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How to Make Friends: The Guide to Senior Socializing

Friends hanging out together in the city

Research shows that social isolation can actually harm your health. However, after you retire, you may not have the social connections (or the opportunity to make new ones) that you once did. If you think back to earlier chapters of your life, part of making friends was just being around people of a similar age who shared your interests. You didn’t have to work at forming friendships. They just happened naturally. So how do you find more ways to socialize and form new friendships? Active retirement communities — like Cypress Village — could be the solution to making friends as an adult you’ve been looking for.  

A Healthy Social Life Also Offers Plenty of Health Benefits

Having adult friends is vital to your overall health and wellness. In fact, increasing your social interaction can provide a variety of benefits: 

  • Longer life. People with more social support tend to live longer than those who are more isolated, and this is true regardless of your overall level of health. 
  • Better physical health. Friendship is associated with a stronger immune system, so you’ll have a better chance of fighting off colds, the flu and even some types of cancer. You could also have a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as lower blood pressure. 
  • Improved mental health. Interacting with others boosts well-being and decreases feelings of depression.  
  • Lower risk of dementia. Social people generally perform better on tests of memory and other cognitive skills and are less likely to develop dementia. However, socializing is most effective when coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and physical activity. 

How to Make Friends as an Adult

You’re never too old to make new friends. Here are the types of social activities you’ll find at a Life Plan Community like Cypress Village that can help you stay social and improve your quality of life:   

  • Group activities. Most senior living communities have a robust social life with plenty of activities for seniors to choose from: yoga or morning stretch activities, arts and crafts, happy hours and educational seminars. Even if it’s not something that interests you, give it a try. The opportunity to socialize is more important than the activity. As you make friends, you’ll be able to invite them to do the things that interest you. 
  • Explore your interests. For example, if you like to read, join the book club. At Cypress Village, we offer a variety of clubs including ones focused on tennis, bocce, squash, gardening, arts and crafts, billiards and books. If there isn’t already a club that interests you, start one!  
  • Dining is a social time. At Cypress Village, going to the dining room is a perfect time to meet people and make connections. As you talk with your dinner companions, you’re sure to find you have a lot in common. 
  • Get out and about. Most senior living communities offer a robust monthly calendar featuring a variety of events including outings to local social, dining and entertainment options. 

Cypress Village Has a Thriving Social Life

Choosing a community with an active social scene can help you more easily adjust to making the move by reducing anxiety and loneliness. At Cypress Village, there’s loads of activities to accommodate different hobbies and interests that help facilitate making friends as an adult. To learn more about the different amenities and activities available or to schedule a visit, you can call us, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.