When our loved ones are beginning to consider whether they should move into a retirement community, they may feel apprehensive about such a change, and understandably so.
However, despite being a big adjustment, there are many positives to living in this environment, such as enjoying more free time and socializing with peers.
There are many social advantages to living in a retirement community, and being aware of these benefits can help retirees and their loved ones feel more reassured about making this change.
Let’s consider a few of these advantages below.
It improves physical and mental health
One of the more challenging aspects of retiring is finding ways to make new friends, as older individuals are no longer building relationships with colleagues at work.
Due to this change, newly retired individuals may begin to experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health.
However, when older ones move into a community with other retired persons, their social circle will expand again, allowing them more opportunities to make new friends and reduce loneliness.
The community lifestyle of living in a retirement home helps to improve residents’ quality of life considerably. Knowing they have a support system of peers and on-site staff who will be empathetic toward their needs can reduce stress and anxiety.
Not only will this reduced stress improve an older person’s emotional health, but it will also help reduce problems with cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure.
Older persons in the province of Ontario who want to reap the social benefits of retirement community living can click here to learn more about housing opportunities.
It helps prevent cognitive issues
Older adults with busier social lives and more personal connections with others will experience better cognitive function, reducing the risk of dementia and other similar issues.
For instance, feelings of anxiety and depression can cause issues with insomnia, which can contribute significantly to mental decline. However, as older ones become more involved in the social aspect of their senior housing community, issues with depression and lack of sleep will likely decrease, which will improve their cognitive function in the process.
Studies have also shown that older adults with more robust social networks and different social dynamics have been proven to have increased cognitive abilities and brain capacity.
Further, when adults have healthy, balanced social lives, this will lower the level of specific inflammatory proteins that can flare up in the brain and are thought to be responsible for illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.
It increases opportunities for physical activity
One of the advantages of retirement communities is that residents are likely to be more physically active. Older adults with smaller social circles will be more inclined to stay home, meaning they will likely remain seated for most of their day.
However, those who regularly associate with their peers will leave home more often, increasing the likelihood that they will walk and move around more throughout the week.
Spending time with friends may also result in more physical outings, like walking together, joining low-impact fitness classes, shopping, and other similar social activities.
Due to the increased movement, older ones will also see improvement in their cardiovascular strength and blood pressure. Increased physical activity can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and may even cause older adults to live longer due to improved physical and mental well-being.
Decreases boredom
Some older persons have shared that they began feeling bored with their daily tasks. Certain day-to-day activities are more enjoyable when shared with others, such as enjoying meals, walking, or watching a movie together.
Retirement communities provide the opportunity to share in recreation with other people, such as attending events scheduled by the retirement home, eating together at meal times, sharing hobbies, playing cards, or other similar activities.
With more friends to engage with during their free time, older individuals won’t need to find tasks and activities to fill their day and can instead share more in recreation that they already enjoy.
Increases a sense of purpose and fulfillment
Becoming socially involved in a senior housing community can help older ones take on a new role as supporters and friends to fellow residents experiencing similar feelings. Many residences offer Welcome Committees or volunteer opportunities, encouraging a sense of community and engagement.
Older individuals can also benefit from getting to know the younger staff members in their retirement community, as this presents an opportunity to share their life stories and experiences.
Creates more opportunities to get involved in other activities
As mentioned above, living in a retirement community provides more opportunities for older ones to engage in activities they enjoy with others. A retirement community also presents a chance to broaden their horizons and try new things.
Many retirement homes will arrange events involving all community residents, such as dances and karaoke nights, social teas, fitness classes, and other activities.
In a community of their peers, older ones can enjoy activities and get to know their fellow residents as they share in recreation!
Final thoughts
If you or your loved one are still determining whether a retirement home is the right choice for the next phase, consider the many social advantages of living in a senior community. Having more of an opportunity to build new friendships can result in increased wellness, a new sense of purpose, and more contentment overall.
