Social Activities for Seniors at Home Place of Burlington
Engaging in social activities for seniors, such as exercise classes and hobby groups, can stimulate your mind and body as you age in Burlington, NC. You can find fun resident programs through your local senior living community.
According to a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, about 30% of adults have felt lonely at least once a week in the past year. About 10% of adults feel lonely every day. When asked what produces the highest sense of community and belonging, 53% said friendships.
You can forge strong friendships by engaging in group activities through your senior living community. Participating in social activities for seniors can give you a sense of belonging and a source of joy in your life.
What is the risk of avoiding daily engagement, and what resident programs are available in Burlington, NC? Read on to find out!
How Common Is Social Isolation?
About one in four US adults lacks social or emotional support, while one in three reports feeling lonely. Both loneliness and social isolation are widespread problems in the US. They can pose a serious threat to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
What Are the Benefits of Daily Engagement for Seniors?
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for physical and mental conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- A weakened immune system
- Early death
Seniors who engage in productive, meaningful activities with their peers, however, tend to live longer. Daily engagement could improve your mood while giving you a sense of purpose and belonging. This could enhance your overall well-being and quality of life.
Here are a few specific ways an active assisted living lifestyle may benefit your health and longevity.
Mental
Daily engagement may support better mental health in older adults.For example, engaging in activities with peers can support the formation of new neural pathways. This can improve mental acuity and potentially slow cognitive decline.
Fun group activities can help you relieve stress. Excessive stress can affect your mental and physical health, causing:
- Heartburn
- Pounding heart
- An increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Rapid breathing
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Undereating or overeating
- A weakened immune system
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- An increased risk of depression
- High blood sugar
- An increased risk of type 2 diabetes
To relieve stress, try therapeutic activities like arts and crafts.
Physical
Your friends may encourage you to exercise regularly, which may help:
- Improve your mood
- Strengthen your immune system
- Reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease
- Ease osteoarthritis pain
- Prevent bone loss
You can find exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Exercising with friends may make it more enjoyable. They can also challenge you to work out harder.
Emotional
Social isolation can increase your risk of depression and anxiety. Daily engagement can uplift your mood and give you a sense of belonging.
Social Activities for Seniors
You can find fun group activities and resident programs through your local senior living community. Here are a few social activities for seniors that can enhance your assisted living lifestyle.
Exercise Classes
Your senior living community may host exercise classes like:
- Pilates
- Barre
- Tai chi
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Stretching
- Resistance training
- Weight lifting
- Hiking or walking
Exercising with friends can increase your accountability. Other benefits of exercising as a group include:
- Stronger friendships
- Diversified workouts
- Fun
- Motivation
- Healthy competition
- Mutual support
Activities and Hobby Groups
Check your senior living community's events and activities calendar for fun activities and hobby groups. These may include:
- Gardening club
- Art therapy
- Art classes
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Music lessons
- Crocheting, knitting, sewing, or quilting circles
- Movie nights
- Book clubs
- Birdwatching groups
Joining these group activities can help you meet seniors with similar interests.They may even teach you something new.
Try joining different groups to experience various benefits. For example, gardening offers:
- Stimulation
- A sense of accomplishment
- Exercise
Support Groups
You may struggle to forge new friendships if you're navigating grief. Consider joining a support group. Opening up can help you forge strong emotional connections, leading to lasting friendships.
If you're struggling to open up, try:
- Setting goals for socializing
- Preparing a list of questions to ask
- Practicing icebreakers
- Avoiding pressuring yourself or negative self-talk
- Focusing on the fact that you showed up
Try to talk about yourself and your past experiences. You may learn helpful coping mechanisms from other attendees. You can lean on them for emotional support as you navigate your grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Seniors Go to Socialize?
Check your assisted living community's resident programs to find opportunities to socialize. You can find other senior events in Burlington, NC through your local:
- Library
- Community center
- College or community college
- Dance studio
- Gym or fitness center
- Art studios
Who Is Most At Risk of Social Isolation?
Seniors and adults who live alone have a high risk of social isolation and loneliness. Other lifestyle and health factors that can increase your risk include:
- Having a psychiatric or depressive disorder
- Having limited access to transportation
- Living in a secluded or rural area
- Facing a divorce
- Navigating the loss of a loved one or spouse
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Struggling with a chronic condition or long-term disability
If you're at risk of social isolation or loneliness, reach out to members of your Burlington, NC community. Engaging in group activities may help reduce your risk.Otherwise, isolating yourself may increase the likelihood of health complications.
Discover Senior Events in Burlington, NC
Social isolation and loneliness can harm your health and quality of life after retirement. Before that happens, explore social activities for seniors in Burlington, NC. Connecting with other seniors can boost your mood and foster a sense of belonging.
Remember, you can find fun group activities through your local senior living community. Home Place of Burlington offers exclusive lifestyle programs that can enhance your senior living through convenient and practical means.
Enjoy nutritious meals through Sensations Dining, lectures and live performances through Celebrations Events & Activities, and yoga or physical therapy through Dimensions Health & Fitness. Contact us now to schedule your tour.