Summerhouse Bailey Place has the ideal environment for residents to partake in social gatherings. Examples include coffee chats, shared meals, exercise classes, card games, arts and crafts, spiritual gatherings, happy hours, and off-site trips.
US News reports that more than one-third of middle-aged and senior Americans feel lonely and isolated. This can negatively impact your mental health, and before long, your physical health will follow suit too.
While it's easier said than done, it's important for older adults to proactively seek social interactions. It's a vital part of general wellness, and if you have enough connections, you'll see a huge difference in your quality of life.
Luckily, our senior living community in Bunkie, LA, gives you many opportunities to participate in social gatherings.
Social gatherings have several benefits for seniors that can enhance both their mental and physical well-being. They include:
Altogether, these events can lead to a more fulfilling, engaged, and healthier lifestyle.
Typically, elderly people enjoy activities that are both engaging and suitable for their mobility level. While it may be difficult to satisfy both criteria, it's not impossible.
For example, older adults can do gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or water aerobics. Or they can do hobbies that stimulate the mind, such as puzzles, reading, or crafting.
Social activities are excellent too. They can get companionship and fun through activities like group games and music sessions.
Summerhouse Bailey Place provides assisted living in Bunkie, but we do so much more than that. We give residents opportunities for connection in aging, which is truly priceless.
Here are the ways that we encourage senior social life activities.
One of the most shared daily activities for seniors is a daily cup of coffee in the morning. So why not make chatting with your neighbors part of your morning routine?
As you both sip on your hot cups of coffee, it can be nice to sit, relax, and make small talk about topics of interest.
We have a restaurant-style dining room at our community. This allows residents to gather, sit at tables, and eat their meals together as if they were at their favorite off-site restaurant.
This organic feel leads to natural conversations that flow during mealtimes.
Let's face it: exercise isn't the most glamorous activity, especially things like indoor walking workouts, and it can take some poking and prodding to get going at times. As a result, working out alone can be unsuccessful.
But with community exercise classes, you can be consistent, thanks to the company of other seniors. Together, you can commiserate about the workout, or you can chat away about something fun to take your mind off things.
You can hardly have a card game without the participants saying a word. Even if it's lighthearted banter to prod competitors, it's still socializing!
When you play these card games enough, you'll come to learn about your neighbors' fascinating lives as they tell tidbits here and there.
Arts and crafts are fun, especially during special holidays. You and other residents can teach each other techniques and marvel at one another's skills. Or if you're all adventurous, you can embark on learning a completely new art or craft.
What's great is that you have something tangible to bring home afterward!
Getting in touch with your spiritual side is always good, especially when you meet other like-minded people. During these gatherings, you'll feel a sense of belonging, and you'll find a special community where people understand where you're coming from.
You'll also bond over spirituality-specific activities, such as singing hymns, reading from holy texts, or attending a sermon.
It says it all in the name; there's no way you can be sad during happy hour! Pour some drinks, grab a seat, and hunker down for some outstanding conversation.
The best thing about happy hours is that they're casual, which gives a low-pressure setting for residents to mingle and get to know one another.
Going outside of the community can be exciting yet scary. But the upside is that every resident will feel that way, so you'll find a sense of camaraderie when going off-site.
Not only can you share in unique experiences, but you'll have lots to talk about once you get back.
The best social club for seniors will depend on the person, as individual interests and lifestyle preferences will differ. This is why it's so important for senior living communities to give residents ample opportunities for community engagement, as not everyone will have the same tastes.
The most optimal way for seniors to find the best social club for them is through trial and error. They should start by attending ones that feature their interests, and if that doesn't go well, they can try others until they find a good fit.
Fortunately, there are many spaces that facilitate friendships for older adults. For example, there are:
You can also make new friends by volunteering for local charities or joining hobby-based clubs.
The key is to choose spaces that align with your personal interests.
Connections with other people are a necessity in life; without them, we shrink and aren't our best selves. Plus, our overall well-being suffers too.
Luckily, there are lots of social gatherings available at senior living communities, such as Summerhouse Bailey Place. Here, there's not a day that you won't run into neighbors and staff members, which ensures that you'll get all the social contact you need.
Contact us today if you're interested in assisted living in Bunkie, LA. Summerhouse Bailey Place has a full-service salon and barbershop so our residents can pamper themselves in a convenient way.