Establishing New Connections: Five Ways to Help Improve Senior Living

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Humans are social beings, but for all the new social tools we have at our disposal, our sense of community has vanished. Large cities are too big, too stimulating to not shut out strangers in a bit to keep oneself sane. It means big cities keep to smaller friendship groups that are safe when the environment itself is too much. In small towns, where it is the environment that provides that safety net, you’ll find a much greater sense of community because stimulation comes from meeting new people. What this means is that it is hard to make new friends, especially outside of constructs like school or work. For many who are retiring, this could mean entering a period of social solitude. To keep the senior community well and cared for, five options will need to be implemented: Community-Based Senior Living Senior living whose main goal is to merely keep their residents alive are not doing anywhere near enough. Furthermore, more independent living centers are essential. The combined approach provides an increased level of social connection and independence, no matter what level of assistance a person may need. The exceptional quality of life offered by Premier Senior Communities must be recreated throughout the retirement living community. Only when mental health, assistive care, and community living come together can senior residents find the sense of community and routine they need to enjoy their retirement years. Ongoing Education We should ideally continue to learn throughout our lives, but hectic schedules and responsibilities often put learning at the back of the list of priorities. That is why senior education is so critical. Not only does it provide retired adults with an opportunity to learn things that they have always wanted to know, but it also helps improve cognitive function and is a great social environment. China is actually a leader in senior education, and has entire universities dedicated to the retired community and aims to provide budget-friendly classes in a wide variety of skills and topics, from language to sewing. Improved Outdoor Spaces All outdoor spaces need to be improved, which in many instances, can be done through community involvement. By simply organizing for the community around a park to get involved and provide the support they need, green spaces can be transformed and revitalized in more ways than one. Retired adults, in particular, will benefit from the social connections, project-focused goals, and of course, being out amongst nature. Ideas for how green spaces can improve include community gardens, garbage cleaning excursions, and gardening. Senior Focused Group Activities Community centers and cities alike should make it easy for seniors who wish to organize a community group, even if it is entirely free to attend. Examples include walking groups, gardening sessions, and even drawing classes. So long as these groups are advertised where the retired community has access, there are opportunities for the community to come together and benefit one another on their own. Senior Focused Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer opportunities should be made specifically for older adults so that the division of work is divided fairly in ways that make it safe and healthy for those with advanced needs. Additional measures should ideally be taken as well, including a sponsored bus to help make volunteering more accessible to those with mobility problems. The retired community must be engaged with and offered multiple opportunities to make friends and make a difference. The social isolation felt by many retired adults cannot stand, especially when an engaged senior populace is better for the entire community. Benefits..