How to make new friends in senior living? Just be yourself! Surrounded by like-minded older adults who are enjoying all the perks of carefree living, you’ll find it’s easy to make connections that last. Even if you’re not a social butterfly, here are some suggestions to get your started.
Want to make friends in senior living? At St. Mark Village, we make it easy!
Commit to being fit
Engaging in regular exercise is so much more fun when you’re doing it with friends. Even if you haven’t been able to stay as active as you like before, now is the perfect time to get moving. Drop by a class in Pilates. Try aqua aerobics. Work on your balance. You’ll quickly find others ready to join you for some healthy moves and lots of giggles!
Eat in different venues
Many retirement communities, including St. Mark Village, offer you flexibility in where and when you dine. For example, you can stop by our Village café and Bakery for a casual snack and strike up a conversation. Treat yourself to a five-course meal in our lovely dining room (maybe sit at a different table now and then and meet someone new). Or end your day with some sangria and wings in our Back Door Bistro. The point is, mixing up your dining experiences is a great way to make friends in senior living.
Connect with someone else who is new
It’s often easy to find a new resident or couple who have also recently moved in. Consider inviting them to your apartment for coffee or a snack and get to know them. Chances are, they are also looking for ways to make friends in senior living. Together, you can explore activities, events and more.
Be active
Decide which activities appeal to you, and drop a few. Get to know some of the people in the class and suggest lunch together or just a walk around the community. Maybe pick out at least one thing you’ve never tried before—painting, Wii bowling, bridge—and give it a whirl. Learning new things give you even more ways to make friends in senior living.
Volunteer
It feels good to be of service to others, and there’s always an event or organization that could benefit from your time and wisdom. Sign up to help set up an event at the community. Or be part of local charity and encourage fellow residents to join you. It’s an excellent way to make friends in senior living.
Download our FREE guide, Successful Transitions to Senior Living.
Explore the surrounding area
Remember, you’re no longer tied to a to-do list, home repairs, or other daily concerns. You’re free to pursue new passions and discover hidden talents. So gather a few of your neighbors and see what’s close by. Residents of St. Mark Village have it easy: Palm Harbor has always had the right mix of comfort, conveniences, natural beauty and charm to feel like a continuous vacation. You can explore farmer’s markets, shop, walk nature trails, visit museums and galleries, and more.
Express your hospitality
This might be the most fun, and the easiest, way to make friends in senior living. At least once a month, invite someone over to your apartment. It can be a coffee break, simple lunch, or happy hour. You can prepare something, or even ask the community to help you, and make it for three or four of your neighbors. It’s a great way to break the ice and expand your network of friends. And it’s a guaranteed way to truly feel like you are home.
Live the good life, enjoy new freedom, and make friends in senior living!
Spending time with people you enjoy it not only a great way to pass the time, it’s beneficial for your physical, mental and emotional health. At St. Mark Village, you will find an environment that fills your every need—body, mind and spirit—along with the reassurance of seamless access to future care options. We invite you to join our friendly community!
Life is good when worries are few. Download our free guide, Successful Transitions to Senior Living, or contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
