Healthy aging is based on a combination of factors, many of which are well known. These include eating balanced, nutritious meals; engaging in lots of exercise, and getting adequate sleep. However, the importance of strong friendships, especially at a Boynton Beach assisted living community, is often overlooked. Research shows that friendships contribute significantly to health and wellbeing among seniors. Having close friends may even mean more than familial relationships as individuals age. If you remain connected with friends, you’ll have more opportunities to socialize and get involved in community activities.
Maintaining quality friendships also helps to ensure you keep up with self-care. If you surround yourself with people who stay fit and eat well, you’re more likely to make positive choices. All this leads to better physical and psychological health. Older people who are isolated are more likely to be inactive. This puts them at greater risk of depression, anxiety, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other conditions. To avoid health problems, seniors need to maintain strong networks even during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical distancing is recommended.
Tips for Maintaining Connections at a Boynton Beach Assisted Living Community
It’s normal to have an increasingly smaller circle as you get older. Some friends move into nursing homes while others move closer to their adult children or take off traveling after retirement. Others may pass away. This is out of your control. However, you can foster closer connections with those who are still around and even meet new people.
Seniors who live in a Boynton Beach assisted living community have an advantage since they don’t need to go out to meet up with others. However, there are still several other ways in which you can stay connected to your friends.
Social Media Connections
Social media makes it easy to get in touch with those you know and love while also allowing you to meet new people. Even if you weren’t using Facebook, Skype or Zoom all along, there’s no better time than now to start.
Internet Interactions
Thanks to the Internet, you can rekindle old friendships and start new ones, even later in life. You can email friends from your community or take part in an online book club. You may also be able to take online classes or even volunteer virtually. In addition, many churches are hosting online services so you’ll still have an opportunity to engage in fellowship. Not everything has to be done virtually. Outdoor activities such as walking and gardening can be an option as long as you observe all the relevant protocols.
Physical Encounters
If staying at home has become too lonely and COVID-19 has made it even worse, you may want to consider moving into a Boynton Beach assisted living community. This is an excellent way to maintain your independence, get help when you need it, and gain a new circle of friends. You’ll meet people who have similar interests and life experiences and they’ll be there to support you during this stage of your life. You’ll also benefit from a range of activities designed to support your mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Contact a Boynton Beach Assisted Living Community to Learn More
If you’re curious about what life is like at an assisted living center in Boynton Beach, we’d be happy to chat with you about the luxurious accommodation and amenities we offer. Contact us today!
