Loneliness in seniors can have a huge effect on quality of life. We all feel lonely from time to time – that’s normal. But living in a state of loneliness can lead to mental health issues and cognitive decline. Staying indoors and not socializing can even cause a decline in physical abilities. So, there’s every reason to try to combat loneliness in seniors.
Loneliness in Seniors
For too many seniors, loneliness is a persistent problem. As we age, there are multiple reasons we are more prone to loneliness. After retirement, many find they miss their old work companions and the daily opportunities for interacting with others. Friends and loved ones also age, making getting together more difficult as people struggle with transportation or physical abilities. And, inevitably, some companions pass away. These factors can even lead to depression and withdrawal that can exacerbate loneliness.
If you’re 55 or over or have a senior loved one in your life, it’s crucial to take steps to avoid loneliness. But how can you reduce loneliness in seniors? One option is to choose a senior living community.
Communities for Seniors
Living in a senior community can have a positive impact on reducing loneliness. Senior living helps increase socialization with others, and the benefits are numerous. Let’s look at how senior communities help reduce loneliness.
Enabling an Active Retirement: If you see retirement as a new venture – one where you can decide how to spend your time while staying active – a retirement community might be the perfect option for you. Retirement communities are built just for seniors, meeting their unique needs and surrounding them with people in a similar time of life.
At Copeland Oaks, our residents share a desire for a vibrant, healthy lifestyle in their retirement years. Our campus is set up to offer all the conveniences seniors need while giving them a wide range of activities to enjoy. Whether it’s choosing from our always-busy calendar of events or walking around our beautiful lake for exercise or joining in the many social, spiritual or educational activities available, Copeland Oaks residents have a zest for life!
Options for Senior Physical Activity: Staying active helps you maintain your lifestyle and is good for both body and soul. Residents of senior communities have access to regular physical activity that is available to them on campus and for many different ability levels.
At Copeland Oaks, we have an onsite wellness facility with group exercise classes, an indoor pool and a walking path that surrounds our lake. And all Copeland Oaks residents have a lifetime membership to a nearby golf course.
These options help seniors maintain physical fitness and enjoy the companionship of others. No need to travel to a fitness center or gym. With a senior community, top-of-the-line exercise options are readily available. Just find the physical activity you enjoy, and you’ll be well on your way to feeling healthier and strong.
Keeping Seniors Mentally Engaged: As you age, engaging your mind becomes very important. While once daily life and work gave us ample opportunity to use our cognitive abilities, in retirement, it can seem like there’s simply not enough to do. This can lead to a loss of cognitive function.
With a retirement community lifestyle, you’ll find that there’s still plenty to enjoy and lots to learn. Our campus is home to many resident-led groups focusing on hobbies and interests. Do you enjoy creativity and art? At Copeland Oaks you can join others in jewelry making, needlework, floral design, handcrafts, painting and drawing and more.
The campus also has a library stocked with books, magazines and videos; a woodshop and community garden.
Musical performances by local and regional bands, as well as vocalists and musicians of a variety of genres is just part of the entertainment provided on campus. And, through our connection with the nearby University of Mount Union, residents can take college classes for free, and attend lectures, sports events, musical events and more.
Community and Companionship for Seniors: When living on a retirement campus, seniors have a built-in community of people, in the same phase of life, which can help foster friendships that alleviate loneliness.
Whether you choose to attend events like our ice cream socials or join a fitness class or spend time helping out in our thrift store, you’ll be surrounded by lively people and interesting conversation. At Copeland Oaks, we have it all – hobbies, physical fitness, restaurants and pickleball courts, a Chapel and spiritual activities as well as day trips and other adventures.
And companionship is not just about people. Pets are shown to be helpful for alleviating loneliness in the elderly. If getting a pet or having your pet live with you in your retirement community is important, Copeland Oaks is a pet friendly retirement campus. We understand that your pets are part of your family!
Is Copeland Oaks the Right Retirement Campus for You?
If you want to avoid loneliness in retirement or help a loved one find a community of support for their senior years, Copeland Oaks might be the right answer.
The Copeland Oaks community is united by a desire to enjoy life, explore interests and keep active. There’s a positive energy that everyone shares, including the staff. Our retirement community was designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of all residents.
Where is your perfect retirement community? Visit Copeland Oaks to see firsthand what we’ve built.