How to Make Friends In An Independent Living Community

Social isolation is a common problem in our aging communities. Seniors don’t always live close to their support networks or have transportation for easy access to them. As a result, they can feel socially isolated, alone, and lonely.

However, moving into an Independent Living community is an opportunity for you to get the support you need and make new friends. You may improve your chances by taking these actions:  

Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors

As scary as it can be to introduce yourself to people you don’t know, they only remain strangers for a short time! You can start building life-long friendships once introductions are out of the way.

Once you’ve moved into your new apartment in an Independent Living community, knock on your neighbor’s door to let them know you’ve just moved in. Share your name and let them know you’re eager to get to know them and others in the community. If you feel uncomfortable visiting your neighbors empty-handed and unannounced, consider arriving with sweet treats or something else you’ve prepared from the heart. 

Eat in the Shared Dining Room

Most highly regarded Independent Living communities have talented on-site culinary teams to prepare delicious meals every day. Residents can look forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner in shared dining spaces to enjoy with other residents.

Alongside the convenience of having your meals cooked for you, you can also enjoy the social aspect of the occasion. Eating in the shared dining room is an excellent opportunity to chat with your peers, get to know them, and form fast friendships!

However, you don’t have to feel obliged to eat in the public resident dining room for every meal. All apartments have full kitchens, giving you the freedom to prepare meals and snacks in your own home if you prefer.

Attend Social Events

The average Independent Living community goes above and beyond to help their residents feel more comfortable in their surroundings. They often do this by scheduling regular social events and activities for residents and the wider community to be a part of.

If you’re trying to make new friends in an Independent Living community you’ve recently moved into, consider attending as many social events as possible. You may not make friends with everyone you participate in activities with, but you can at least get to know who everyone in your community is. You may then feel more comfortable and confident in your new home.

Use Common Areas

There’s more to most Independent Living communities than comfortable accommodation for residents to call home. There are also many common areas and shared spaces for residents to enjoy together.

If your new community has game rooms, activity rooms, gyms, libraries, and other shared spaces, explore them at your leisure. While you might enjoy these spaces on your own, you may also enjoy them with like-minded people and develop new, life-long friendships.

Use Scheduled Transportation

Living in an Independent Living community doesn’t mean you’re confined to its grounds. You can explore your local town or city at your leisure. In fact, many of the best communities provide scheduled transportation so you can run errands and attend medical appointments.

Make use of this transportation, and you may enjoy getting to know other transport users sitting near you. A few regular trips might be all it takes for you to start and maintain great friendships.

Make New Friends at Asher Point Independent Living of Sherman

You deserve to live life to the fullest, surrounded by like-minded people you enjoy spending time with. Schedule a tour of Asher Point Independent Living of Sherman today if you’re ready to live a more social and fulfilling life. We can’t wait to show you around your new home.