Life becomes an exciting adventure after retirement; it’s full of social opportunities, strong friendships, and love. But for many older adults over the age of 60, it can be difficult to think of ways to build a relationship with the people around them. So, how can older adults make new friends?

For older adults looking to make new friends after 60, it helps to:

• Join a hobby group
• Start exercising
• Meet your neighbors
• Take a class
• Volunteer in the community
• Utilize technology
• Make the move to senior living

Join a Hobby Group

Hobbies are essential; they let you enjoy your favorite activities, decompress, and spend time doing something you love. So why not make a point to share your passion with others?

Hobbies are a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals, and joining a hobby group can be a simple yet efficient way to socialize and bond with others. Whether you enjoy knitting, painting, or playing chess, there’s likely a group out there that shares your passion. Joining a hobby group not only gives you a chance to socialize, but also allows you to engage in activities you love.

For instance, many cities offer knitting circles, book clubs, and gardening groups. These gatherings provide a space to meet new people while doing something you enjoy. Meanwhile, engaging in a shared activity can make conversations flow more naturally, helping you to bond with others effortlessly.

Start Exercising

Physical activity is great for your health, but it can also be a wonderful way to meet new people. It offers numerous opportunities to socialize and connect while working to improve your physical health.

Our community offers fitness programs for older adults, designed to cater to different levels of ability. For instance, you can try:

• Walking groups
• Fitness classes
• P.A.C.E. (People With Arthritis Can Exercise)
• Yoga
• Rock Steady Boxing

These are inclusive and supportive environments that are a perfect chance to meet new friends. The shared experience of working together in your journey to better health is an excellent place to start.

Meet Your Neighbors

At Bethany Village, your neighborhood is a treasure trove of potential friendships just waiting to be discovered. Getting to know your neighbors isn’t just about fostering a sense of community—it’s a way to build a meaningful connection with the people around you and develop a support system in your life.

We always encourage residents to forge friendships with the people around them. From community cookouts and street dinners to music classes and faith-based programs, you can build a vibrant, loving network of friends and a fulfilled lifestyle.

Take a Class

Lifelong learning is a beautiful way to keep your mind sharp, and it’s an extremely effective way to meet new people. Many colleges and community centers offer courses specifically designed for older adults. There’s bound to be a class that piques your interest, so why not try to learn more about:

• History
• Art
• Cooking
• Technology
• Music

Taking a class provides a structured environment where you can interact with others who share your enthusiasm for learning. This environment is incredible for getting to know people with a similar interest, and the friendships aren’t limited to the classroom.

Volunteer in the Community

Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give back to your community—all while meeting new people looking to make the world a better place. There are plenty of organizations that look for older adults to share their experience, wisdom, and support.

Try to think of a cause that hits close to your heart. You can use your passion to support causes such as:

• Nearby food banks
• Animal shelters
• Local schools

The shared experience of making a difference can create strong bonds and lasting friendships. Meanwhile, by contributing your time and skills to a worthy cause, you can enrich your life and the community around you.

In fact, you can make a difference right here in your own community. Here at Bethany Village, residents in independent living can volunteer to offer companionship and take those in our long-term care area on walks outside through the community.

You’ll be able to bond with the people around you and make their day a little brighter. And who knows—you might even make a new friend while you’re at it. So why not make a difference right at home?

Utilize Technology

In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to meet people like you. Technology offers endless possibilities for connecting with others—from social media to online forums, you can always find a way to meet new people.

Start by joining an online community that lines up with your interests. Consider your hobbies and the things that you find fascinating; there’s likely an online group where you can share your experiences, connect with others, and learn something new about your favorite pastimes. You can even video chat with people who share your passions, making it possible to socialize and build new friendships from the comfort of your own home.

Make the Move to Senior Living

Sometimes, the easiest way for older adults to make new friends is to make the move to a senior living community like Bethany Village. In our community, you can thrive in an environment designed to foster strong connections and lifelong friendships. Schedule a visit with us today—your future friends are waiting for you!

Staying engaged with daily exercise can pose a challenge as we age and our physical abilities decline.

