Social connections are an important component in preventing chronic or life-limiting health problems. Spending time enjoying the right leisure activities helps protect cognitive skills. There are many challenges for seniors to maintain their social connection: lack of transportation; limited mobility and loved ones living at a distance. These challenges can be difficult to overcome for seniors who live alone.
Senior living offers residents a variety of services and activities to keep them connected.
Living in a community surrounded by peers can make all the difference in both the quality and length of life.
Senior living communities offer transportation for their residents. This relieves the stress older adults feel about having to ask someone to take them to appointments. Having the freedom to schedule their own appointments can sometimes be the deciding factor in whether to see a doctor or not.
Life enrichment programs provide activities to help keep seniors connected. A full calendar is available at most communities. Activities like cards, board games, puzzles and sing-alongs can be enjoyed by all residents, regardless of limitations. A variety of exercise classes give residents a fun way to continue to improve their mobility and overall health.
Meal times in senior living are both nourishing and social, which can help residents overcome feelings of isolation. Enjoying well balanced meals may also alleviate many of the risks that come with poor nutrition.
The most important benefit of senior living for residents is the daily contact with their peers. These bonds often become as strong as the lifelong friendships residents had before they moved into senior living.
Teri A. Oberleitner is the Director of Development at Good Samaritan Society Water Valley Senior Living Resort in Windsor. For information on The Good Samaritan Society communities in Northern Colorado call: 888-497-3813.
Photo credit: Good Samaritan Society Water Valley Senior Living Resort in Windsor