How Social Connections and Activities Keep Seniors Healthy in Yukon, OK
As you age, you are at a higher risk of certain physical and mental health conditions. Seniors are more likely to experience depression and isolation because they may have limited mobility, no access to transportation, and limited opportunities to see family and friends. Staying active socially and physically can improve your physical and mental health. At Spanish Cove Retirement Village, we understand how important it is for our residents to have access to engaging, fun activities for seniors in independent living in Yukon, OK. We are dedicated to creating an exciting, unique activities program that includes independent living for active seniors. Our goal is to maintain a rich, vibrant, and rewarding community that supports all ages, needs, and interests and supports our active community lifestyle.
The Benefits of Social Connections
Maintaining friendships and relationships is important at any age. Find ways to stay active socially to avoid feeling isolated or cut off from the activities you enjoy as you age. Regular social activity, whether in person, over the phone, or through video calls, can elevate your mood, reduce your risk of cognitive decline, improve your quality of life, and give you an outlet to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Living in an independent living facility or retirement home can give you access to social activities and social events specifically designed for people in your age group. You can interact with other like-minded seniors and enjoy hobbies, sports, physical fitness, sewing and quilting, art, reading, shopping, watching movies, playing card games, and more.
The Dangers of Social Isolation
Social isolation occurs when seniors don’t have easy access to social activities or a way to connect with friends, family, and peers. While social isolation can affect people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable as they face so many barriers to social connection. Social isolation can increase your risk of anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, cognitive decline, heart disease, obesity, immune system disorders, and falls or injuries. When you move into a retirement home or independent living community, you have a better chance of avoiding social isolation. Independent living communities design social programs and activities specifically to help their residents make social connections and find social and physical stimulation. Taking part in social activities can significantly reduce your risk of physical and mental health complications associated with isolation.
Overcoming Barriers to Social Connections
Seniors often face barriers to social connections. They often live alone, have mobility issues, and have fallen ill or died. It can be very hard for seniors to visit friends and family, host guests, attend social events, or participate in hobbies and activities. One of the biggest benefits of moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community, assisted living facility, or independent living community is that you will have access to activities, events, and social connections just outside your door. You can join clubs, take a senior fitness class, attend a dance or concert, or share a meal in the community dining hall or restaurant. You won’t need to arrange transportation, which means it is much easier to socially connect while maintaining your independence and autonomy.
Activities and Programs Promoting Social Engagement
It may not always be easy for seniors who live alone to take part in social activities, programs, and clubs. If they can’t drive and don’t have easy access to public transportation, they may not be able to enjoy social engagement. Living in a retirement community or Continuing Care Retirement Community will allow active seniors to enjoy activities and programs that promote social engagement. For instance, most senior living communities have a health or fitness club, walking trails, pool, community garden, social events, clubs, and activities that cater to the interests and needs of their community of residents. These activities offer social engagement, mental and physical stimulation, and benefits like reduced risk of depression, isolation, and cognitive decline.
Nurturing Meaningful Relationships
As you age, it becomes more and more important to nurture meaningful relationships in your life with friends and family. Becoming cut off from friends and family can cause anxiety, stress, depression, and other physical and mental health conditions. Transitioning into a retirement community or independent living community will give you the freedom to still host family and friends for visits, dinner, and social activities while still having access to amenities that you might not have if you were living at home alone.
Engaging With the Wider Community
Engaging with the wider community can also provide mental stimulation, social connection, and opportunities for physical activity for seniors. Active seniors can volunteer at a local nonprofit or charity, participate in community activities related to their interests and hobbies, and connect with people of all ages in their community. Living in an independent living community allows you to take advantage of transportation options to community events and activities. You can also find out about community events and activities that you may not have otherwise heard of.
Learn More About Activities and Programs for Seniors
Are you interested in learning more about activities and programs for seniors living in a retirement community in Yukon, OK? Contact us at Spanish Cove Retirement Village. Our friendly, helpful staff would be happy to arrange a tour, discuss our community lifestyle and independent living apartments, and go over our amenities, events, and social activities. We work hard to create a lifestyle that is supportive, comfortable, engaging, and rewarding for residents of all ages and all interests. From billiards and movie nights to planned outings and field trips, we do everything we can to help our residents stay socially engaged as well as happy and healthy. Call us today or contact us online to learn more.