How to Forge New Friendships in Assisted Living
Pew Research Center reports that 53% of adults in the US have one to four friends, while 38% have at least five, and 8% have no close friends.
Friends are important throughout life because they allow you to create great memories and confide in them. They also support you through life challenges and provide valuable advice.
Friendships become increasingly important with age because it is easy to feel lonely after retiring and moving away from loved ones.
Here, we discuss senior social tips for making new friendships in assisted living. Let's learn how to build new connections after joining a Menomonee Falls community.
Embrace Assisted Living Activities
Assisted living communities often organize various engaging activities to bring residents together. These may include:
- Art classes
- Game nights
- Book clubs
- Local tours
Joining these activities is an excellent way to meet like-minded people and start conversations. Check your assisted living community calendar to identify the activities you can participate in every week. Focus on things that interest you because you might discover a new talent and gain a new best friend.
Share Meals With Other Residents for Connection
Sharing meals with other residents in your assisted living community may help reduce loneliness and create strong social ties.
Sit with others in the communal dining area instead of keeping to yourself. You should also rotate your seating arrangement regularly to meet and interact with new people.
When sharing meals with fellow residents start a conversation by commenting something nice about the food or atmosphere. You can also ask about their favorite dishes in the community and their best local restaurants.
Alternatively, find out if they've tried a meal you love and share what you like about it. Such inquiries can stir a good conversation, and it's less likely to feel awkward.
Attend Social Events and Mixers
Social events like game nights and holiday parties can unite residents in a Menomonee Falls assisted living community.
They create a welcoming atmosphere, which encourages even shy people to mingle. The events may also include icebreaker activities, making starting conversations and forming new friendships easier.
Attend social events at your assisted living community and be open to interacting with other residents. Introduce yourself to at least three people at each activity, and try to cheer up those who look lonely.
For example, you could approach someone hanging in a corner alone and strike up a conversation. You may be surprised to learn they are also interested in building connections with new people.
If you signed up for any assisted living activities, try to be an active participant. Engaging more often will ensure you have fun and create a natural chance for interactions. It also proves your passion, which may encourage other residents to want to be your friends.
Volunteer for Community Roles
Involving yourself in a senior living community presents an excellent chance to forge new friendships. Further, it helps you make a meaningful contribution by helping other residents.
Many assisted living communities in Menomonee Falls provide various ways you can volunteer. These may include:
- Organizing the library
- Helping plan a community event
- Leading a club or discussion group
If you love reading, help the staff manage the community library to connect with fellow book lovers. You'll quickly spark conversations about favorite genres or authors and find making friends in assisted living easier.
Assisted living communities often host different events to celebrate residents and encourage socialization. Examples of such activities are:
- Birthday parties
- Talent shows
- Movie nights
- Trivia contests
- Music performances
- Themed dinners
Planning such events lets you connect with residents who love creating memorable experiences for everyone. If an activity celebrates a specific resident, you'll also show you care by helping organize it.
Do you enjoy lively conversations and are passionate about educating others? Consider organizing a weekly discussion group or creating a club in your assisted living community. The gathering can be about any subject, ranging from politics to history and movies.
Hosting such activities will give you a great platform to share ideas and bond with community members.
Spend Time in the Common Spaces
Assisted living communities often have shared spaces to foster elderly community engagement. Such areas are:
- Lounges
- Libraries
- Gardens
- Activity rooms
These areas are perfect for striking up conversations with others looking to socialize. They encourage casual and unplanned interactions in a relaxed setting.
Create new friendships in an assisted living community by spending time in shared areas. You can bring a puzzle and invite a fellow resident to join you. If you're hanging around the garden, you may also chat with seniors who stop by.
Making new friends in the libraries is also possible, even if you can't talk much. Simply carry an extra book you love and recommend it to a resident looking for their next read. Alternatively, strike a short conversation by asking about the best areas to read in the community.
Join Group Fitness Classes
Staying active in a Menomonee Falls assisted living community is a great way to make new friends. When you exercise in a group, you'll enjoy the company of other seniors who love staying fit. The activity itself also presents many topics for discussion.
Identify the physical activities your community offers and find something you're comfortable with. If you haven't been a fitness enthusiast, don't be afraid to exercise since you can explore many beginner-friendly activities.
During the sessions, briefly chat with the person beside you or interact with them afterward. You could also compliment a resident's enthusiasm or progress.
Doing so may encourage positive interactions and create a supportive community. Over time, you'll improve your physical health and strengthen your sense of connection with the community.
Make New Friendships at Lakehouse Menomonee Assisted Living Community
Fostering new friendships may seem tricky, but you must stay open-minded and active. Try new activities and start conversations in common areas and during shared activities. Besides, consider volunteering for events and bonding with other seniors struggling to make friends.
LakeHouse Menomonee is a pet-friendly community offering numerous socialization activities and events. Our visitors often feel a sense of family after walking through our doors due to our welcoming atmosphere. Contact us to book a community tour.