February 24, 2023
No matter our age, building relationships with others is fundamental in enriching our lives. Research has shown that people who enjoy healthy relationships, live longer and happier lives. Maintaining relationships as we age has numerous health benefits such as increasing our physical and mental health, increasing mental acuity, promoting laughter and more!
At Hudson Grande Senior Living, I, as the Resident Services Director, play a pivotal role in helping to create opportunities for our residents to build relationships with their peers as well as helping to maintain these relationships through daily events. Oftentimes, aging adults are afraid of senior living settings. They see it as an end to their independence. Most fear being isolated from family and friends. One of the stigmas associated with senior living is, “I’m too young and active to be in senior living.” Therefore, many avoid it as an option all together. Unfortunately, this means they also lose out on the abundant opportunities to create new friendships and memories that this setting provides.
In our community, we have a group of residents who are professionals at welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home as they settle in. We also ensure that new residents are invited to join all events, based on their preferences. Once our residents take advantage of these events, they often find themselves meeting new people or even connecting with old friends or neighbors. Through our daily events and programs, we often see close friendships form that continue. Residents begin having meals together or even take trips out of the community for shopping and family get-togethers.
It is my goal to help build and foster these relationships and break the stigmas associated with senior living communities. Giving residents a variety of different events allows them to pick things that are of interest. That, in turn, allows residents to socialize with other residents that have similar interests. I think once a resident finds his or her “group” they get a feeling of belonging, which helps them feel more at home.
Seeing is believing. We can tell stories about how residents are still busy and active, but it isn’t until older adults come in to see what is really happening that they understand. Residents go on outings to the store, lunch, to the aquarium, and zoo. They always enjoy happy hour every Friday. Events like that show people senior living residents can still live their lives to the fullest while living in a community like ours!
Sources: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
https://www.eddyseniorliving.com/latest-news/the-importance-of-senior-friendships-for-healthy-aging/
CedarStone Senior Living is a comprehensive community offering independent living plus, assisted living, and memory care, accompanied by an array of services and floor plan options. Our amenities include upscale restaurant dining, a 24-hour bistro, housekeeping services, a vibrant calendar of events and entertainment, personalized care, convenient transportation options, inviting outdoor dining spaces and patios, a salon and barber shop, and much more. Nestled in the heart of the Greenhill Village Estates neighborhood, our community enjoys a tranquil yet well-connected setting, surrounded by the beauty of Greenhill Park, gardens, and golf courses. In addition to providing a serene environment, our location offers easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities and dining experiences. Plus, we’re conveniently close to top-tier medical and professional services. With our prime location, every excursion can transform into an adventure. Explore the charm of Main Street shopping, delve into local history at museums and historical events, or immerse yourself in the excitement of live theater performances. CedarStone Senior Living is at the center of the city’s cultural pulse, offering residents a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
