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Staying social as you age

There’s no reason for age to slow down your social life. While there’s a chance reduced mobility may limit your trips outside, you can still enjoy an active social life. Doing so is especially easy when you’re in an independent living community designed to serve your social needs, but it can also be done when you’re at home. Though the motivation may be hard to muster at some times, humans are social creatures, and we need interactions with friends and loved ones to thrive.

Did you use to be a social butterfly, flitting from soirée to charity drive to family gathering? The same can be done in your golden years, when it’s more important than ever to keep up with the pace of life. Not only does the stimulation help you keep a positive mood, but getting out in the world and staying active can work wonders for your well-being and health.

Here are three easy tips to consider when wondering how you can maintain an active social life in old age.

1. Get some exercise

Really, any amount of exercise will do — given your physical abilities. Exercise has the dual advantage of keeping both your body and mind in shape. And you certainly don’t have to be lifting weights to feel like you’re getting enough exercise, and if you can, more power to you!

Going for a walk is the simplest way to get sufficient exercise. Swimming, although a little more intensive, is even better at keeping your body toned and in prime condition to take on the opportunities the golden years offer. Water aerobics classes are often offered in communities, and can provide you with a social setting to enjoy your exercise.

2. Try out social media

This tip might come off a little contrary to the sentiment of “get out and get active,” but in this day and age, you have a lot more tools and avenues of engagement and interaction than ever before. Heard the story of the 21-year-old New Yorker and the 86-year-old retirement community resident who first met playing the popular game Words With Friends, and then became best friends in real life when he traveled to Florida to meet her? A heartwarming story to say the least!

Now, even though you may not be able to strike up the same close connection, the opportunity is always there. Joining social media can also help you keep better track of events going on in the lives of families and friends, as well as like as many posts as you want.

3. Volunteer

Another surefire way to get active and feel better for doing so is volunteering. There are any number of causes out there, whether they’re ones you’ve participated in before or are simply sympathetic about. Having family active in support could also be enough to persuade you to join in.

Think about combining all the benefits of getting exercise and doing good with dogwalking. Many homes need a reliable dogwalker who’s available during the day, and if you’re up for the task you can make furry friends and work your legs at the same time. Another idea to think about is helping collect for the disadvantaged, something potentially easier done in a retirement community. Instead of canvassing city blocks to collect donated goods like clothes or toys on chance, in independent living, you’re already in close proximity to people you know and who trust you, and who also may have a lot of stuff accumulated over the years they’d be willing to part with.

If you’re interested in how independent living communities can help keep you active (and we sure can, with plenty of social gatherings, events and enrichment opportunities), then contact Milestone Retirement today for more information.