They say that friends are the family that you choose, and they’re a really important part of our lives and our mental health. They provide companionship, fun, and someone to talk to when you’re facing tough times. This applies just as much, if not more, to seniors as it does when we’re younger.
Why friendships are important for healthy aging
Loneliness and depression are serious problems at any stage of our lives, but they can become more common as we age. Visiting and staying in touch with friends can help to combat these feelings of loneliness and give us more of a sense of purpose. We think about our role in their lives and how important we are to our friends, making us feel valued. This has many positive knock-on effects for both our mental and physical health.
A social senior is also more likely to be an active senior. You might go out for a walk with your friends or take part in a class or activity with them. This gets you out of the house and keeps your brain and body active, which is also an important factor for healthy aging. Research has even found that staying connected to friends and family increases our chances of living longer, and even improves the outcome of those suffering from health conditions.
Making and maintaining friendships in our senior years
It was always so easy making friends as kids. You just start talking to another kid and, hey presto, you’re best friends. But it becomes a lot more difficult in adulthood. If you move to a new city or lose touch with your old friends, you find yourself with the challenge of making new friends. So, what can seniors do to make new friends or stay in touch with their old ones?
Local classes and groups are always a good place to look. Maybe there’s an exercise class designed for seniors, more creative activities like an art class, or groups like book clubs that meet on a regular basis. Seniors who live in assisted living or independent living communities often find it easy to make friends because there are so many organized events and activities to take part in.
When it comes to staying in touch with old friends, technology makes it a lot easier these days. Even if your friends have moved to different cities or countries, you can call them up on Skype or Facetime and have a face-to-face conversation with them. Here are some tips on how to use Facetime.
If you’re interested in the social environment of independent living in Bermuda Run, NC, then get in touch with us here at Bermuda Village.
