Seniors are at a higher risk of developing depression and experiencing grief than younger demographics. Some of this is due to losing connections with people they’ve loved through distance, passing away, or due to limitations. One way to help your loved one improve their well-being and happiness is to encourage the individual to make new friends. Here are some ways they can stay connected with their peers:
Consider a Senior Living Community
A huge benefit of moving to a senior living is that others of a similar age are around you. If you think about it, these unique residences are like dorms for seniors! They can attend activities together, enjoy meals with their neighbors, take the community transit to outside events, and run errands together. Seniors who live alone may become lonely, especially if they don’t get frequent visitors or aren’t very mobile. Transitioning to a senior living community may provide much better opportunities for your loved one to make new friends and unite with longtime buddies in the local area.
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Arrange Transportation
Many seniors do not drive, and that can pose a difficulty in getting out to see friends. Let your loved one know you can provide a ride to and from a friend’s house whenever you’re free or offer to join them in on the cribbage game, lunch, or other event if you’re invited. It can be fun to listen to the stories of people who have been friends for many years. You may learn about cool things your senior friend or family member has never mentioned before just by listening in!
Seniors can set phone dates with pals nationwide to ensure both parties remember to talk.
Staying Connected
Seniors often have friends who live all over the country, making traveling to see one another a big undertaking. Since many people don’t have the time, energy, or funds to fly several times a year, ensure your senior loved one keeps in touch with their friends despite distance. With today’s technology, it’s easy to pick up the phone, send an email, or even video chat with anyone across the globe. Help the senior learn how to set up an email account, create a social media page, or use a smartphone to text or contact friends quickly. Sometimes, setting up a phone date with a specific time is best so both parties remember.
Social Opportunities
Senior living communities offer many ways for residents to make new friends. Encourage your loved one to attend group activities like game nights, movie screenings, and performances. This is an easy way to get to know others in the community. Simply saying, “Hi!” can begin a beautiful friendship for people of any age! Once you start meeting people, you might suddenly have plenty to do, from going to lunch with friends to strolling the community grounds. Friendships can significantly improve seniors’ overall well-being and health, an important part of growing older.
