It’s a fact: Human beings are hard-wired for social relationships.
A 2013 book written by a UCLA neuroscientist found social connection is as important to humans as food and shelter. In essence, connecting with others socially is our brain’s lifelong passion. This helps explain why single seniors who stay engaged socially as they age are happier and healthier overall than their more socially isolated single counterparts.
This isn’t a phenomenon limited to single older adults, of course. People at every age simply want to be connected to other people — and humans are shown to thrive both physically and emotionally when they have strong connections with others. Conversely, people who are less connected may struggle with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.
Literally, loneliness is its own health epidemic.
Yet for single older adults, maintaining social connections can become more difficult as they age, especially when they become single later in life. Seniors may find themselves single again after a divorce. Or they may find themselves alone unexpectedly after the death of their longtime partner.
Life changes can also cause social isolation. A change in their health can cause a lack of mobility, keeping single seniors from getting out as much as they once did. Or perhaps they’re no longer able to drive and have no other means of transportation, which can be very socially isolating for the senior.
But there’s one option that can make a positive social impact on the lives of single seniors, widowed older adults and even older couples: choosing independent living at a senior living community.
Six reasons why single seniors choose retirement communities
- It’s easy to get to know neighbors. For single seniors who have lived in the same house for decades, the neighborhood has probably changed over time. Longtime neighbors have moved away; younger families have moved in. Older adults no longer know the people in their neighborhood. At a retirement community, single seniors see many of the same faces every day at the community’s fitness center, the library, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and even on organized trips and fun outings. And retirement communities are small enough that everyone knows everyone, which makes turning acquaintances into good friends surprisingly easy.
- It’s easy to find commonality through shared life experiences. At a retirement community, everyone shares at least one thing in common: Residents are all typically 65 and older — and many are from the same generation. So it’s easier to meet people who have shared life experiences, like attending Woodstock and witnessing the turmoil of America in the 1960s. Single seniors may also quickly connect over similar tastes in things like music and movies.
- Common interests are actually pretty common. There are good reasons why independent living retirement communities have busy woodworking shops, active poker and bridge groups, busy book clubs, well-attended fitness classes and much more. It’s because single seniors can easily find other senior residents who share the same hobbies.
- Single seniors can find fellowship and companionship. The thought of making new friends — or dating again — can be an overwhelming notion for many older adults. But living at a retirement community is a more natural, comfortable way for single seniors to meet people for platonic and romantic relationships. Single seniors can organically meet new people over coffee or dinner, at a fitness class, in an art class in the creative studio, or through introductions made by other residents. The opportunities are often much more plentiful, and the social pressure is much less intimidating.
- There are far fewer responsibilities to take up valuable free time. Home maintenance, housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking and paying bills all take time and energy, especially when a single senior shoulders all those responsibilities themselves. The benefit of living at a retirement community is that the community takes care of all these things, giving single seniors back that time to join a club, start a group, pursue a new hobby or rekindle an old interest.
- Single seniors have a solid plan in place for their future health care. Many older adults worry about where they’ll receive care if they ever need it. Many more seniors are concerned their children or other family members will need to make decisions for them in a crisis. Single seniors are especially vulnerable if they have no partner to drive them to medical appointments, or assist with chores like cooking or shopping. And the cost of home health care is staggering. By choosing independent living at a retirement community with the full continuum of care, single seniors can rest assured they have a smart plan in place for any future health care needs. They know where they’ll get their care.
Discover all the benefits of Friendship Village
Single seniors will find many reasons to love Friendship Village. If you’re looking for an independent senior living community in the St. Louis area where you’ll instantly feel connected and comfortable, consider Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills. As faith-based, not-for-profit senior living communities, we provide a safe, secure and engaging lifestyle focused on helping you live independently. To learn more about our communities, contact us using this form.