Moving to a retirement home can be a very positive step for seniors. No one likes getting older, but getting rid of unwanted possessions and downsizing to a retirement community can be an uplifting experience. Retirement communities have a lot to offer and can make everyday life much easier on seniors. However, making the leap will bring about a period of adjustment, during which you might feel lonely or isolated. Befriending some of the people in your new community will help immensely. Are you wondering how to make new friends in retirement? Utilize the suggestions below to begin bridging the gap between yourself and those around you.
How to Make New Friends in Retirement
Go on Outings and Attend Events
Your retirement community will likely offer a number of planned trips and events for members to enjoy. Trying new things can be intimidating, but now is the time to break free from your shell and experience a new adventure. Different communities offer different outings and events: some focus on physical activities like hiking, some revolve around artistic events like plays or films, and others simply feature good food and music. If you’re interested in a certain type of activity, be sure to mention it to your Community Director.
Learn a New Hobby
Many retirement communities offer classes in pottery, painting, and writing, amongst other hobbies. Whether you already have some experience with a hobby or you’re a total beginner, this can be a great way to make friends. Struggling to learn a new skill often makes for some great laughs and can be a wonderful bonding experience. It’s also quite soothing to sit and talk with others while working on a creative project. You have a lifetime of stories to share – this is the time to start sharing them!
Take a Chance on a New Friend
Chances are there are other people in your community hoping to make new friendships. So if you notice someone sitting alone in the dining hall, why not ask to sit down? Striking up a conversation might be a bit awkward at first, but you could discover that you have something in common. The worst-case scenario is that you won’t click, but even if that happens, you can still feel great knowing that you have met someone new in your community. Plus, you never know how an act of kindness could affect someone’s day.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with those in your community. For example, if you meet another member of the community who enjoys dogs as much as you do, the two of you could go and volunteer at a local animal shelter. If you enjoy the experience, you might end up inspiring other members to join you in the future. Volunteering is a great way to connect because it gives you a central focus that you can always go back to if the conversation becomes awkward.
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It isn’t easy to learn how to make new friends in retirement. Remember that these things take time, and you can’t expect to adjust to your new life overnight. However, with a little effort and some patience, you will get there eventually.
If you’re interested in assisted living in Collierville, Tennessee, be sure to check out Hearthside Senior Living of Collierville. We have spacious apartments and convenient services and amenities, like exercise classes, a beautiful dining room, and group activities. If you’re interested in learning more about the community or scheduling a tour, please give us a call at 901-651-2503 or click here. We look forward to hearing from you!