One of the many perks of living in a community!

Adjusting to life in a new retirement home can be challenging for a lot of seniors who are used to living on their own or independently. That’s not to say that moving into a retirement residence means sacrificing your independence or your way of life, but it does mean that there are certain changes to which you’ll have to become accustomed. One of those changes is making the effort to build new friendships. Making new friendships and relationships is just one of the many advantages of living in a community. You are likely to find like-minded people who are essentially your neighbours and this sense of belonging makes the transition easier.
Here are some useful tips for making friends while living in a retirement home.

Attend Welcome Events

Whether you’re new to the retirement community or have been living there for a few years, one of the best ways to befriend new neighbours is by attending welcome events. Welcome events like meetings or mixers give residents a chance to introduce themselves and get to know one another, which can be very comforting for new community members.

Explore Your New Surroundings

Like colleges and universities, many retirement homes in Brampton offer comprehensive tours of the community so that residents can easily become well acquainted with their surroundings. Taking the time to participate in one of these tours or exploring your new surroundings on your own terms gives you a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the residence and maybe even meet a few new people along the way.

Sign Up for Clubs, Classes, and Social Events

One of the most effective ways to meet new people and make new lifelong friends is through shared interests and passions. Luckily, retirement living in Brampton offers an array of fun activities, clubs, interactive classes, and social events like field trips, knitting clubs, dance lessons, and even parties to help seniors get better acquainted with their neighbours. Joining these types of activities can also give you a great sense of purpose by filling your schedule with meaningful interactions with other people your age.

Spend More Time in Common Areas and Less Time in Your Room

Understandably, many seniors enjoy spending alone time in their rooms to engage in private pastimes like watching TV or reading at the end of a long day. But, spending time in common areas like the dining hall, game room, lounge, or even outside is a great way to see and interact with more people, especially if you begin to feel lonely. Sometimes even just being around other people without necessarily interacting with them, like reading in public, is a great way to combat loneliness for many seniors in retirement homes.

Enjoy Your Meals with Other Residents

Eating alone in your room all the time is a top contributing factor to loneliness in retirement residences. That’s why seniors are typically encouraged to eat in the main dining hall if they’re physically able to and share their meals with their peers. This gives seniors the opportunity to engage in lively conversations and find shared common interests amongst people their own age.

Make Friends with the Staff

The staff members at your retirement home are always there to support you through every aspect of your time there. They’ve seen you at your best and they’ll most likely see you at your worst without an ounce of judgment. Take the time to get to know them and nourish your relationship with them so that you can make the most of your golden years.

Bramalea Retirement Residence is a top-notch retirement residence in Brampton that’s committed to ensuring all of our residents maintain their independence, dignity, and high quality of life. We offer a variety of programs and clubs that are designed to enrich your life and guarantee you’ll make long-lasting friendships and lead an active lifestyle. Contact us today for more information.