National Friendship Day in Senior Housing
Having friends makes life more fun and meaningful. Friends are important because they save humans from isolation and loneliness. But as people age, the opportunities for adults to meet and build friendships diminish. Moving into senior housing is a great opportunity to meet new people and foster relationships. When nurtured, new friends are great leisure partners, companionship, and emotional support, and enhance overall senior adult life. Creating social connections is important regardless of age, culture, or background. National Friendship Day is about appreciating the people in our lives, reconnecting with old friends, and reaching out to new ones.
National Friendship Day
Friendship is the purest form of relationship anyone can have. As the most social beings on this planet, we value friendship so much that we need to celebrate it yearly.
The National Friendship Day was a marketing strategy launched by Hallmark Cards in the 1930s. Then, in 1935, the U.S. Congress officially declared the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day.
Today, this yearly event is still celebrated every first Sunday of August, a day to honor our relationship with our dear friends. Daily life with friends can create joy and promote strong social connections. So, what better way to honor them than celebrating National Friendship Day?
How to Make Friends in Senior Housing
Retiring in senior housing is not just about finding a safer and more comfortable place to stay. It is also seeking meaningful connections. While moving into a foreign environment can be challenging, it is also exciting to meet new people and make new friends.
How? Check the suggestions below and forge that new friendship in no time.
One sure way of meeting new people in senior living is by getting physically active. Regular fitness activities or a simple walk outside often lead to introductions upon seeing familiar faces. Once you get past the awkward phase, this will eventually lead to friendship. Join community events that interest you. This is an opportunity to meet new friends who have the same interests. Senior housing communities have different programs, clubs, and group activities to cater to people’s hobbies, interests, and preferences.
Try to say hello or introduce yourself as a new resident in the common areas during meal or snack time. Always put a smile on your face. A great smile always invites conversations. Other than that, smiling lifts the mood and lowers stress. One smile can lead to laughter, which is said to be the best medicine.
Come out of your comfort zone and volunteer. Find events in senior housing or volunteer opportunities in which you can offer your time or expertise. Volunteering will also give you something in return—fulfillment. Add to that the chance to meet people and easily make friends without much effort. Transitioning to senior housing can be overwhelming, but with friends, life will be much easier because you know there will always be someone to listen to you, care for you, and be there for you no matter what.
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