The move to senior living can be rewarding, but it can be difficult to constantly think of new ways to stay engaged and avoid loneliness. This is an important period, and it’s essential to support your loved one however you can. So, how can you help your loved one stay engaged and connected with the people around them?

Encourage your loved one to:

• Spend time in common areas

• Dine with others

• Join a hobby group

• Take up personal fitness

• Participate in community events

• Try something new

Read along as we explore each of these ideas to help your loved one feel engaged and connected with others in their senior living community.

Spend Time in Common Areas

One of the simplest ways to avoid loneliness is by helping your loved one spend time around others. Spending time in common areas, like our community gardens or on-site library, is a great way to start meeting the neighbors.

These spaces are designed for social interaction and engagement. Whether sharing a book recommendation, playing a game of cards, or admiring a beautiful piece of art, these interactions can break the ice and lead to meaningful connections, helping your loved one feel connected to the people around them.

Try to encourage your loved one to spend time in any available common areas. Being physically present gives your loved one many opportunities to meet others.

Dine with Others

Meals are a natural chance to socialize with others. By eating with people nearby, your loved one can turn a simple meal into a delightful social experience. Encourage your loved one to join communal dining areas rather than eating alone in their room.

Sharing a meal offers more than just nourishment; it’s a chance to share stories, laugh, and build bonds over delicious food. Meanwhile, dining with others can also expose seniors to new cuisines and dining experiences, making meals more enjoyable and less routine.

Your loved one can enjoy delicious meals and a strong sense of community—and all they need to do is sit near others!

Join a Hobby Group

Hobbies are a fantastic way for seniors to stay mentally and socially active. By joining a hobby group in their community, your loved one can meet others with similar interests and passions. There are plenty of groups available for all kinds of interests, including:

• Creative arts: Painting, knitting, or pottery can be both relaxing and rewarding. The New Horizon’s Art Gallery in our community is perfect for exploring these activities.
• Gardening: Tending to plants can be therapeutic. The gardening area provides a serene environment to connect with nature and fellow gardeners.
• Games: From card games to board games, the game room offers plenty of options to engage in friendly competition and fun.

These activities offer a fun, engaging, and stimulating way for your loved one to bond with those around them. It’s a great way to improve your loved one’s social life and give them new ways to build strong bonds with their community.

Take Up Personal Fitness

Physical fitness is essential at any age. Seniors should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-impact exercise per week alongside strength and balance exercises, so why not try to help your loved one improve their physical health?

Our fitness center at The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho offers a range of classes and programs designed to promote physical health. From gentle yoga to water aerobics in the indoor pool and hot tub, there are plenty of options to suit different fitness levels. 

This can be a wonderful way to help your loved one boost their quality of life, and it can have rippling effects on almost every part of their daily life. It’s never too late to start.

Participate in Community Events

At The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho, we regularly schedule outings, activities, and events. Whether it’s a movie night in the media center, a spiritual gathering in the chapel, or a social event in the meeting rooms, there’s always something interesting going on.

So, have your loved one regularly check the calendar to see if there is something that matches their interests. These activities offer a structured way for them to meet new people and pursue their passions, all while being supported by our team of loving caregivers.

Try Something New

No matter what your loved one enjoys, they should always feel like they can bond with the people in their life. Our community at The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho strives to provide endless opportunities for residents to bond.

In our community, your loved one will always have ways to stay engaged. Schedule a visit with us today to give your loved one a place where they’ll feel supported and connected. They deserve endless love, and we’re here to help.