When you think back to your childhood, do you remember how busy your parents were? They were whisking you to activities while managing careers and then finding time to host dinner parties on the weekends.
Now that you’re managing your own career and family, you can’t believe how much your parents used to accomplish in one day. From driving kids to soccer practice and swimming lessons to making a new client pitch, life can get busy. You’ve barely seen your friends in weeks and it feels even longer since you’ve seen your parents. On the phone, your folks are always curious about what’s happening in your life but go quiet when you ask about their own routine.
As they have gotten older, have you noticed a decline in their social activities? With changes in friendships and mobility, seniors can struggle to maintain a social life. Find out why creating an exciting active lifestyle for your aging relatives keeps their mind, body, and heart happy in the process!
Why It’s Important For Seniors To Maintain An Active Social Life
Studies have shown that loneliness is a key contributor to heightened health risks, including depression and increased risk of dementia or heart failure. Staying fit and healthy doesn’t just mean physically. We also want our aging relatives engaged mentally through an active social life.
We know seeing your elder family member excited and spending time doing things they love can bring you comfort and joy. It also increases their confidence, motivating them to continue in their social activities. If you have noticed your parents’ social life decreasing as they age, consider the following: Is a new physical ailment affecting their previous hobbies? Who did they spend time with previously? Have they recently lost a spouse or a close friend with a shared interest? These questions will open the conversation and help you empathize with their situation and offer helpful solutions.
The Importance Of Social Life
Bringing back your family member’s drive to pursue a social life requires a delicate balance. If you stay silent, you risk feeling guilty as they continue to decline and remain isolated. If you push too hard, they may get defensive or feel like you are meddling. The best approach is to encourage and give them an opportunity to experience some social interaction and community. When their calendar is filled with exciting activities, it’s a positive ripple effect for everyone in your family.
Participating in new experiences helps to keep bodies and minds active and engaged. The thriving lifestyle found in a 12 Oaks Senior Living community provides a setting where your aging relatives can meet new friends and enjoy positive experiences every day of the week.
Being isolated can cause elder relatives to follow the same mundane routine every day. Is it time to consider helping them step into a more active and involved lifestyle?
The Struggle Of Isolation
There are several reasons why our elderly family members feel socially isolated. They miss their career network and connections formed within their local community. With aging comes aches and pains, making them think twice before leaving the house. With these challenges, it can feel like a constant struggle to make a new friend.
What Does The Social Calendar Reflect In The 12 Oaks Senior Community?
Each 12 Oaks Senior Living Community offers a month-long social calendar with different daily events. We have something for everyone and activities range from group exercise classes to weekly movie nights. Our social calendar provides stimulation and motivation, making every day fulfilling.
At a glance, here are some activities that may be found on our monthly social calendar:
- Morning Yoga
- Red Hat Ladies Brunch
- Dominoes & Board Games
- Bingo afternoons
- Virtual bird watching
- Veterans Salute Luncheon
- Weekly craft projects
- Planned excursions to local events
- Garden socials and chances to meet the neighbors
- Faith-based programs for a multicultural community
We invite you to join us for family nights and open houses. Try our chef-prepared meals and feel the welcoming environment and friendly community team. Introduce your elder family member to the rich camaraderie they’ll experience as one of our new residents.
Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Contact us today to schedule a virtual tour.
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