Why Social Interaction is Important for Seniors

Blog August 27, 2024

A vibrant social life is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body, no matter what our age or stage in life. As poet Edward Young wisely noted, “Friendship’s the wine of life.” Or, as author Linda Grayson put it, “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”

At Broadview at Purchase College, we offer countless opportunities for senior social activities and ways to enjoy the best retirement living has to offer. Located right on campus at Purchase College in Westchester County, our amenities-rich community features a heated indoor pool, state-of-the-art wellness center, full service salon and spa, and a wide range of activities and programming designed just for you. Life at Broadview gives you easy access to the Lifelong Founders Learning Commons, Neuberger Museum of Art, The Performing Arts Center, and so much more!

Continue reading to discover why social interaction is important for seniors and the incredible social opportunities available at Broadview. 

Better Memory and Cognitive Function

There are many benefits of social activities for seniors. Socializing helps to sharpen your memory skills and strengthen your mind, and staying engaged and keeping up connections with friends and family helps build and sustain the neural networks within our brains. From short- and long-term memory retention to building rewarding and meaningful relationships, social interactions help keep our lives fulfilling and engaging.

Improved Emotional Health

Participating in regular social activities has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of and symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders for seniors. Connecting with friends, family, and loved ones—whether in person or over the phone—greatly contributes to both emotional and overall health. An active social life stimulates the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memories. This is why retirement communities that provide engaging social activities play a crucial role in promoting positive mood regulation and emotional well-being and encouraging social connections for seniors.

Stronger Physical Health

Participating in social activities can also reduce the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Beyond the therapeutic and relaxing benefits of spending time with friends and family, group activities such as walking, biking, and exercise classes motivate us to stay active and adopt healthy habits when we have a supportive peer group. Broadview offers so many ways to stay active, including our scenic walking paths, group exercise studio, indoor pool, and exercise classes like yoga, aerobics, and swimming. 

Easy Ways to Get Started

Here are a few ways to rejuvenate your social life:

  • Enjoy communal meals with friends and family. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are ideal opportunities to reconnect and plan your day together.
  • Get involved with local organizations by volunteering. This not only allows you to give back to your community, but also introduces you to like-minded individuals who share your interests.
  • Sign up for group activities and clubs. Whether it’s crafting, exercise classes, or sports teams, these group settings are perfect for meeting new people and building lasting friendships around shared passions.
Enjoy a Robust Social Life at Broadview at Purchase College

Life at a senior living community offers endless opportunities to nurture old friendships and create new ones. Whether through clubs, sports, or shared meals, each day at Broadview is filled with possibilities to connect, laugh, and socialize with others. Visit our website and get in touch to see if our welcoming retirement community is the perfect fit for you.