However, regular exercise can maintain physical and mental health, help improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Older adults in senior living communities can remain mobile by taking advantage of outdoor walking paths and fitness facilities.

Even despite one’s reduced mobility, many fitness programs with exercises guided by expert staff and therapists can improve strength, flexibility, and balance with minimal equipment.

The goal of these exercises for seniors with limited mobility is to maintain or improve their ability to perform daily activities, increase independence, and improve their quality of life.

Importance of Physical Exercise in Seniors

Physical activity is beneficial for seniors for several reasons:

1. Physical function: Regular exercise can help seniors maintain or improve physical function, allowing them to continue performing everyday tasks with greater ease and independence.
2. Preventing falls: Balance and mobility are closely related, and seniors with limited mobility are at a higher risk of falling. By improving strength, mobility, and balance through exercise, seniors can reduce their risk of falls and sustaining injuries.
3. Mental health: Physical activity is associated with improved mental health, delayed onset of dementia, and better quality of life.
4. Cardiovascular and general health: Regular physical activity can protect against cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.

How Much Physical Activity Do Seniors Need?

Adults 65 and older should strive for the following amount of exercise weekly:

• 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.

• 2 days a week of strength training.

• 3 days a week of balance training, such as standing on one foot.

For those with limited mobility, exercise as much as your abilities and conditions allow.

Exercises for Seniors with Limited Mobility

The more exercise you engage in, the better the benefits. Even with limited mobility, a little is better than none. And more importantly, always consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a medical condition or injury.

Here are a few examples of exercises geared toward seniors with mobility challenges:

Chair Exercises

Chair-based exercises are low-intensity and can include simple standing movements, flexibility and range of motion. Chair-based yoga movements work on muscle control, balance, endurance, and breathing techniques.

Balance Exercises

Lower body strengthening exercises can improve balance for older adults and prevent falls. These can include standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walk, and balance walk.

Strength Training

Strength training exercises can make everyday tasks easier, such as getting out of a chair or climbing stairs. Seniors with limited mobility can use resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises to strengthen their muscles.

Stretch Exercises

Stretching can help with muscle strength and flexibility that can decline with age. Additional benefits include increased circulation, improved joint movement, posture and balance. Try any of these 7 stretches:

Neck Stretch

You can stretch the neck by slowly moving your chin towards your chest and turning your head to the left and right. Hold for 15 seconds on each side.

Shoulder & Upper Arm Stretch

Hold a towel with one hand over your head and let it fall down your back. Gently pull down until you feel a stretch in your shoulders and arms.

Chest Stretch

To ease tight muscles in the chest, you can extend both arms to your side and face the palms forward. Reach back with both hands until you feel a stretch, being careful not to overstretch.

Ankle Stretch

You can stretch your ankles by sitting in a chair and slowly moving your foot side to side and up and down while holding for 30 seconds each time.

Hamstring Stretch

You can stretch your hamstrings by lying on your back and extending one leg perpendicular to your body. Pull your leg towards you by holding at the back of your thigh, not the knee.

Quadriceps Stretch

To stretch the large muscles in the front of your thigh, lie on your side, bend your knee, and pull your foot gently behind you until you feel a stretch. If you can’t reach your foot, use a belt or towel.

Hip Stretch

To stretch and release tension in the hips, you can lie on your back and bring one knee to the side of the body with your foot resting on the opposite leg. Push down on the knee gently until you feel a stretch.

Exercise & Wellness

It’s vital for seniors with limited mobility to make exercise a part of their daily life, starting slowly and gradually increasing the amount and level. But more essential is staying safe when exercising and having the support you need.

At Bethany Village, our state-of-the-art fitness center and rehabilitation center ensure residents get a personalized approach to their care needs. Schedule a visit to learn more.

You may be surprised by the number of housing and lifestyle options available to older adults today. However, this doesn’t always make it easier to decide the type of living situation that’s right for you or a loved one.

There are many factors to consider when choosing where to settle and enjoy your golden years. Two popular options are independent living and 55+ communities.

But how do they differ? It’s important to know in order to make the best decision that suits your lifestyle and needs. While they both provide many benefits, independent living offers multiple living and care options that adjust to your needs should they change.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between independent living and 55+ communities to avoid confusion and help you make an informed decision.

