“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” Wise words from the late John Lennon, and a great way to embrace healthy aging: with good friends and a good support system. In fact, socialization for seniors is not only key to longevity, it’s a major reason retirement can be such a grand adventure.
Being around others is good for you—and senior living makes it easy!
Healthy & Happy: what socialization for seniors can do
Enhance your health
Ever notice how much better you feel when you’ve spent a few hours with good friends? That’s because being around others really is beneficial for your health.
In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, adults with strong social connections have reduced risk of health problems such as high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, stroke, and an unhealthy body mass index. Research also has shown that effect of social ties on life span is twice as strong as that of exercising and equivalent to quitting smoking.
Sharpen your noggin
Being alone too much or feeling lonely is just bad for your brain, with studies showing that social isolation can increase your risk of dementia by 50%. But researchers also have determined that having a strong social network—involving thinking, feeling, reasoning and intuition—can stimulate the brain and build up brain cells as well as promote new connections between neurons.
Socialization for seniors is easier in an environment such as senior living, where you can always find opportunities to engage and connect with others. Join a conversation at dinnertime. Go with the group on a special outing. Volunteer for a special project. Lots of ways to keep your brain in shape!
Expand your world
When you don’t have anyone to talk to during the day, the world can quickly get smaller. But as a resident of senior living, you have the opportunity to thrive in a vibrant atmosphere filled with activity and stimulation.
At St. Mark Village, you can visit the library Take a class. Hear a concert or see a movie. Stop by the woodworking shop. Try out your green thumb in the garden. Learn to paint. Practice yoga. And that’s just a sample. And while you can always enjoy the privacy of your apartment, you’ll know that good friends are right there to join you in new adventures.
Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.
Lift your mood
Socialization for seniors means a lot more just a chance to smile. Being around others you enjoy gives you a feeling of belonging; being part of a community of people who care about one other. It also can give you a sense of purpose: you know when you wake up in the morning that friends are waiting to greet you. In a senior living community, this can mean participating in a class, walking with friends, waving to a neighbor, learning to paint, and more. You feel comfortable and accepted.
St. Mark Village makes it easy to be excited about what lies ahead. Our residents are a loving family, inspiring each other to enjoy all the perks of carefree senior living. Plus, you have the added bonus of exploring the wonderful shopping, dining, and cultural perks of our Palm Harbor location. It’s easy to make friends here!
Keep you health-minded
It’s a lot easier to splurge on a second cupcake when no one is around to help keep you on the right track. But in the company of people who are committed to wellness, temptations are easier to resist. In a senior living community, you are around friends who invite you to join them for a walk, a Zumba class, or a swim. Good habits rub off on you. And it’s so much more fun to eat right and exercise when you’re doing it with a friend.
Divide your burdens
Aging is not without its challenges. You feel the same inside, but the mirror is getting wrinkled. Friends move away; a spouse dies. Having the company of peers who understand these passages of life can go a long way toward easing anxiety and grief. In senior living, you are surrounded by others who understand and can be there for you when you need them. Being able to share life’s ups and downs is a major benefit of socialization for seniors.
Friends make you feel better, and senior living makes it easier to have friends.
At St. Mark Village, we offer residents a vibrant lifestyle, as well as seamless access to future health options. We invite you to see how good lively senior living can feel—and how good it can be for you!
Get the most out of every day. Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community or contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
