Social Gatherings That Bring Variety to Life at HeartFields at Cary
Attending social gatherings in Cary, NC, can enhance your well-being and quality of life. By participating in exercise classes, hobby clubs, and volunteering opportunities, you can improve your social life in care communities like HeartFields at Cary.
According to a Healthy Minds Monthly Poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of Americans experience loneliness at least once a week. About 10% of adults feel lonely daily. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation can affect your well-being and quality of life.
Maintaining strong personal connections and attending social gatherings, however, can improve your health and longevity. What group programs are available in Cary, NC, and how can they enhance your assisted living lifestyle? Read on to find out!
Is Social Isolation Common?
Social isolation occurs when you lack support, contact with people, or meaningful relationships. Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected from people. Both loneliness and social isolation can cause your health to decline.
According to the CDC, 25% of American adults lack social or emotional support. You can feel lonely even when surrounded by friends and family members.
Engaging in resident activities can help you form strong friendships. This may help reduce your risk of related health complications.
Why Are Social Gatherings Important for Seniors?
Social isolation and loneliness could increase your risk of mental and physical health conditions. These include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Depression and anxiety
- Early death
Loneliness could increase your risk of vascular dementia by 17% and Alzheimer's by 14%. Socializing can keep your mind active. Participating in resident activities could help improve your neuroplasticity, mental acuity, and cognitive health.
Consider joining group programs like exercise classes. Getting regular exercise could help:
- Uplift your mood
- Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
- Increase feelings of relaxation
- Improve sleep quality and duration
- Strengthen your immune system
- Prevent chronic disease
- Improve heart health
- Improve balance
- Prevent bone loss
- Improve strength
Engaging in resident activities can also enhance your emotional health. Lifestyle factors associated with aging (disability, social isolation, and chronic illness) can increase your risk of depression.
Depression can affect your mood and ability to function. Socializing and engaging in activities can add a source of joy to your life, benefiting your mood and mental health.
Senior Engagement in Cary, NC
Instead of isolating yourself, reach out to members of your Cary community. Here are a few resident activities and group programs you can enjoy through your assisted living community.
Clubs and Activities
Add joy and fun to your assisted living lifestyle by joining a club.Check your senior community's events and activities calendar for groups that meet regularly, such as:
- Gardening club
- Book club
- Movie club
- Birdwatching club
- Art class or therapy
- Pet therapy
- Music class or therapy
- Cooking or baking classes
- Knitting, sewing, crocheting, or quilting circles
Meeting with the same group regularly can help you form strong friendships. Try learning from other seniors around you. Their knowledge can expand your own, improving your cognitive health.
Volunteering
Give back to your community by volunteering your time. You can find volunteer opportunities through:
- You assisted living community
- Local charities
- Local hospitals
- Schools or tutoring groups
Talk to other seniors who share your values. Giving back to the community can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Other benefits of volunteering include:
- Improved mental health
- Reduced loneliness and social isolation
- Gaining a sense of purpose
- Opportunities to meet new friends
- Increased physical activity
- Engaging with old interests
- Learning new skills
Exercise Classes
Work up a sweat alongside friends through your senior living community's fitness program. Group exercise classes may include:
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Barre
- Water aerobics
- Weight lifting
- Resistance training
- Bicycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Aerobics classes
- Golf
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Walking
Consider joining a walking group. Talking during your walk will help the time fly by and help combat loneliness. They'll reduce the perception of effort, which may motivate you to make walking part of your routine.
Exercise alongside friends who will hold you accountable to attend regularly. They can challenge you, improving your strength and overall health. Other benefits of exercising with friends include:
- Fun
- Opportunities to meet new people
- Opportunities to strengthen friendships
- Consistency
- Motivation to achieve workout goals
- Motivation to work harder (such as increasing intensity, weights, etc.)
- Discovery of new exercises and techniques
Support Groups
Consider joining a support group if you're navigating grief. You can gain helpful coping techniques from seniors who understand what you're going through.
Opening up emotionally can help you forge strong connections with other seniors.Try talking about yourself and your experiences.
If you're struggling to be vulnerable, be patient with yourself. Attending support group sessions allows you to connect with people who share your experiences. Until you feel comfortable sharing, listen and lend your support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is At Risk of Social Isolation?
Loneliness and social isolation may impact some groups more than others, including:
- Immigrants
- People who identify as queer
- Older adults
- Younger adults
- Low-income adults
- Adults who live alone
Other risk factors that can increase your risk of social isolation and loneliness include:
- The loss of a loved one
- Facing a divorce
- Unemployment or retirement
- Language barriers
- Limited transportation
- Living in a rural or secluded area
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Having a chronic condition or disease
- Limited mobility
- Having a psychiatric or depressive condition
- Struggling with a long-term disability
Consider moving into an assisted living community if you're at risk of social isolation. Surrounding yourself with friends may reduce your risk of associated health issues.
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
Studies suggest that socializing daily is most beneficial for a long life.According to this study, participants who engaged in social activities every day lived longer compared with others.
Enjoy a Rigorous Social Life in Care
Social gatherings can enhance your health, quality of life, and assisted living lifestyle. Look no further for senior engagement in Cary, NC, than HeartFields at Cary, where we offer quality, comfortable care.
Our exclusive lifestyle programs are designed to enhance your living experience. Enjoy games and guest lectures through Celebrations Events & Activities, nutritious dishes through Sensations Dining, and yoga through Dimensions Health & Wellness. Contact us now to schedule your tour.