It becomes even more important to maintain an engaged and active social life as we get older. However, around 57% of adults older than 65 experience loneliness. Social isolation can result in serious health problems for seniors, such as an increased risk of mental health conditions.
There’s nothing wrong with seniors maintaining their independence. There are some hazards to keep in mind if you neglect the social aspect of a mature adult’s life. When looking for a senior living community in Towson, it’s important to find one that puts socialization at the forefront.
This blog will discuss the benefits of a social and active senior lifestyle. We’ll also cover some of the Towson senior activities our residents can experience when moving to Seaton Towson.
The Importance of Social Activities for Seniors
Isolation can affect every aspect of a senior’s life. The effects on their mental health and mood can cause physical deterioration. Seniors can experience numerous benefits when they are socialized and stimulated.
Improved Mental Health
Feeling lonely can cause depression and anxiety in seniors. Loneliness and isolation may result in feelings of worthlessness and despair.
Socialization can combat these depressive feelings while allowing seniors to feel valued and loved. By spending time with others, seniors can avoid isolation while having a positive outlook and healthy mental state.
Increased Self-Esteem
Our self-esteem can start to dwindle as we age as certain things become more difficult to accomplish. We can feel frustrated or embarrassed with ourselves when we have trouble doing things that used to be so easy for us.
The more seniors join in on activities and socialize with their peers, the more they feel like they’re making a positive contribution to their communities. Any type of positive interaction can make us feel more confident in ourselves. Seniors begin to realize that their talents and important traits don’t disappear as they age.
Boosted Cognitive Function
Seniors can improve and maintain their cognitive function by staying socially engaged. Continual social contact can improve memory while protecting the brain from neurodegenerative diseases.
For example, participating in certain mentally stimulating activities can keep seniors’ brains alert and sharp. Examples of these types of activities can include:
- Puzzles
- Crosswords
- Sudoku
- Chess
- Word search puzzles
- Scrabble
Enhanced Accountability
We all know how hard it is to stay committed to a new habit without having someone there to hold you accountable. Social circles can function as accountability partners for seniors to ensure they continue taking care of themselves. Socialization allows seniors to prioritize their health and stay on top of their self-care habits.
Ways to Encourage Seniors to Socialize
There are many ways for seniors to expand their social circles and explore new hobbies. Let’s talk about some of the most common ways they can achieve that.
Volunteering
Volunteering gives seniors a sense of purpose and accountability. They can give back to their community while staying socially active. They’ll feel appreciated and valued as they offer their skills and time to local organizations.
Joining Groups and Clubs
Seniors can participate in groups and clubs that share their interests. Some types of clubs that might appeal to seniors include:
- Gardening
- Reading
- Classic car
- Chess
These clubs, which are common in senior living communities, provide a welcoming environment for seniors to connect with like-minded individuals.
Engaging With Their Family
Involving seniors with family celebrations and gatherings can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being. Including them, even in day-to-day family activities, will ensure they have an active interest in their families and strengthen their bonds.
Attend Community Events
Heading out into their local community can be a wonderful way for seniors to connect with others. They’ll get to meet others who live in their area, often outside of their age group, while learning more about what their community has to offer.
Explore Seaton Towson Amenities, Activities, and Events
At Seaton Towson, our entire community is centered around not only providing exceptional care for our residents but also ensuring they have plenty of opportunities to socialize. This includes the dining experiences we curate for them, the activities we plan, and the events we host.
Senior Social Events and Activities
Our activities calendar offers a wide range of events and activities that enrich and stimulate the mind and body. Some of the things we offer include:
- Exercise and fitness classes
- Walking groups
- Yoga
- Guest lectures
- Movies
- Live performances
- In-house worship services
- Day and evening excursions
- Card and board games
- Clubs
- Arts and crafts
Our staff meets with our residents when they move into our community. We aim to gauge their interests and preferences, making recommendations for certain activities we feel that’ll appeal to them. We continually connect with our residents to see if they’re enjoying what they’re doing and if they’d like to explore anything new.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Owning a pet can provide mature adults with countless benefits. Some of them include:
- Helps form connections with others
- Gives seniors a sense of responsibility
- Relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Improve fitness
At Seaton Towson, we don’t believe our residents should have to give up their furry friends when moving into our community. Our residents can continue maintaining the bond with their animals thanks to our pet-friendly accommodations. We have numerous outdoor spaces where residents can take their pets for walks and ensure they receive proper care.
Restaurant-Style Dining
Another way we engage community seniors with one another is with our communal dining rooms. Our residents can sit with one another during meals and spend time chatting while sharing a meal. A few of the benefits of sharing meals for our senior residents include:
- Promotes healthy eating
- Improves physical health
- Connect with others
- Creates social connections
- Increases mental stimulation
Schedule a Tour of Our Senior Living Community in Towson
Socialization is important for humans regardless of age, but it becomes even more essential the older we get. Ensure your health and happiness by finding a senior living community that puts connecting with others at the forefront of their care. Improve your quality of life while enjoying your golden years to their fullest.
Seaton Towson is proud to be the leading senior living community in Towson. Our residents enjoy numerous amenities, activities, and events that ensure they stay socialized. Book a tour to see our socialization options in our community for yourself.
