The Importance of Community and Friendships for Seniors in Assisted Care

Friendship and socialization are important for people of all ages, but friends and community are especially essential components to healthy senior living. Retirement can be hard on people who had many friends at work but not a lot of hobbies or friendships in their daily lives. One of the biggest benefits of living in assisted care communities for older people is that it allows them to connect with new people and develop close relationships.

The Benefits of Friendship for Residents

Family members and the staff at Connecticut senior communities like Shady Oaks Assisted Living encourage seniors to maintain the friendships they already have even if they cannot see their friends as often as they once did. Phone calls and letters are great ways to stay in touch. Those who are willing to try new technology can also see their old friends on iPads with video calls.

New friendships are equally important for senior mental health. Your older loved one will have many opportunities to meet other residents, so encourage them to talk and learn what they have in common. Forming new friendships as a senior offers many benefits, including:

• Regular socialization helps to improve mood while decreasing feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness at the same time. Knowing they have someone to talk to and engage in activities with each day also gives seniors a greater sense of purpose. A healthy mind and body go hand in hand with older people.
• People of similar ages understand each other in ways that people of differing ages simply cannot.
• Participating in stimulating conversations can improve memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. Family and staff can help by asking seniors for their opinions on world events, especially on topics that require keeping up with the news.
• Friendships within a senior living community give residents a strong social support system when they face difficulties such as the death of a loved one. They can also encourage each other to stay healthy by eating well and exercising.

Having a strong social support network is especially critical through the coronavirus pandemic.  Assisted Living homes like Shady Oaks provide COVID-safe environments for group recreation, family visits, and dining.

Every Day Provides a Chance for New Friends at Shady Oaks

Whether it’s going for a walk through the neighborhood, taking a bus to a sporting event, or having a holiday party, residents at Shady Oaks Assisted Living always have something to do, as well as plenty of activities available to residents indoors. Learn more about Shady Oaks by scheduling a tour to see the senior living CT facility today. Shady Oaks cares deeply for residents and provides them with senior living comfort you may not find anywhere else.