How Social Events at Prairie Hills at Independence Strengthen Community

Social events in Independence, IA can enhance your mood, health, and overall well-being. You can find fun resident engagement opportunities through your local senior living community.

According to the National Institute on Aging, about 13.8 million older adults (28% of seniors) live alone. These seniors are at risk of social isolation and loneliness. Isolation and loneliness are linked to a risk of physical and mental health conditions.

Instead of aging alone, consider attending social events in Independence, IA. Maintaining an interactive lifestyle can benefit your health and quality of life.

Why are senior gatherings important, and how can you start socializing? Read on to find out!

How Common Is a Lack of Community Connection?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33% of American adults report feeling lonely. About 25% report not having any emotional or social support.

Social isolation indicates a person lacks relationships or contacts with other people. It can pose a health risk, even if you don't feel lonely.

Loneliness is feeling disconnected from others or alone. You can still feel lonely, even if you have a lot of friends.

Both loneliness and social isolation can affect your ability to connect socially. This lack of community connection can become detrimental to your overall health and quality of life.

Why Is Resident Engagement Important?

Remember, social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of mental and physical health issues, including:

Depression
Anxiety
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Obesity
A weakened immune system
Cognitive decline
Alzheimer's disease
Death

Resident engagement can benefit your overall well-being. You can age in Independence, IA, feeling your best. Here are more ways engagement can enhance your emotional, mental, and physical health.

Emotional Wellness

According to the National Library of Medicine, depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. It's also a leading cause of disability and is common among seniors. However, half of all cases remain undiagnosed.

Depression can affect your health and well-being by causing:

Apathy
Irritability
Persistent digestive issues
Overeating or a decrease in appetite
Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
Fatigue or low energy
Persistent sadness
Physical pains that don't improve with treatment
Slow speech or movement
Difficult concentrating

Lonely or isolated seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing symptoms. If these symptoms sound familiar, consult a mental healthcare professional.

Engaging in social events can improve your emotional health. Your friends will support you and uplift your mood. They can enhance your emotional health, potentially reducing your risk of depression.

Mental Health

Socializing may improve your cognitive and mental health.For example, engaging in activities and learning skills can help new neural pathways form. This can help you maintain mental acuity.

Socializing can also ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Alleviating stress can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

The next time you feel stressed, reach out to members of your Independence, IA community. Maintaining an interactive lifestyle will give you opportunities to alleviate stress.

Physical Health

Spending time with other seniors can encourage you to make healthier lifestyle choices. For example, your friends may encourage you to exercise more often. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of:

Some types of cancer
Dementia
Stroke
Heart disease

Exercising regularly may help ease pain. It encourages the production of neurotransmitters that may improve your mood.

Social Events in Independence, IA

You can find fun senior gatherings through your local senior living community's events and activities calendar. For exercise classes, explore your community's fitness program. They may offer:

Yoga
Tai chi
Meditation
Stretching
Resistance training
Weight lifting
Walking or hiking groups
Water aerobics
Swimming

Look for fun activities related to your hobbies or interests. These may include:

Arts and crafts (drawing, knitting, etc.)
Pet therapy
Music therapy
Music lessons
Dance classes
Game nights (trivia, chess, etc.)
Cooking classes
Book or movie clubs
Birdwatching
Outdoor excursions

Add a variety of different activities to your routine. To give back to your community, consider volunteering. Volunteering can boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of purpose in life.

Try learning something new or engaging in memory care activities like puzzles. Developing new skills will keep your mind sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

As you engage in these activities, try sparking conversation with other seniors. If you're nervous, consider:

Discussing your hobbies or passions
Inviting them to tea or a meal
Being an active listener
Asking questions
Maintaining a positive attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do Seniors Go to Socialize?

You can find senior gatherings at:

Events hosted by your local library
Educational seminars through colleges or community colleges
Fitness classes at gyms and studios
Local community centers
Your senior living community

Explore your senior living community's monthly events and activities calendar. You can find fun social gatherings designed with seniors in mind. These activities can help you make and maintain social connections.

What Are Common Risk Factors of Loneliness?

Common individual risk factors for social isolation and loneliness can include:

Language barriers
Struggling with a long-term disability
Having a chronic disease or condition
Having a psychiatric or depression condition
Facing a divorce or the loss of a loved one
Living alone
Living in a rural area or lacking transportation
Being marginalized or discriminated against

Older adults are at a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. If you're at risk, reach out to members of your Independence, IA community. Engaging in senior gatherings can foster a sense of belonging within your community.

Enjoy an Interactive Lifestyle in Independence

Attending social events can boost your mood, improve your health, and extend your longevity. Remember, you can find fun opportunities to socialize through your senior living community.

At Prairie Hills at Independence, we provide personalized care plans tailored to meet all of your senior living needs. We offer chef-prepared homestyle dining with tableside service, engaging activities like trips to museums and movies, and exercise classes to help you live your best life. Contact us now to schedule your tour.