SantaFe Senior Living
Everyone’s life journeys are different, especially as we age. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all retirement plan, but one of the best ways to age gracefully and live longer is to stay social.
Senior living communities are the perfect solution for maintaining social contact because there’s always something to do and someone to connect with. One major aspect of senior living communities that promotes social interaction is dining.
Let’s dig in to find out why.
Ways seniors can benefit from organized dining
A key component to senior living lifestyles is organized dining. It not only takes away the stress of preparing food and cleaning up; it also allows you to form social connections with neighbors in the community.
Meeting friends to eat or drink can be a great way to socialize. Mealtimes in community dining rooms are scheduled at least three times per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some communities even offer anytime dining in other areas like pubs and lounges, on-campus cafes, or snack bars.
Organized dining is also beneficial for seniors because meals are prepared with nutrition and dietary restrictions in mind. Community kitchens offer a variety of menu options to help residents eat healthier and more mindfully.
Finally, dining with friends and family can evoke feelings of nostalgia. If you grew up experiencing laughter, interesting conversation, love and gratitude at the dinner table, you understand just how precious breaking bread with a group of people can be.
There’s plenty of opportunity – at every meal, in fact – to create even more happy memories around the table at a senior living community.
How seniors can benefit from socialization
Dining plays a large role in socialization, but why is socialization itself so important?
For starters, social connection has been linked to many health benefits, from physical health to mental health.
Harvard Medical School shares that a 2019 study conducted by The Journals of Gerontology “found that older adults who interacted with people beyond their usual social circle of family and close friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods, and fewer negative feelings.”
Staying social can also improve cognitive function, which is helpful to those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. How? Holding a conversation with others, concentrating on simple projects, and feeling support from others stimulates brain health.
When seniors live alone or are isolated from others, the risk of depression and anxiety setting in is much greater than for those who regularly socialize. Whether you’re a resident in an independent living or assisted living community, staying socially active is key to living a more fulfilling life.
How residents thrive at The Terraces
At The Terraces, life is meant to be lived purposefully and without worry. Our active lifestyle offers programs that pique every interest and help seniors socialize. Some of our resident-favorite activities include:
- Exercise classes and walking groups
- Happy hours
- Dining at the community bistro
- Field trips to area attractions, shopping and restaurants
- Bingo and card games
- Parlor games like darts and billiards
- Lifelong learning classes in language, literature, art, music appreciation, history and philosophy
- Arts and crafts
- Volunteer opportunities
- Sports and recreation, like tennis, golf, swimming and yoga
- Wellness programs
Every day brings new possibilities to the table. To see more of what we have going on, check out our packed social calendar.
Find companionship and care in beautiful Bonita Springs.
At The Terraces at Bonita Springs, residents choose from a variety of dining options and social activities. Learn more about our vibrant lifestyle when you visit our community for a tour.