Health and Wellness: The Power of Social Ties in 55+ Communities

“Teamwork makes the dream work” is a saying from a book written by John C. Maxwell. People often associate this phrase with sports teams or work groups, but it also applies to families raising children and caring for aging parents. Adult children in this situation often find they can’t juggle all of their responsibilities, and the stress they are under impacts every area of their lives. They need a team to help them do it all.

A 55+ community for their aging parents might be the solution they have been searching for. These communities bring together people at the same stage of life and allow them to form connections. Adult children won’t feel as if they need to be there for their aging parents continuously once they retire and have free time on their hands. Their loved ones will have friends they can turn to for support, guidance, and companionship. Families should never discount the power of social ties in these communities. 

Social Connections and Resident Wellness

Every person needs social connections for overall health and wellness. As a person ages, they lose many of these connections. Friends and loved ones pass away, they no longer work, and their children have lives of their own. Moving to a retirement community makes it easy for older adults to form new connections, so they don’t become isolated and lonely. The community fills them with a sense of belonging, which is essential for their physical and emotional health. 

Loneliness and isolation can have a devastating impact on a person’s health and well-being. Research shows social isolation puts a person at greater risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Interactions with the retirement community reduce these risks. Each engagement with fellow residents helps the individual feel as if they are part of the community, even if these interactions are brief. 

Physical Health 

Social ties may also improve a person’s physical health. Those who have strong social ties tend to live longer and be healthier. They recover more rapidly after being ill or undergoing a surgical procedure. Friends within the community encourage them to remain active while engaging in meaningful conversations. It’s always more fun to exercise with a friend. 

Cognitive Health

Socializing benefits a person’s cognitive health by keeping the brain sharp. Cognitive function is stimulated every time a person engages in a conversation or plays games with friends and family. Brain-boosting activities such as these help with memory retention and may slow the onset of dementia. 

Support Systems

Every person needs a support system to thrive, as this system contributes to their emotional resilience. They can come out on top even when life throws them a curveball because they know where to turn for help. The community might also have counselors that residents can talk to when life is hard. 

Group Activities

Retirement communities understand the importance of social ties and plan activities and events to bring people together. If a person can’t find an activity or event they love, they can plan one. The residents come together to engage in shared interests and form connections. 

Common Areas 

Communities have common areas where people gather. Friends can come together for a quiet conversation or to play a rousing game. A group might meet in a common area to play music or sing, and others choose to have meals together in one of these areas. They are designed to support multiple activities so all residents can enjoy them.  Families don’t need to worry that their loved ones will leave them behind when they move to a retirement community.

Guests can visit, and the family can stay connected with the help of technology. Adult children will have peace of mind knowing their loved ones have a vibrant social life. They may end up feeling left out when they see how much fun the parents are having without them. At the same time, they will enjoy seeing their loved ones thrive in this setting as they know they are making the most of each moment they have.