According to the National Library of Medicine, for seniors between the ages of 65 and 74, interacting with children and various volunteer opportunities improved their overall life satisfaction the most. Seniors over the age of 75 also enjoyed volunteering and interacting with children, but connecting with friends and joining leisurely clubs improved their overall life satisfaction as well.
Needless to say, social activities are a perfect way for seniors to meet new people and connect with their community. This might be volunteering with children or joining a hobby group for fun. No matter what type of social interaction a senior forms, it's bound to have tons of benefits, which this article explains in depth.
When seniors interact with other people, it can positively impact their mental health. These interactions can be weekly during a social club or from daily interactions with friends, family, and neighbors.
Some benefits include:
These social benefits for seniors safeguard against dementia, making elderly activity importance a high priority, especially in an assisted living community. Most communities have vibrant social calendars, so get out and see what's on the schedule.
Additionally, social engagement can keep the mind sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. By attending senior events, older people are engaging in activities that are fun and also mentally, physically, and emotionally engaging.
Loneliness can strike at any age, but seniors are especially susceptible to it. According to data in 2023 from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 34% of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 reported occasional isolation.
Regular socialization, however, can reduce the feeling of loneliness, as seniors connect with members of their community, form friendships, and keep active in the world around them.
As previously mentioned, an active aging lifestyle can increase a person's cognitive function. This is especially true when seniors engage in activities that stimulate their brains, such as chess. Chess requires critical thinking skills, pattern recognition, and creative thinking, making it ideal for seniors looking to socialize and stay focused.
Additionally, when seniors join social groups, they build a support system that encourages them to get out and connect with other older adults. It can be difficult to make new friends, especially as people age, but social groups encourage seniors to get out and have fun.
As seniors join groups and learn new skills, they'll benefit from an increase in self-esteem. When working with others and receiving positive recognition for their work, seniors acquire a deeper understanding of their contribution to society and how important their role is.
By seeing how their efforts directly impact their community, seniors have an improved sense of self.
There are numerous senior community involvement activities, from exercise groups to volunteering. No matter what a person's interests are, there are opportunities for them to get out in the community, make new friends, and experience the benefits that come with senior social engagement.
Here are some senior activities that fit into all lifestyles.
Walking groups offer benefits across the board, from physical fitness to social interaction. These groups are open to seniors of all ability levels and walk locally so older can make new friends in their area.
Some benefits of walking as a social activity include:
By going for a leisurely walk with others, older adults can form new friendships while engaging in healthy activities. If there isn't a local walking group, interested seniors can form their own club.
Game clubs work to connect seniors with similar interests. They can choose from chess clubs, Bingo nights, board games, charades, card games, and more.
By getting together with people who share similar interests, seniors can make new friends and combat feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Seniors in assisted living might enjoy something as simple as sitting with a friend and working on crossword puzzles, sharpening their cognitive skills while spending time with friends.
Book clubs are another excellent way for seniors to connect and make new friends while sharing a love of reading. These groups might meet weekly or bi-weekly and have plenty of benefits, including:
Book clubs help seniors broaden their horizons and diversify their perspectives, making them excellent for anyone looking to make new friends and learn new information.
Volunteering comes in all shapes and sizes, so seniors can find the activity that works best for them. By volunteering, older adults have a sense of purpose as they give back to the community. They can help out at their local food bank, a children's hospital, a library, an animal shelter, a community garden, and more.
Older adults interested in volunteering can ask a local senior center if they know about available opportunities, contact the library, or even call their municipal building for ideas about volunteering in the community.
Seniors can take classes to meet new friends and to learn a new skill. These classes might be offered at their assisted living community, so it's important to frequently check the activity calendar.
Taking classes boasts cognitive benefits, can prevent dementia, and can improve social connections.
Social activities offer seniors everything from improved mood to fewer bouts of loneliness. They can also work to stave off feelings of depression and isolation. By getting out and connecting with other people, older adults can give back to their community, developing a sense of accomplishment while making new friends.
If you or your loved one is considering an assisted living community, LakeHouse Manitowoc has everything you need. Our beautiful assisted living community features wonderful meals, plenty of events to meet other residents, and housekeeping for convenience. To learn more about our available floorplans and other amenities, contact us today and a member of our staff will be delighted to speak with you.