Loneliness can be extremely common among seniors, especially for those who live alone. Of course, it makes sense that social circles may shrink during this time — often a result of less responsibilities to fill the day during retirement, or reduced mobility and health issues that lead to a more sedentary lifestyle.
Enter the perfect solution for a vibrant, ready-made social environment: the senior living community. Anything but a passive living arrangement, these dynamic communities are thoughtfully designed to promote social interaction, participation and connection.
Senior living communities reduce loneliness by providing:
- Common areas conducive to camaraderie. At a senior living community, you’ll find plenty of inviting physical spaces just made for mingling. Shared dining rooms, lounges, game rooms, activity centers and beautiful outdoor areas — all of them beckoning conversation and informal gatherings.
- Planned social activities. There’s never a shortage of recreational activities to choose from at a retirement community. From wellness-centered offerings like personal training and yoga classes, to intellectually stimulating activities like book clubs and museum visits, to creative outlets like pottery classes and art classes, to entertaining events like game nights and holiday parties, there’s something for everyone. Marquette residents enjoy a wide variety of life-enriching activities to suit every interest. And our residents can participate when it’s most convenient for them, since we schedule our activities at various times throughout the day to accommodate different routines and preferences.
- Professional support and care. Even with so much to do at a senior living community, it’s important to remember that not all residents are naturally outgoing. That’s why communities like Marquette are dedicated to making sure more introverted seniors always feel included, with staff trained to recognize signs of loneliness and encourage participation.
For example, they might introduce a resident to others who seem to have similar interests and suggest activities for them to do together, or they could organize smaller get-togethers that are less intimidating than larger events. Some communities also provide one-on-one companionship programs, with volunteers or staff members spending time with residents who may need a little extra support to engage socially. - Welcomed visits from family and friends. While forming new relationships is important, it’s also crucial to maintain established relationships. Senior living communities foster this by encouraging regular visits from family and friends that keep these connections strong. Many communities often have designated areas and flexible visiting hours that make it even easier to spend time with a loved one.
- Rewarding opportunities for volunteering. Studies have shown that giving back and helping others is one of the best ways to reduce depression and improve outlook and emotional fulfillment. At Marquette, we offer volunteering opportunities that give you the chance to contribute and serve, both on campus and in the surrounding community.
There’s no denying that being part of a tightknit community can lead to greater life satisfaction, and there’s no better place to find it than at a senior living community. Plus, at Marquette you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds — having easy access to social interaction just outside your front door, combined with the freedom to maintain your independence through private living spaces.
We’d be happy to give you a personal tour of our premier community in Indianapolis. Schedule a visit by contacting one of our team members and they’ll be sure to get in touch with you!
