Seniors can live healthier, longer lives by staying connected, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. It’s not always easy for seniors to meet other seniors if they’re no longer working or close to their immediate or extended family members, but it’s not an impossible task. Here are seven ways older adults can meet like-minded individuals within their age group.
1. Make Online Connections
A simple way for seniors to connect with other seniors is through virtual meetings online. Facebook is the most popular social network among older users, but it’s just one of several options for online interaction. Other possibilities include:
- Senior-friendly chat rooms
- Online discussion groups or clubs specifically for seniors
- Online game sites for seniors
2. Volunteer
There are many worthy organizations, charities, community groups, and hospitals that warmly welcome senior volunteers. Even older adults with mobility issues can help at local libraries and other places where they can remain seated while still making a difference and meeting other seniors equally passionate about helping others.
3. Take Senior Fitness/Exercise Classes
Fitness and exercise classes give seniors a chance to interact with older adults with similar interests and, in some cases, similar physical capabilities. Doing things like low-impact aerobics, swimming, and yoga with other seniors can also make fitness activities less intimidating, and once new friends are made, there will be an added incentive to stick with it.
4. Go on Senior Travel Tours or Day Trips
For seniors who are up for a little adventure, fun activities at nearby locations, or just some good old-fashioned sightseeing, senior travel tours and day trips are worth considering. Some are more physically oriented, involving things like rowing and hiking, while others provide opportunities to meet other seniors while visiting local tourist attractions, wineries, and casinos.
5. Take Continuing Education Classes
Taking a continuing education class is a great way for seniors to meet other older adults who are also looking to acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, and learn more about things that interest them. Courses typically cover a broad range of interests, from business and humanities to culinary arts, painting, and gardening. Some schools also offer free credit hours each semester for older adults, while others offer entirely free or discounted courses for seniors.
A home caregiver can help your loved one exercise his or her cognitive skills every day. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. Calgary families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
6. Consider Faith-Based Activities
Seniors sometimes find fellowship by getting involved at their preferred places of worship. Some churches host weekly brunches, dinners, and other gatherings that tend to appeal to older adults. Many places of worship and faith-based groups also facilitate senior meetings with social events, day trips, and other scheduled outings.
If your loved one needs help with transportation to social events, a home caregiver can be a great resource. At-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
7. Try Senior Dating Sites
For single seniors ready to mingle, another way to meet other seniors with the same goal is by visiting senior-specific dating sites. SilverSingles and OurTime are just two of the popular websites seniors are welcome to explore for this purpose.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one find ways to stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness. For families living in Calgary, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 403-301-3777.