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Originally Posted On: https://floridaseniorconsulting.com/the-importance-of-socialization-for-seniors-exploring-florida-senior-activities-and-clubs/

 

Senior living communities offer many benefits, including maintenance-free living, chef-prepared meals, and plenty of amenities. But some of the most crucial benefits of senior living communities are the many opportunities for seniors to interact with others, make connections, and stay social.

Assisted living and independent living communities are the perfect places for seniors to meet and interact. From sharing meals and playing cards to attending fitness classes and going on outings, the chances to socialize with others are limitless.

Socialization is essential to seniors’ overall health and well-being. The emotional, physical, and cognitive benefits of socializing all contribute to seniors’ wellness as a whole. In fact, many people believe that socialization is the “secret ingredient” to a healthier, happier life. In a study by the Mather Institute, 69% of older adults reported that moving to a senior living community improved their social wellness, and therefore, their overall health.

In honor of July being Social Wellness Month, let’s dive right into the many ways socialization improves seniors’ overall wellness.

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits of Staying Social

Many people struggle with depression, anxiety, and isolation as they age. Whether they experience loss, live alone, are far away from loved ones, or have limited mobility to visit others, there are plenty of reasons why so many older adults are facing these mental health issues.

Socialization is one significant way seniors can improve their mental health. Interacting with others is a natural way to stave off loneliness and isolation, which in turn reduces anxiety and depression. Socializing also improves people’s moods and provides a sense of worth and belonging within a community. Overall, positive interactions with others increase self-esteem and feelings of purpose, which also greatly contribute to improved mental health.

Physical Health Benefits of Staying Social

 

Socialization naturally requires seniors to be more active as they participate in activities with others. Having a strong social life helps seniors stay engaged and reduces their stress levels. As we know, decreasing stress is one of the best things you can do for your physical health.

Because of this reduced stress and other factors, staying social improves seniors’ cardiovascular health and immune system. It also lowers the risk of developing many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Studies have even shown that older adults who socialize more frequently actually live longer than those who do not. All the more reason to start getting social!

Cognitive Benefits of Staying Social

 

Not only does socialization have numerous mental and physical health benefits, but it also has many positive impacts on the brain. In fact, studies have shown that social engagement actually slows people’s cognitive decline. Participating in conversations and group activities stimulates seniors’ minds and keeps their brains sharp. This in turn leads to improved cognitive function and memory skills.

A study from the American Journal of Public Health showed that older women who had a social network had a reduced risk of dementia, and experienced delayed or no cognitive impairments.

Another study found that seniors with no social connections were over 2 times more likely to experience cognitive decline than those who had 5 or 6 social connections. And, seniors who felt lonely had more than double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The cognitive benefits of socialization are clear, and they are powerful.

Social Activities for Seniors in Southwest Florida

There are plenty of activities, groups, clubs, and organizations available for Florida seniors who wish to stay social and active. And with over 4.5 million people over the age of 65 in the state of Florida, there are plenty of seniors to meet. Factor in the nice weather year-round, and there are countless opportunities for seniors to meet others and get involved in a wide variety of activities.

Below are some socialization opportunities for seniors in Southwest Florida.

Senior Friendship Centers

(Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Lee County, Sarasota, Venice)

 

Photo credit: Senior Friendship Centers

This organizations’ mission is to build vibrant communities through advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment for seniors. They offer many opportunities for seniors to socialize at their Activity Centers. At these locations, seniors can gather, have coffee with friends, take classes, exercise, play cards, attend special events, listen to live music, and more.

YMCA of Southwest Florida

(Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Venice, Florida)

 

 

The YMCA’s Active Older Adults program holds many social gatherings for seniors, including bingo nights, barbecues, holiday parties, dances, Senior Olympics, group exercise classes, tennis and pickleball leagues, and more.

Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center

(Fort Myers, Florida)

 

 

This non-profit organization provides opportunities for seniors to meet others, stay active, volunteer, learn, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some of the programs they offer include billiards, Tai Chi, jewelry making, karaoke, yoga, Zumba, Mahjong, cribbage, various day trips and many more.

Town Square

(Sarasota, Florida)

 

 

Town Square is a 1950s-themed adult day care center in Sarasota, Florida. They offer a wide variety of immersive, nostalgic activities and spaces for seniors to enjoy with peers, including classic films, vintage garages, diners, salons, and art studios. They also offer Reminiscence Therapy, which is designed to help those with dementia or Alzheimer’s reconnect with their past memories. Adult day care centers such as this one are a good option for seniors who do not live in residential senior living communities but do require some personal care.

The Sunshine Senior Center

This senior center in Tampa Bay is a great option for older adults to gather for support, socialization, fitness and other services. Some of the socialization opportunities available at the Sunshine Senior Center include fitness classes, congregate dining, day and overnight trips, card games, dancing, crafts, seminars and more.

Helping Your Senior Loved Ones Stay Social

 

Maintaining an active social life is a surefire way to improve your senior loved one’s quality of life. With improved self-esteem and sense of purpose as well as enhanced cardiovascular health and cognitive function, the benefits of socialization are endless.

One major way to ensure your loved one gets the social engagement they need is by moving to a senior living community.

With full daily schedules of events, activities, classes, and outings, there is always something exciting and social happening at a senior living community. Residents can interact with others, find people with similar interests, and build connections with ease.

But how do you find the right community?

That’s where Florida Senior Consulting comes in.

We are a family-run, Florida-based company that helps seniors and their families find the best senior living. We make your loved one part of our family and make sure they get the care they deserve, even after they move in.

Our expert senior advisors have decades of experience in the field and are familiar with every community in the area. We can help match your loved one to the perfect community based on their interests, preferences, and needs.

We believe senior living should be on our terms, and the choice should always be yours.

To start enjoying your golden years, call us at (800) 969-7176 or visit us at FloridaSeniorConsulting.com