Social Gatherings That Strengthen Community at Morada Victoria East
Attending social gatherings -- like card games, group meals, or hobby clubs -- can reduce your risk of loneliness and related health issues. Community engagement may enhance your retirement in Victoria East, TX.
One in four Americans feels bored with their life, according to a Talker Research survey of 2,000 US residents. About 30% said that an adventure that would take them outside of their daily routine would help them appreciate life more. Attending social gatherings within your Victoria East, TX community could give you that sense of adventure.
Resident activities can stimulate the mind and body while giving you a sense of belonging. How can you enhance your senior social life? Read on to find out!
What Is Social Isolation?
According to the CDC, one in four American adults doesn't have social or emotional support. Another one in three feels lonely. Social isolation and loneliness are widespread problems that pose serious threats to our mental and physical health.
Social isolation is a lack of relationships, contact with others, or support. Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected or alone from others.
Individual risk factors for social isolation and loneliness include:
- Major life changes (the death of a loved one, retirement, etc.)
- Caring for a loved one who is unwell
- Loss of mobility
- Vision or heating problems
- Feeling a lack of purpose
- Psychological or cognitive challenges
- Lack of transportation
- Living in a rural, unsafe, or hard-to-reach area
- Language barriers
- Lacking social support
- Living alone
- Inability to leave home without help
- Financial struggles
- Separation from friends or family
- Experiencing discrimination based on racial or ethnic background, age, or sexual orientation
Reach out to members of your Victoria East community if you encounter these risk factors. Engaging in resident activities can reduce your risk of social isolation and loneliness.
Why Is Community Engagement Important?
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- Anxiety
- Premature death
People who are socially isolated or lonely may make unhealthy lifestyle decisions. They may drink too much, smoke, or sleep poorly. These choices can further increase the risk of serious health conditions.
Community engagement, on the other hand, may help:
- Stimulate the mind, benefiting your mental health
- Grant you a sense of purpose and belonging
- Improve your memory and thinking skills
- Reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues
- Extend your longevity
Engaging in independent living events may improve your life satisfaction. This could enhance your quality of life and extend your longevity.
Social Gatherings in Victoria East, TX
Attending social gatherings can help you connect with other seniors in Victoria East, TX. This could help reduce your risk of social isolation, loneliness, and associated health issues. Here are a few lifestyle programs that can enhance your senior social life.
Fitness
Exercising with other seniors can boost your mood and improve your physical health. You can find fun exercise classes through your community's fitness program, including:
- Weight lifting
- Resistance band training
- Hiking
- Walking
- Tai chi
- Yoga and chair yoga
- Pilates
- Barre
- Aerobics
Try to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly (or 30 minutes a day). Getting regular exercise can benefit your health by:
- Easing feelings of anxiety
- Improving sleep quality
- Lowering your risk of eight cancers
- Improving balance and coordination
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing the risk of falls and injuries
- Reducing the risk of weight gain
- Lowering the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes
- Improving bone health
- Reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Helping you live independently longer
Dining
Eating meals with friends could help you make healthier decisions. Other potential benefits include:
- Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
- Reduced risk of loneliness and social isolation
- Improved nutrition
- Reduced risk of skipping meals
- Encouragement to open up
- Reduced risk of chronic conditions
- Improved overall well-being
- Improved mobility
- Strengthened relationships
You can find healthy, delicious meals through your community's dining program.
Resident Activities
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar for engaging resident activities, including:
- Puzzles
- Arts and crafts
- Birdwatching
- Trying new restaurants in Victoria East
- Exploring museums
- Playing board or card games
- Going to the movies
- Knitting, crocheting, sewing, or quilting circles
- Cooking or baking
- Dancing
Try engaging in a variety of activities to meet different people. Engaging in new hobbies can stimulate the mind, potentially improving your cognitive health.
Foster Friendships
Engaging in these independent living events can help you maintain strong friendships.You can gain a sense of belonging within your Victoria East community. To further strengthen these friendships, try:
- Staying curious (ask questions)
- Remaining openminded
- Staying present during shared experiences
- Celebrating their successes
Explore resident activities to find hobbies you can both enjoy together. Having a friend at your side can make these social gatherings more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs of Social Isolation?
Signs you're self-isolating may include:
- Having limited interactions with others
- Fatigue and headaches
- Spending a lot of time alone
- Feeling stressed during moments of solitude
- Experiencing changes in eating habits
- Having difficulty communicating and/or concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed by basic tasks
- Feeling relieved when plans are cancelled
- Avoiding hobbies you once enjoyed
Explore your senior living community's lifestyle programs if you experience these signs of isolation. Reaching out to members of your community can reduce your risk of health issues.They can provide support, giving you a renewed sense of community.
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
Seniors should try to socialize at least once a day. Results from a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggest that socializing more can extend our longevity. You can find more opportunities to socialize through independent living events.
Enhance Your Senior Social Life
Neglecting your senior social life can affect your mental and physical health. Before that happens, engage in social gatherings. Socializing can give you a sense of belonging while enhancing your quality of life during retirement.
Remember, you can find opportunities to socialize through your senior living community. Morada Victoria East offers maintenance-free senior living that will enhance your retirement.
Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including decadent dishes through southern-style dining, activities & social events like mahjong and excursions, and health & fitness classes like yoga and aerobics. Contact us to schedule your tour.