A retirement community can be a great option for aging family members who have lost their independence and need help with daily living. Retirement communities in Dallas, TX, offer a variety of services that can help residents stay active and engaged. They also provide opportunities to keep in touch with friends and family, which is vital for any older adult who lives alone. Here are some ways that retirement communities help isolated loved ones reconnect:
Encourage Socializing
As you age, making new friends or maintaining old ones cannot be easy. Social isolation is a major contributor to stress, which can negatively affect health. Luckily, retirement communities provide various opportunities for residents to socialize and stay connected with others in the community. Whether it’s a resident-led activity like a book club or an organized event such as bingo or yoga class, these communal events will help you feel less lonely and more engaged in your life in the community.
While some people may enjoy being alone all the time, being around other people (even if they aren’t close friends) is good for our mental health overall. Being able to sit with someone with similar life experiences can be very comforting — especially when you’re feeling down about something!
Teach Digital Literacy
One of the biggest benefits of retirement communities is that they’re a great place to learn digital literacy. Digital literacy is the ability to use and understand technology, and it’s important because residents are much less likely than younger people to have home computers. Many don’t even know how to use computers or the internet!
You can help your parent learn digital literacy by teaching her how to use an iPad, smartphone, or tablet. You can also teach her how to get online at home (or give her access), whether that’s through Wi-Fi hotspots or by buying a mobile hotspot device.
Offer Planned Outings
When it comes to planning activities, the possibilities are endless. From movie marathons and trips to your nearest mall to parks, beaches, and zoos—you can find something that suits your and your loved one’s interest.
Take advantage of the amenities offered by different retirement communities in your area. Some allow residents to sign up for planned outings with other residents weekly or monthly. You could also organize an outing with friends who live in the area. If you don’t have any friends nearby or want more variety as far as activities go, companies out there specialize in organizing group trips for persons in their golden years!
Socialize When You Eat
You can also socialize with other residents at meal times, which is a great way to have a conversation and catch up on what’s going on in their lives. Eating in the dining room is also a great way to meet new people! If you don’t want to eat alone or want extra company, consider joining one of the many activities your retirement home offers.
You might want to invite family members over for dinner so they can get an idea of how much fun it would be living in the community if they lived nearby!
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you an understanding of how retirement communities can help isolated Golden-age adults reconnect with others. We know these practices work because we have seen them in action in our own living community. While there are many factors that contribute to loneliness, isolation, and depression among Golden-age adults, retirement communities offer a solution by helping them stay socially active and engaged with others throughout the day (and night). If you or someone you know is struggling with social isolation, please contact us today!