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living is a lifestyle option for older adults who can—and want to—live independently but still be part of a larger community. Residents can enjoy a more carefree life, focusing on what they love to do without worrying about daily stressors like lawn care or housekeeping. They can continue to lead an active and engaging lifestyle and let the community take care of all the maintenance and chores.

What Is a 55+ Community?

A 55+ community is intended for those aged 55 and older. These communities are low-maintenance and can differ from one another in the services and amenities they offer. For example, they may have a clubhouse and social events, may include groundskeeping in the monthly fee, and the community may be managed by a homeowners association.

55+ communities vary predominantly in what they offer, while independent living communities are designed to improve the enrichment and well-being of their residents.

A Comparison of Services

55+ communities provide the convenience of maintenance services of the building, apartment, or grounds, such as snow removal, yard work, or grass care. However, they don’t provide housekeeping, meals, or laundry services.

Independent living communities offer a stress-free and maintenance-free lifestyle with staff members ready to assist community members. At Bethany Village, we offer:

• Transportation services
• Security & safety
• Maintenance services
• Technology support
• Garage parking
• Wellness center
• Access to all of our restaurants

A Comparison of Amenities

In 55+ communities, amenities can vary in availability and quality. These communities are more like niche communities where residents can enjoy shared interests with like-minded members and socialize based on planned activities.

Independent living offers a packed calendar of engaging activities and various amenities. Residents can join a club, take an exercise class, learn something new by attending a seminar, or relax in the community’s shared spaces.

Common amenities at an independent living community include:

• Fitness center
• On-site restaurant options
• Beauty salon & barbershop
• Community center gathering space
• Movie theater
• Library
• Outdoor walking path
• Gift store

A Comparison of Housing

55+ communities can include single-family homes, condo-style buildings, townhomes, or apartments. In individual communities, residents can either own or rent their property.

Independent living communities usually feature villas, cottages, or apartments. Bethany Village offers each of these housing options to our customers. Housing options are based on financial qualifications—we do this to help create a stable community with long term residents.

A Comparison of Levels of Care

While 55+ communities offer some amenities that keep residents active and engaged, they lack other levels of care for aging adults.

Independent living puts you in control of the next phase of your life by offering various levels of care. Independent living communities, like Bethany Village, can also provide assisted living and memory support if your needs change as you grow older. This flexibility of care can support aging in place.

A Comparison of Cost

The cost of living in a 55+ community depends on whether you buy your property or rent it. The costs can be high if you need to pay for the mortgage, taxes, utilities, transportation, and meals, as well as:

• Property type
• Location
• Square footage
• Number of bedrooms
• Services
• Amenities
• Homeowners association fee (HOA)

Independent living usually includes a one-time entrance fee and monthly service fees. These fees include maintenance, cable, telephone, and utilities, among others.

High-quality care doesn’t have to come at a cost. Use our cost comparison worksheet to help discover the best lifestyle option that suits your budget.

Great Value in Independent Living at Bethany Village

It’s important to look at the differences in living options when considering a move to ensure you pick one that suits you best. At Bethany Village, we create an experience curated just for you that’s adjustable to your changing needs. If you’re interested in one of our lifestyle options, please contact us or schedule a visit to explore our community in person.

6 Practical Tips to Assist Your Aging Parents with Downsizing & Decluttering

As your parents age, sometimes they can require some extra care or assistance. Your help can take many forms, from helping and supporting them in downsizing and transitioning into a new community to assisting them with getting organized and decluttering their space.

Let’s explore what helping older adults can look like and 6 practical tips to help your aging parents with downsizing and decluttering before moving into a new stage of life.

Caring for Older Adults

Your parents have some options to consider and may rely on your help to decide. When that time comes, it’s always a good idea to present a few options to them:

• Aging in their own homes, often with support, can be a stress-free and familiar option.
• Your parents may want to stay close to you and choose to move in with you.
• A senior living community may also be a great option to open a new chapter in life.

