Senior Living Communities can be a great place to live as an older adult. You don’t have to worry about keeping up a yard, cooking, or cleaning, there are staff members around 24/7 to help with anything you need, and there are endless fun things to do within your community. Many people like to live in Senior Living Communities because it’s easier to make friends when you have lots of people in your same stage of life living in close proximity. But making friends doesn’t come easily for all of us, and making new friends late in life can be even harder. Here are some tips on making friends in your Senior Living Community that will work for introverts and new community members alike.
Go to the Activities!
If you’re more of an introvert, it can be hard to leave your apartment and go to group activities, especially if you don’t know anyone yet. But there’s only one way to get to know people, and that’s to get out of the house. Choose a group activity you love or think you might enjoy, and make conversation with those around you. Having something to do with your hands will make conversation easier. Stellar Senior Living Communities often offer holiday meals, arts & crafts, concerts, service projects, movie nights, game tournaments, classes, field trips, and more. There’s sure to be something you enjoy, and you can meet new people while doing it!
Choose A Community You Love
It’s easier to find like-minded people if you live somewhere you love! Stellar Living has Senior Living Communities all over the United States, so if you don’t like where you live, you can find a new community somewhere you enjoy more! Many communities also offer affordable short-term stays, so you can even test-drive your new home before you commit. If you’re not a winter fan, you might find people who share your opinion in California, New Mexico, Texas, or Arizona (there are Stellar Living Communities in all of these states!). If you love the mountains or great outdoors, you might try a community in Colorado, Utah, or Idaho. Pacific Northwest fans could choose from multiple communities in Washington. Wherever you want to live, there’s a Stellar Living Community for you.
Use The Internet
The Internet can be a scary place these days, but it can also be a great tool to connect with other people, especially if you’re not feeling connected to the people physically nearest to you. Social networks especially for retired people and seniors exist, so you can make virtual pen pals no matter where you are in the world. You could find Facebook groups for people like you, or use a friendship networking site for people over the age of 50, like SilverSurfers or Buzz50.
Serve & Volunteer
Sometimes the best way to make friends is to think outside yourself. You could mentor younger people or students in your area of expertise, assist less able-bodied seniors, or even tutor children. Write letters to people who might be lonely, and you might both serve someone and make a new friend. Friendship doesn’t have to be dictated by age or stage of life. Feel free to serve and volunteer in whatever way you’d like, and see what happens.
Stay in Touch
Once you’ve made your new friends, make sure to stay in touch! You could create a group calendar or a weekly standing appointment to spend time together, or use digital means like texting and e-mail to stay connected. Just make sure you check in and spend time with your friends whenever you can, so you can preserve these friendships over a lifetime.
These ideas will help even the most introverted senior make and keep friends in your Senior Living Community. For more information and friendly conversation, feel free to contact Stellar Living for more about communities in your area.
