident and develop a stronger sense of self-worth. In addition, you have a sense of purpose, which can motivate you to do even more. Your step is a little brighter, your sleep may improve and getting up each morning is an invitation to a new experience. With a positive outlook, there’s no limit to what you can do!

• Wards off isolation and loneliness. Feeling left out, forgotten, or simply disconnected from any significant interaction with others is just plain bad for a person’s health. Loneliness, and even the perception of loneliness, can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and more. In fact, research is confirming that it also can be as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

And it’s important to remember it’s not the number of people you are around, it’s the quality of the relationships. You can reap the benefits of socializing just by absorbing the “good medicine” of other’s company. For example, at Heritage, we recognize that not every resident is an extrovert; some prefer more solitude during their day. Even for a self-described introvert, simply sitting in on one of our many group activities can boost their mental, emotional and physical health. We also make sure one of our associates schedules some one-on-one time with our more private residents in their apartment.

• Keeps you motivated to follow healthy habits. Getting yourself to an exercise class or taking a walk around the community courtyard or neighborhood is much easier when you know your friends will be there, making the entire experience a lot more fun. It’s the same with healthy eating, avoiding temptations like an extra piece of cake or more than one cocktail. Even keeping up with regular health screenings: being around people who care about your wellbeing motivates you to follow a more direct path to healthy aging, high on the list of socializing benefits.

Socializing benefits at Heritage Communities

Senior living is an ideal setting in which older adults can gain the advantages of socialization, regardless of the level of care. At Heritage, a staff member meets with each person and/or their family to help determine the type of activities and programs they are most interested in, so that their senior living experience can be tailored to them. Residents in independent living and assisted living have access to an always-evolving calendar of social, educational, and spiritual activities and events. Each community’s calendar is developed based on what the community’s residents enjoy and request. Many of our communities will post their calendars to the Events section of our website or on the community’s Facebook page so you can see what is currently offered.

For those assisted living residents who need a bit more care, our Snapshots program offers thoughtfully designed, fun activities in small groups or one-on-one. For memory care residents, there is Portraits^®, our exclusive program, featuring multisensory personalized activities based on the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Finding a new source of socializing can be life-changing

Each person is unique, and in the right senior living setting, each person can explore what brings them joy. Being around others who feel the same can be a transforming experience. At Heritage Communities, every day is yours to enjoy however you like. We are here to help you remain as independent as possible for as long as possible—and have fun!

We believe retirement living should bring more to your life. Download our free guide, The Complete Guide to Choosing Between Senior Living Options. Or contact us today.