How Social Hour Builds Community at Deane Hill Place
Engaging in social hour through your local senior living community can help you connect with your peers. These senior social events in Knoxville, TX, may positively affect your quality of life and overall well-being.
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness in seniors pose major health risks. About 13.8 million older adults in the US live alone (which is a risk factor for loneliness and social isolation).
Attending social hour through your Knoxville, TX senior living community can help you avoid related health complications. How can daily engagement enhance your health and longevity? Read on to find out!
How Common Is a Lack of Social Connection?
Social isolation occurs when someone lacks contact with others or meaningful relationships. These people have little to no social support.
Loneliness can cause you to feel disconnected from others. You may lack a sense of belonging within your community. Even seniors with many friends can feel lonely.
According to the CDC, social isolation and loneliness are widespread problems in the US. While one in three US adults feels lonely, one in four lacks emotional and social support. These seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing health problems associated with loneliness and social isolation.
What Are the Benefits of Daily Engagement for Seniors?
Fostering independent living connections can improve your overall health and well-being. Improving your health may extend your longevity. Here are a few ways daily engagement benefits seniors.
Mental Health
Maintaining social connections may benefit your mental health by:
- Creating a sense of belonging
- Helping you feel valued by your peers
- Helping you feel supported in your relationships
- Improving your quality of life
- Helping you get more sleep
- Improving your ability to manage stress and anxiety
- Reducing your risk of dementia and cognitive decline
Participating in senior social events can help you gain knowledge and sharpen your skills. This can help new neural pathways form, which may slow cognitive decline.
Spending time with independent living connections may help ease feelings of stress and anxiety.Otherwise, excessive stress may cause:
- A weakened immune system
- Insomnia
- Undereating or overeating
- Tense muscles
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- Rapid breathing
- Heartburn
- An increased risk of heart attack and diabetes
Emotional Health
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. As many as 20% of older adults struggle with depression. Attending social hour may improve your emotional health, which could reduce your risk of depression.
For example, exercising boosts the production of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals can uplift your mood.
Physical Health
Your friends in Knoxville may encourage you to make healthier decisions. For example, they may ask you to attend exercise classes with them. Exercising regularly may help:
- Reduce your risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc.)
- Improve your mood
- Strengthen your immune system
- Prevent bone loss
- Relieve osteoarthritis pain
Socializing may help improve your life satisfaction by giving you a sense of purpose and belonging.This could improve your overall health and longevity.
Knoxville Senior Activities
Add a variety of Knoxville senior activities to your routine. Here are a few activities for daily engagement that can enhance your assisted living community life. Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar for more!
Book and Movie Clubs
Share your passion for reading or films with other seniors. You can gain insights from each other's perspectives and interpretations. These clubs foster camaraderie and encourage relaxation.
Exercise Classes
Exercising can improve your mental and physical health. Explore a variety of classes, such as:
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Tai chi
- Pilates
- Stretching
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
- Weight lifting
- Resistance band exercises
Exercising in a group setting can make it more enjoyable. You can connect with seniors who are committed to healthy living.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts events can involve:
- Knitting
- Quilting
- Crocheting
- Painting
- Pottery
- Jewelry-making
Gardening Groups
Gardening offers a great opportunity to spend time outdoors while connecting with others.Work together to grow a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. You can use your fresh produce to make delicious, nutritious meals together.
Volunteering
Give back to your community by volunteering. You can connect with others who share your values.
Consider:
- Participating in environmental cleanup
- Mentoring children
- Helping at a food bank
- Supporting an animal shelter
Game Nights
Playing games and completing puzzles can keep your mind sharp.Consider:
- Trivia
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Crosswords
- Board games (chess, Scrabble, checkers, etc.)
- Card games
Cooking and Baking Classes
Attending cooking and baking classes can help you learn how to make delicious dishes you can share with other seniors. Use these classes as an opportunity to expand your palette. You can find more delicious dishes through your community's dining program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is at Risk of Social Isolation?
Individual risk factors that may increase your risk of social isolation and loneliness include:
- Having a long-term disability, chronic illness, or psychiatric condition
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Living in a rural area
- Struggling with language barriers
- Having limited transportation options
- Facing a divorce or the loss of a loved one
- Living alone
- Unemployment
Loneliness can impact some groups more than others. This includes older adults and people who live alone.
If these risk factors sound familiar, reach out to members of your Knoxville community. Otherwise, consider reaping the benefits of assisted living community life. Moving into a senior living community can reduce feelings of loneliness while improving your overall health and well-being.
Where Can Seniors Go to Socialize?
You can find senior social events through your local:
- Library
- Community center
- College or community college
- Coffee shop
- Faith-based organization
Remember, you can also find opportunities to socialize through your senior living community. They'll offer opportunities for daily engagement.
Enjoy Social Hour in Knoxville, TN
Social hour is a great opportunity to make new friends. These connections can improve your overall wellness, longevity, and quality of life.
Ready to meet other seniors in Knoxville, TN? Deane Hill Place offers personalized care in a vibrant community. Here, achieving and preserving independence is seamless.
Enjoy nutritious meals in a restaurant-style setting, engaging events and activities (including excursions, cooking sessions, and musical performances), and exercise classes. Contact us now to schedule your tour.