Participating in events for seniors can help you avoid social isolation and loneliness. Lifestyle programs in Gahanna, OH include exercising, crafting, and volunteering with friends.
According to a survey conducted by Resume Template, 22% of working seniors have recently un-retired, and another 6% plan to do so in 2025. About 36% of these seniors say it’s because they’re bored.
Boredom may lead to social isolation and loneliness, which can affect your mental and physical health. Before that happens, participate in events for seniors in Gahanna, OH. Engaging in senior lifestyle programs could add joy, fun, and movement to your routine.
What are the risks of social isolation, and how can social opportunities enhance your life? Read on to learn more about community life in Gahanna!
What Is Social Isolation?
Social isolation is a state in which a person lacks a sense of belonging or engagement with others. They may have a minimal number of social contacts. Loneliness, on the other hand, is feeling disconnected from others.
Social isolation may trigger certain feelings, including:
- Feeling distressed during times of solitude or when you’re alone
- Feeling anxiety, dread, or panic when thinking about social interactions
- Spending a lot of time alone or having limited social interactions
- Canceling plans often (and feeling relief once they’re cancelled)
- Avoid social engagements and hobbies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three American adults feels lonely. Another one in four lacks social support.
What Are the Benefits of Social Opportunities?
Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive decline
- Premature death
Having a strong community life in Gahanna may boost your mood, health, and quality of life.You can gain a renewed sense of purpose and belonging by exploring your senior living community’s lifestyle programs.
Events for Seniors
You can find fun, engaging resident activities OH through your senior living community’s lifestyle programs. Here are a few events for seniors you can explore in Gahanna.
Join a Club
Joining a club will provide you with an opportunity to meet the same people regularly. Attending regularly can help you avoid social isolation and loneliness. Popular clubs include:
- Birdwatching
- Cooking or baking classes
- Pet therapy
- Arts and crafts
- Quilting, knitting, sewing, or crocheting circles
- Art therapy
- Gardening clubs
- Music therapy or classes
- Movie nights
- Book clubs
These clubs can help you meet other seniors who share your passions and interests. Ask them to offer advice. Expanding your knowledge and skill set will help new neural pathways form, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
Some clubs offer additional benefits. For example, gardening can stimulate the mind and body. You’ll get a little exercise and gain a sense of accomplishment as your plants grow.
Exercise
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community’s fitness program. These may include:
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Meditation
- Pilates
- Walking or hiking
- Dance classes
- Aerobics classes
- Water aerobics or swimming
- Tai chi
These classes meet regularly, which may help you avoid social isolation and loneliness. Exercising regularly can boost your mood and improve your strength.Other potential health benefits of regular exercise for seniors include:
- Counteract bone density loss
- Improve balance
- Reduce the risk of slips and falls
- Ease osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
- Help prevent chronic disease (hypertension, heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.)
- Strengthen your immune system
- Increase relaxation
- Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
- Create a sense of well-being
Volunteer
Give back to your community by joining a volunteer group. Having a positive impact in the community can give you a sense of purpose, belonging, and accomplishment. You can find volunteer opportunities through:
- Meals on Wheels
- Schools that need tutors
- Local hospitals
- Charities
- Your senior living community
You can connect with other individuals who share your interests and values. Volunteering can also give you the chance to show off your skills and knowledge, which may boost your self-esteem.
Join a Support Group
If you’re struggling with grief or a chronic condition, consider joining a support group. You can lean on other seniors who understand your situation and feelings. Benefits of joining a support group include:
- The opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns
- Discovery of coping approaches
- Feeling less judged, lonely, or alone
- Eased stress, depression, anxiety, or fatigue
- Staying motivated
- Gaining a sense of control, hope, and empowerment
- Learning more about a disease
- Getting feedback about treatment options
- Gathering financial, social, or health resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Risk Factors of Social Isolation?
Individual risk factors for social isolation and loneliness can include:
- Language barriers
- Limited transportation
- Living in rural areas
- Having a chronic disease or condition
- Having a depressive or psychiatric condition
- Struggling with a long-term disability
- Facing a divorce
- Living alone
- Unemployment
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
Group risk factors for social isolation and loneliness include:
- Immigrants
- Young adults
- Older adults
- Low-income adults
- Queer individuals
- Adults who live alone
Seniors are at a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. They often experience a combination of these risk factors. For example, the loss of a spouse may cause you to live alone.
If you experience these risk factors, reach out to members of your Gahanna, OH community. Socializing may help reduce your risk.
How Often Should I Seek Senior Enrichment?
According to Bethesda Health Group, for seniors, spending more time with friends and family leads to longer and higher-quality lives. Try to socialize with members of your community at least once a day to experience the benefits.
Enhance Your Community Life in Gahanna
Don’t let social isolation affect your mental or physical health. Instead, enhance your community life in Gahanna by participating in events for seniors. You can find more social opportunities through your local senior living community.
At Rittenhouse Village Gahanna, we offer living options that allow you to enjoy a fulfilled, maintenance-free lifestyle. Enjoy our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared meals through Sensations Dining, social events like bingo and live music through Celebrations Activities & Events, or exercise classes like pilates through Dimensions Health & Fitness. Contact us now to schedule your tour.
