Seniors with strong social connections benefit from having the support they need to maintain their physical health while combating loneliness. While it may seem daunting to seek out new friendships after retirement, there are many ways for seniors to connect with loved ones and meet others who share their interests. If your aging parent is ready to build relationships that will bring joy to his or her golden years, these fun ideas will keep his or her social calendar filled with exciting opportunities to connect.
Join a Senior Exercise Group
Today’s seniors know exercise is the key to long-lasting health. However, it can be difficult to stay motivated for working out alone at home. Check into some local gyms and recreation centers to find out about group classes designed for seniors. If your loved one prefers to exercise at home, he or she can invite a friend, family member, or professional caregiver over to work out together.
Calgary home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Attend Community Events
In almost every city, free and low-cost events are available that are designed for fostering a sense of community. From outdoor concerts to seasonal festivals, there’s always something new to enjoy. Find out what’s on your community’s upcoming schedule of events. Then, ask a friend to come along with your loved one.
Getting regular socialization can help seniors stave off dementia or better manage the condition if they’ve already been diagnosed. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Calgary seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
Engage with Technology
Whether your loved one is recovering from an illness or the weather isn’t suitable for venturing out, there may be times when he or she needs to find ways to stay socially engaged from home. Fortunately, technology has made it possible to maintain relationships from any location. Set up a social media account that allows your loved one to message friends and family. For long-distance loved ones, a video chat can make it seem as if they’re right in the living room while enjoying a conversation and catching up on recent events.
Establish a Regular Lunch Date
As your loved one gets to know new people, begin to establish regular times when they get together for a visit. One way to do this is to establish a standing lunch date your parent can look forward to all week. Sharing a meal with someone else will not only help your loved one stay on track with a healthy diet, but it will also provide a mental boost that has him or her looking forward to the next opportunity to visit with a favorite companion.
Socializing with friends and family is just one of the many ways to boost quality of life in the golden years. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Schedule a free in-home consultation today by calling one of our qualified Care Managers at 403-301-3777.