As the days get shorter and the weather turns cooler, it’s important for older adults to stay socially engaged with friends and family and not let factors like inclement weather get in the way. Whether you live on your own or in a retirement residence, consider some of these great tips for keeping your social life active all year round:

1)   Take advantage of the holiday season to attend get-togethers with family and friends. They don’t have to be large gatherings—often a coffee or dinner with one or two loved ones and the chance to engage in some good conversation can be equally satisfying.

2)   Get involved in activities at a seniors’ centre or in your retirement home. Even if you’re shy by nature, think about practicing a solitary pastime you enjoy—painting or drawing, for example—in a group class. It may feel more natural to make connections with others when the focus is on the activity and not necessarily on the participants.

3)   Exercise daily. If you can’t get outside for a walk because of the weather, think about joining an indoor class. Part of what makes an exercise class fun is the opportunity to talk to people at the beginning and end of the class. The fact that people expect you to show up to the class is also motivation to keep going.

4)   Adopt a pet. Having a pet to care for can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. If you don’t want a permanent commitment, there are many pet rescue organizations looking for temporary foster pet-parents.

5)   Use technology. Learning how to Skype or Facetime makes staying in touch with loved ones easy during winter months. Some grandparents, for example, read bed-time stories over Skype to their grandchildren.

If you live alone, another avenue to consider is a retirement residence setting. In a senior living residence, you can choose to socialize with friends and staff whenever you feel like it—whether during meals, while attending an exercise class, or even during a scheduled outing—and can experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is always there if you ever need assistance.

If you think you would thrive in a social, community environment, and may also benefit from conveniences like dining options, housekeeping, onsite activities and outings, and the availability of personal support as your needs change, call 1-855-461-0685 to learn more about retirement living at Chartwell today!