If your parents are healthy and active, they can also explore living in a senior living community. This lifestyle can be a way for them to eliminate the responsibilities and chores that come with owning a home—giving them the time to focus on the things and activities they enjoy while engaging with a wider social circle.

Not everyone takes on a caregiver role. If your parents decide to move to a senior living community, you can provide your support. Your parents’ health can be ever-changing, so a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) is a great option.

A CCRC is a long-range plan to take care of your parents’ changing health needs as they age. Through a CCRC plan, the ability to age in place is an attractive option to maintain a familiar environment and is worth exploring with your parents.

Any sort of living transition can be an adjustment for both you and your parents. It’s important to give both sides time to adjust and reach a level of comfort with this new dynamic. Not everyone has health issues—this decision to downsize and declutter can represent a plan for the future.

It’s important to know what types of care they may require before helping your aging parents downsize and declutter to move on to a new stage of life or a new community.

Personal Care

They’ll be going through a role reversal as they’re used to taking care of you.

Your parents may need help with tasks like:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Grooming
• Other personal care like toilet care

It can be challenging for your parents to accept any help, so remaining calm and assisting them through the process when needed is essential.

Household Help

Household chores like cleaning, laundry, and yard work are areas where your parents may need help. Handling these day-to-day chores can take a great deal of stress off of them and result in a more relaxing environment.

Going grocery shopping for them and helping with preparing healthy meals can give them a great socializing boost they may need.

Emotional Support

Sometimes support is just simply spending time with your parents. Aging can get lonely, especially if you have a single parent who lives alone. Practicing regular visits with them and offering your time is a great way to provide support.

Being calm and patient with your patients can do wonders for their mental health.

Health Care

With aging may come some health issues that you can assist your parents with. You can ensure they’re keeping up with medication and have transportation to all their doctor’s appointments.

Keeping track of your parent’s medications can help them, especially if they’re forgetful or suffer from any cognitive problems.

Suppose your parent’s needs outweigh your ability to care for them. In that case, it’s a good idea to look into home health care services that can assist them.

6 Practical Tips When Helping Your Parents Downsize & Declutter Their Home

When the time comes to help your parents downsize and declutter and move on to a new community, it’s important to get an early start.

Start Planning the Move Early

Sitting down with your parents and planning the move can make a huge difference. It is essential to give them time to prepare and come to terms with moving on.

Moving into a new community isn’t always easy, and your support and understanding can mean the world to them.

Keep Things Positive

Stress can be inevitable during any sort of deep clean that precedes a move. Patience is key in this case, and keeping things light and positive around your parents can create a welcoming environment.

Look through old photo albums and talk about items with attached memories to keep them motivated and, most of all, enjoy each other’s company—it can be a time of bonding as much as getting some cleaning done.

It can be an emotional ride—a big life transition can be tough on your parents.

Ask Questions

Your parents may be dreading the idea of misplacing anything or forgetting to take something with them. A great way to stay involved in the process is by reminding them of any items you may think they’ll miss.

Keep track of any precious items that can get lost in the clutter and ask whether they want to keep certain things and get rid of others. Leave the decisions up to them!

Have a Plan for Furniture and Belongings

When downsizing and moving to a new community, having a plan for the furniture and belongings your parents may leave behind is essential.

A senior living community will consult will families on appropriately sized furniture. Determining what to do with the leftover furniture can be left up to you. If your parents want to hang on to some furniture, you can help them determine the best items to keep.

Give it Time

Your parents won’t be convinced right away to move on—it can take weeks and months of convincing, even if it’s the best option for them.

Downsizing should never be a rushed decision, and your patience will be essential. Your parents are still independent and need time to come to terms with a decision.

Join Your Parents on a Tour of Their New Community

When you and your parents find the right community for them and they’re warming up to the idea of downsizing—accompany them on a tour of their possible new home.

Your presence can help put them at ease, and having a positive attitude can warm them up to the possible move.

Helping Your Parents

The role reversal that your parents will undergo when downsizing and decluttering for a move can be stressful. It can fall on you to provide them with a pillar of support and positivity to help them come to terms with a new stage of life.Get in touch with a Marketing Counselor at Bethany Village who can assist you with this process and help you understand how to help your parents.