February 24, 2023
No matter our age, building relationships with others is fundamental in enriching our lives. Research has shown that people who enjoy healthy relationships, live longer and happier lives. Maintaining relationships as we age has numerous health benefits such as increasing our physical and mental health, increasing mental acuity, promoting laughter and more!
At The Castlewood Senior Living, I, as the Resident Services Director, play a pivotal role in helping to create opportunities for our residents to build relationships with their peers as well as helping to maintain these relationships through daily events. Oftentimes, aging adults are afraid of senior living settings. They see it as an end to their independence. Most fear being isolated from family and friends. One of the stigmas associated with senior living is, “I’m too young and active to be in senior living.” Therefore, many avoid it as an option all together. Unfortunately, this means they also lose out on the abundant opportunities to create new friendships and memories that this setting provides.
In our community, we have a group of residents who are professionals at welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home as they settle in. We also ensure that new residents are invited to join all events, based on their preferences. Once our residents take advantage of these events, they often find themselves meeting new people or even connecting with old friends or neighbors. Through our daily events and programs, we often see close friendships form that continue. Residents begin having meals together or even take trips out of the community for shopping and family get-togethers.
It is my goal to help build and foster these relationships and break the stigmas associated with senior living communities. As a Resident Services Director, I try to encourage residents to get involved in our community in some capacity. For some, this just means attending our weekly happy hours. For others, involvement means participating in daily exercise classes, table games, bingo, and group outings. We understand that everyone has different preferences for socialization, but that is why we offer a variety of activities. There is truly something for everyone, and once you find what you enjoy and the people you enjoy it with, it really does enhance your overall senior living experience.
I think the way we break this stigma of thinking “I’m too young and active” to live at a senior living community is by redefining what senior living really looks like. Living at a senior living community makes you no less capable of meeting new people, creating memories, and having fun! Some people might even find that they become more active after moving in. I believe that living in a place like The Castlewood is not disabling of opportunity, but rather enabling new experiences and friendships!
Sources: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
https://www.eddyseniorliving.com/latest-news/the-importance-of-senior-friendships-for-healthy-aging/
The Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cox Medical Center South and with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Fountain Plaza, Smallin Civil War Cave, 160 Grand Prix Amusement Center, and the 4 X 4 Brewery-Fremont.
