Building Social Connections in Your Golden Years
Healthy relationships are vital at any age, but seniors especially are vulnerable to the adverse effects of an isolated social life. Close, supportive relationships are very important to the physical health of seniors, as well as their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Without a supportive social network, seniors can experience severe loneliness. Loneliness can then lead to depression, as well as a wealth of other declining health conditions. Studies show that the lack of social connections among seniors is equivalent to having diabetes in terms of increasing hypertension.
If you're a senior looking to build more social connections, there are plenty of ways to do so in the Beaver Dam, WI area. Here are some tips to get you started.
Join a Local Senior Center
Senior centers are great places for seniors to meet new people. Here, seniors can meet new friends and socialize while engaging in a variety of programs. Whether it’s a senior fitness class at your local gym, a senior Bible study at a nearby church, or a support group geared towards seniors, knowing that you’ll be amongst your peers can give you the confidence to try something new. The Watermark Senior Center offers a variety of programs and services, including exercise classes, card games, and social events. The YMCA of Dodge County offers a variety of fitness classes for seniors, including water aerobics and yoga.
Volunteer
Another great way to rebuild your social connections is to volunteer. Volunteering not only gives you a purpose, something to get up for each day or week, but it can make meeting other people less intimidating. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community, such as the library, your church, charities, schools, animal shelters, nursing homes, or hospitals. The United Way of Dodge County has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for seniors, including delivering meals and providing companionship to other seniors.
Take a Class
Taking a class is a great way to learn something new while also meeting like-minded people. The Moraine Park Technical College offers a variety of courses for seniors, including computer classes and art classes. In the same vein, seniors can also build social connections while exploring the arts. The Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre is a great place to get involved in local theater productions and meet new people.
Pursue a Hobby
Engaging in hobbies can serve two purposes for seniors. First, it serves as a creative outlet for seniors, enabling them to express themselves. Second, it connects them with others with similar interests. Seniors interested in arts and crafts can explore Art On The Town Wisconsin. This place offers an inviting atmosphere where artists and art enthusiasts can come together to explore their creativity, share their work, and engage with others who share their passion for the arts.
Visiting Angels Beaver Dam is here to help seniors build social connections. As a home care company, we provide personalized care and support services that can help seniors maintain their independence and social connections in the community. We offer transportation services that can help seniors stay connected to their community by allowing them to attend social events, visit friends and family, and participate in other activities outside the home. We also provide companionship services that help seniors build social connections. Our compassionate and professional caregivers can engage in conversation, play games, go for walks with you, and assist you as you participate in other social activities. These are just two of the many ways Visiting Angels Beaver Dam can help seniors build social connections in their golden years. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-821-1111. We look forward to hearing from you.