How Assisted Living Supports Senior Social Clubs in Burlington, WI
The Open Journal of Depression found that socialization can help mitigate and even treat depression. The mental well-being of seniors is often overlooked as more emphasis is on physical health.
Seniors need socialization just as much as anyone else or even more. As we age, we become more alone, isolated, or even lose the people we care about. Such loss can severely affect our mental and physical well-being if we don't create more social bonds. Senior social clubs in assisted living communities are present precisely for this reason.
After your loved one joins a social club, you can be sure they will make some new friends. Read on to learn how assisted living supports social clubs in Burlington, WI.
Peer Support
Assisted living gives seniors ample opportunities to interact with their peers. So, they can create and form social clubs based on mutual interest. Social clubs can collect new members from assisted living communities as residents are often encouraged to become socially active.
But why should your loved one interact more with their peers? Interaction with peers and other like-minded people can help your loved one make friends that truly understand them. Plus, seniors feel more comfortable making friends with people who have had similar experiences.
Assisted living communities also partner with each other to bring seniors together. Your loved one will not only be able to make friends at their place of residence but also explore the wider senior living community in Burlington.
Having access to peers enhances social clubs in the following ways too:
- Enhancing the pulling of resources to support club activities
- Facilitating a sense of community
- Peer mentorship can help new residents integrate seamlessly within the community
The available living options at assisted living communities may enhance privacy and independence. However, our staff are uniquely trained to help residents break the ice and forge new connections with their peers.
Organizing Social Activities
Senior social clubs need activities they can perform to facilitate interaction and develop the bonds among the members. Assisted living communities offer outdoor and indoor activities, from on-site recreational programs such as music to outdoor fitness centers.
Assisted living communities can also organize special events and parties for social clubs. These parties allow seniors to develop various themes, making it easier for them to focus on serious subjects.
The entertainment programs at assisted living communities are also specially curated with seniors in mind. For instance, some seniors dislike being in crowds but enjoy socializing in small groups, which is why there are programs such as:
- Nature walks
- Short outdoor trips
- Organized book clubs
In a Burlington assisted living community, professionals manage social activities with physical health in mind and will involve some light work out.
Communal Spaces and Amenities
Social participation has a positive impact on mental health. Senior social clubs need their own space where members can meet up and participate in planned events.
Assisted living communities offer numerous spaces to support the activities of different interest-based social clubs. For instance, some communities have gardens and a library where a gardening or book club can meet.
The available social spaces, services, and amenities in an assisted living community will vary. So be sure to check out a few options and the senior community activities available before making your choice. Other communal spaces where senior social clubs can interact while in assisted living are:
- Restaurant-style dining areas
- Art and craft rooms
- Music rooms and small theaters
Assistance With Daily Living Activities
Doing laundry and other housekeeping duties shouldn't hinder you from enjoying the golden years. An assisted living community provides a hassle-free environment where your loved one has enough time to socialize and participate in their social club.
The physical challenges and fatigue that come with aging make it tougher for seniors to keep up with all the chores of living alone. An assisted living community has on-site staff who can provide continuous support not only in housekeeping but also in:
- Medication management
- Conducting maintenance and repairs
- Meal prepping and dining
Having trained professionals handle all these and more means social clubs have enough time to interact, plan, or execute everything in their activities calendar. Your loved one doesn't have to slow down after retirement or as they age.
The kind of care provided to residents will vary based on their needs. For instance, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's can still participate in social activities with the help of memory care staff.
Technology Integration to Support Social Clubs
The National Library of Medicine found a positive link between social participation and lower depressive symptoms. Assisted living communities understand that seniors need a full social life, which is why technology is integrated into different living options.
In the modern age, social clubs are as much about meeting up face-to-face as about staying in touch online. One of the assisted living benefits seniors can enjoy in our community is a 24/7 Wi-Fi connection.
In addition to technology, other amenities that are available to support senior social clubs are:
- Pet-friendly community
- Diverse living options
- Specialized communities such as the military veterans program
If you are unfamiliar with technology, our staff can help you learn how to use various communication tools. These can help you stay engaged with your social club and loved ones.
Why Are Social Clubs Important in Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are about more than just providing elderly social support. The main goal is to help seniors have a rich, fulfilling life by meeting their physical and mental health needs.
Social clubs are essential because they help seniors:
- Gain interest in participating in social activities
- Have access to peer support
- Enhance their cognitive function
An assisted living community provides the most conducive environment where senior social clubs can form, meet, and plan activities. By joining a social club, your loved one can try new things, enhancing their quality of life.
Join Senior Social Clubs Today
Growing old can be an extremely lonely and isolating process, which can be damaging to your loved one's mental and physical health. Your loved one can benefit from senior social engagement by joining an assisted living community.
We offer services and amenities that support the development of senior social clubs. Arbor View Assisted Living offers a full calendar of social activities to keep you engaged all year. Contact us today to schedule a tour.