Living in a senior community means you're surrounded by other people who are at a similar point in life — other retirees who also want to kindle connections and friendships. Senior communities offer regularly scheduled activities, making it easier for you to meet your neighbors. At the same time, you can get the support you need to maintain independence. At Autumn View Gardens Creve Coeur, assisted living residents receive help with personal needs and medication management, for instance.
No matter where you live, being active within your community fosters connections with others. Check the community activity calendar regularly to find activities you enjoy. While you're attending activities, start conversations with other participants. Get involved in resident advisory committees or volunteer roles to help make your community a better place. Working with like-minded community members helps you connect and grow relationships.
The benefits of owning a pet are varied and often include increasing your social interactions. Not only does your pet give you a sense of companionship, but it might also help you meet other people. For example, when dog owners take regular walks with their pooches, people often ask questions about the dog or if they can pet it, and a trip to the dog park gives you a chance to connect with other dog owners.
Work often provides a sense of purpose. If you're missing that feeling in retirement, consider volunteering. When you choose a cause close to your heart, you feel like you're making a difference. Volunteering also lets you connect with other people, including fellow volunteers, full-time staff members of the organization and the people you help. Nonprofit organizations often need all types of support. If you have physical limitations, you might be able to provide office support, for instance.
Meeting people you enjoy is only part of staying connected. Getting together regularly helps grow the connections and makes you feel part of something bigger. Invite new or old friends to meet regularly as part of an informal social group. You might meet for coffee once a week at a nearby coffee shop to chat and connect. Another option is creating a club around a particular interest, such as a book club or quilting circle. Choose a regular interval for get-togethers to make sure they happen consistently.
Growing and maintaining connections is often a little more challenging when you don't live close to the people you love. Taking intentional steps to stay connected helps you foster those relationships. Online tools make those long-distance connections easier.
Social media is an easy way to stay connected to people you know. You can see what they're up to based on their posts, and you can comment to initiate a conversation. You can also send them messages via social media to stay in regular contact.
Video chat apps and software open up a variety of interaction options with people who live far away. If you're a long-distance grandparent, you might video chat to keep up with what your grandkids are doing, read them a book or watch their sporting events from a distance. Adding the video element makes the conversations a little more personal, no matter who's on the other end.
Don't underestimate how special old-fashioned mail can be. Sending heartfelt messages in cards or small packages with a few treats helps your long-distance loved ones feel connected to you. Those small items can help foster a sense of closeness.
Classes designed for seniors put you in contact with other retirees who may also crave new connections. Taking an exercise class gives you the benefits of staying active while surrounding yourself with others. Senior exercise classes offer safe routines and alternative movement options that take into consideration your unique physical needs and mobility differences.
You might also check for local senior classes related to hobbies, such as learning to make pottery. This type of class enriches your life by teaching you new skills and allowing you to explore potential hobbies. Meanwhile, you go through a shared experience of learning something new that might take time to master. Taking classes offers a natural conversation starter that could grow into a long-term connection with your classmates.
If an exercise class isn't your style, you can still connect with others while moving your body. Going for a walk each day provides you with opportunities to chat with fellow walkers. When you walk at the same time each day, you might run into the same people who have a similar routine. You can also schedule active time with a friend to play pickleball, golf or other favorite activities.
