February 2023
Senior Living to the Fullest!
12 tips to live your best life, starting today!
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Tip #2 focuses on social connections!
Quality time with one another is more important than you might think! Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even someone new, connecting beyond just the surface level can be very beneficial. As aging happens, social networks are likely to change but family is often the one connection that remains a constant and stable source of connection in a senior’s life. Not only can they provide constant social networks, but its also been proven to positively impact the overall happiness and quality of life for seniors. Close relationships may lead to lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and improve our immune systems. By having someone to talk with or simply to listen and care about what we have to say, has a positive impact on our lives. By neglecting our need to connect, we may be putting our health at risk.
Connecting and spending time with people is just as important as breathing – but not every introvert must become a social butterfly! These connections can look different from one person to the next and if you’re not sure of where to start, that’s okay! Here are some ideas:
- Call your family! A short phone call can go a long way, especially when our loved ones are far away, and we aren’t able to see them in person as often as we like. Pick a special day each month to plan a catchup call to keep in touch. You can also video chat… it’s the next best thing to being in person.
- Coffee with a neighbour! Maybe there’s someone in mind that you’ve been meaning to catch up with or want to get to know better and just haven’t gotten around to it. Call them up, plan a date & time, and stick to it!
- Join the events & activities! We’ve got loads of events & activities at the Village that promote and encourage social connections! If you’d like to know more about the fun we have, visit our activities page or give our front desk a call at 306-559-5545. Joining in on the fun is a great way to get involved and form new friendships and relationships.
- People Watch! Sometimes this is a good place to start too because being in a social setting can allow us to connect with ourselves or the world around us. Come say hi to the ladies at the front desk, they love to chat when they have extra time!
We are all very busy people! With all the craziness any given day can bring, it’s sometimes difficult to squeeze in that meaningful quality time with the ones we love. Whatever the case, setting aside time regularly to have a cup of tea together and chat will make it easier to stay connected. This is your reminder to make that phone call or schedule those plans to meet up with your family, friends, and neighbours!
The importance of human connection – CMHA National
Benefits of Quality Tea Time With Your Family – Health & Well-Being T Ching
