It is no secret that humans are social creatures. We long to spend time with the people we care about, and crave social interaction and connection. We want to talk about our day, discuss how we’re feeling, and share our thoughts and experiences. This is vital at any age, but it is especially important for seniors.
Sometimes as we age, we might be prone to disengage from the people around us, creating senior isolation. This can happen especially if we have lost someone close to us, such as a spouse or lifelong friend. While clearly these types of losses can take a toll and are extremely hard to deal with, it’s important to stay close and connected with the people who want to support us.
So, what can be done? How can you help your senior loved one stay engaged and find joy in spending time with others? Keep reading to learn about five activities that can really help with socialization! They are perfect for any senior, but especially those at the senior living apartments in Macomb.
1.) Join a Book Club
Is your senior loved one a fan of reading? If so, then joining a book club can be a great way to combine their favorite hobby while still enjoying it with other people. There are many great options out there for book clubs. If you’re not sure where to start, check with your local bookstore.
There are also many virtual options available online due to the ongoing pandemic. If you are a resident at the senior living apartments in Macomb, talk to staff about how to set up a book club if one isn’t available. Whatever you love to read, whether it be science fiction, westerns, romance, or high fantasy, your senior will surely love to connect with others over their shared love of reading!
2.) Walk and Workout
Working out isn’t just good for your body, it’s an excellent way to be involved and connect with others, too! Here at Oakleigh, our residents have ample opportunity to participate in our group fitness classes. Take a long walk around our gorgeous grounds and walking paths, sign up for a yoga course, or hit up the on-location fitness center with a friend. Working out with a friend also creates an accountability partner, which is someone who can help motivate you to keep on track to work out, even if you’re not necessarily in the mood.
3.) Volunteer in the Community
For many seniors, they long to have a renewed sense of purpose following retirement. Now that they are no longer working and their family is grown up, how can they still feel important or like their time is meaningful? There is a solution: volunteering!
Seniors bring a rich wealth of experience to the table, and this is something that many volunteer organizations love to have. Volunteering is not one size fits all. There are tons of opportunities that are based around your interests. If you used to be a teacher, sign up to volunteer to tutor children at latchkey activities after school. Or if you love to sew or knit, you can create baby blankets for newborns in the NICU. For those who are outdoorsy, create a community garden and donate the produce to your local food bank.
Other than a renewed sense of purpose, this is also a great chance to meet new people, make new friends, and connect with the community around you.
4.) Arts and Crafts
On our community calendar here at Oakleigh, we offer arts and crafts activities several times a week. This allows residents to express themselves creatively and get to spend quality time with others. You don’t have to live in our senior living apartments in Macomb to experience the joys of arts and crafts, though! Call up a friend or family member, including grandchildren, and invite them over to work on a project together.
There are tons of options out there, ranging from basic to more advanced. Keep mobility and any necessary tools in mind, too. Build a birdhouse, paint rocks, create a scrapbook, knit a potholder – whatever sounds interesting or fun to you, go for it! Be messy, have fun, and make lots of memories with the people you treasure the most.
5.) Cooking and Baking
Food brings people together like nothing else. Think about it: food serves as the cornerstone of almost all holidays or social gatherings. When we have a birthday party, there is cake or other baked goods. When a new neighbor moves in next door, we bring over a batch of cookies to say hello. If you want to connect to others, cook and bake for them!
Not only that, but you can spend time cooking and baking with people you care about. Even small grandchildren can help decorate cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Get as elaborate or as simple as you like. Just be sure to whip up something good and share it with your loved ones.
6.) Fishing
Now that summer is here, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and go fishing! This is a great choice for someone who loves the outdoors and enjoys the fresh air without a lot of strain, such as when hiking. If there is a river, lake, or pond nearby, grab your fishing gear, a cooler of drinks, and invite a close friend to spend the afternoon fishing!
You don’t have to be a professional fisherman to enjoy sitting on the riverbank and talking with a loved one. Even if you don’t haul in a record breaking bass, we know you will make fond memories with whoever tags along with you.
Conclusion
If you are a senior, or you have a senior loved one, know that you don’t have to stay isolated! There is much to look forward to in your golden years, including fun activities and socialization.
If you are interested in becoming a resident at our senior living apartments in Macomb, contact us today to schedule a tour! We can’t wait to see you and show you your next home.
