Building a Social Life in Assisted Living: Tips for Seniors

Maintaining an active social life becomes crucial to fostering health, happiness, and a sense of belonging as people age. Engaging in social activities is more than possible for seniors in assisted living communities—it’s key to living a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. 

Participating is the secret to building a vibrant social life in a senior living community.  Here are some ideas to help seniors build connections in assisted living:

• Arts & crafts events

• Film, TV, & music events

• Field trips & group outings

• Puzzle & game nights

• Exercise groups & classes

• Giving back & volunteer opportunities

Mira Vie Senior Living is dedicated to nurturing these connections by offering a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the needs of our residents, engaging them physically, spiritually, emotionally, and beyond.

Why Staying Socially Active Matters for Seniors

Recent findings reveal that social connections play a pivotal role in health outcomes and mental well-being, with 1 in 3 adults aged 50–80 experiencing feelings of isolation. 

Understanding the significance of social engagement can help prioritize these interactions in the lives of our aging loved ones.

Protection Against Disease

Loneliness can adversely affect health—believe it or not, it carries a health risk level similar to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. 

But when seniors engage in social activities and hobbies, they can reduce risks associated with heart disease, strokes, dementia, and certain cancers.

A noteworthy study observed a 40% increased risk of dementia and a 30% heightened risk of heart attack or stroke associated with social isolation. Thus, building social connections is a protective measure worth investing in.

Improved Mental Health

Isolation often leads to sleep disturbances, stress, poor eating habits, and difficulty concentrating. However, consistent participation in social and physical activities can help older adults combat depression and feelings of loneliness. 

As a generally resilient group, seniors benefit significantly from the sense of fulfillment and purpose these activities bring.

It May Prolong Life

Remaining socially active enriches life’s quality and may also prolong its duration. A study showed that withdrawing from social groups like book clubs and church organizations post-retirement was linked to a lower quality of life and increased mortality risk. 

In contrast, sustaining social engagements contributed to a lower risk of death, emphasizing the importance of preserving these connections in later years.

Social Activities for Seniors

Mira Vie Senior Living offers an expansive variety of activities to help seniors nurture social bonds and explore new experiences. When seniors become part of a community, it opens up opportunities to build friendships and connect with others.

Here are some activities that help seniors stay social and engaged.

Arts & Crafts

Seniors can unleash their creativity by trying out painting, knitting, coloring, or other creative pursuits. These enjoyable pastimes can foster self-expression and bonding with peers through shared experiences. 

Even if their artistic creation looks slightly different than planned, it’s a great reason to share a smile and a laugh with others.

Art sessions encourage collaboration, skill exchange, and the joy of creating something beautiful as a group.

Film, TV, & Music

Sometimes, sharing a quiet moment is meaningful beyond words. Watching a film or enjoying music in the company of friends can be deeply rewarding. 

Attending live performances or engaging in film discussions can stimulate cognitive functions while offering a shared experience to bond over. Participating in fine arts, from singing in a choir to joining an improv class, can also benefit cognitive function and healthy aging.

Exploring the classic films and television shows that paved the way for what we watch today can offer older adults a lovely journey back in time. To make it truly special, it’s helpful to know your audience well so you can pick out films that spark genuine nostalgia and enjoyment.

Field Trips & Group Outings

Discover the hidden gems of your local area through group outings to museums, galleries, farmers’ markets, and theaters. 

Being a tourist in your own city is a wonderful way to stay engaged with your surroundings, learn something new, and connect with others in the community.

Puzzle & Game Nights

Games like Scrabble, Pictionary, or Bridge bring laughter, joy, and camaraderie. Tabletop games, in particular, help improve cognition in seniors and provide a fantastic platform for friendships to develop organically through shared experiences and teamwork.

Exercise Groups & Classes

It’s true that having an exercise buddy can make a big difference in staying active at any age, and it’s invaluable for aging adults. Staying physically active is a cornerstone of healthy aging.

Shared activities like water aerobics, yoga, and bocce ball are enjoyable and promote well-being. Walking with friends or participating in guided classes offered at Mira Vie can increase physical fitness and foster social bonds.

Giving Back

Getting involved in volunteering and community services can be immensely enriching. Giving back to our community and neighbors helps us feel a sense of ownership and purpose, keeps us socially active, and brings a feeling of fulfillment. 

Seniors have many talents to share, from helping with fundraising to guiding younger generations, which can make a real difference in their lives and the lives of others.

Social Activities with Mira Vie Senior Living

Getting involved in a senior community is a fantastic way to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy life to the fullest. Being part of the community fosters a sense of belonging, promotes mental and physical well-being, and enhances overall quality of life.

We invite you to explore our vibrant community by checking out our current event calendar. And if you’re considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, book a tour. We’d love to get you involved and show you what life is like in Mira Vie Senior Living.