August 10, 2020 —
Developing friendships in a senior living community is simple thanks to an array of programming and activities, opportunities for lifelong learning and volunteerism, resident committees and community involvement. It’s nearly impossible to have difficulty forming friendships and it’s easy to see why.
“At senior living communities, there is so much to do that it’s hard not to make friends,” says Kathy DiSomma, Wellness Director of Kendal on Hudson, the only true Life Care community in Westchester County. “When a large group of people come together in one place, who are actively seeking the most enriching lifestyle possible, that want to be healthy and engaged, and simply don’t need to think about the stress and worries of house ownership, it allows friendship to become a priority and helps them to connect with each other. It’s one of the best things about Kendal on Hudson. Our resident-driven lifestyle is the foundation of many of our friendships and it branches out into everything from our programming, educational opportunities, special events and more.”
How to Develop Friendships in Your Senior Living Community
Developing friendships is as simple as engaging in as many activities and experiences as you can. Consider some of the following ways to develop and nurture friendships within your new senior living community.
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- Join a resident committee. Senior living communities often have resident committees, groups and panels where residents plan trips and special events, talk about community events and find ways to enhance community life even more. Find something you are interested in and join. At Kendal on Hudson, we have over 30 resident committees that include education, horticulture, trips, advocacy, art and so much more. If you can’t find something you love, take it to the resident council and create it together.
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- Go on outings. Whether you enjoy the scheduled transportation to explore the surrounding town, enjoy seasonal events or go on bus trips to places you’ve never been, you’re likely to find others who are traveling along with you. It’s likely to spur conversation about places you’ve travelled, experiences you’ve had and trips you’d like to go on in the future.
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- Share your talents by teaching a class. If you are fairly outgoing and want to share your talents with the community, consider teaching a class. Whether it’s art, music, a foreign language, cooking or even a literature club, it can be a great way to meet like-minded people.
- Volunteer. Volunteering either around the community or for a cause in town can help to introduce you to new people and build friendship among others. Choose something you’re interested in and seek out opportunities to volunteer near you.
For additional tips about how to get involved in your community, make new friends and enhance your social life, contact the team at Kendal on Hudson. We’d be happy to share our expert tips and help you learn more about what we offer. Give us a call today at 914-922-1000.
Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging.®
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal® on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social senior lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Lifecare community in Westchester County, we offer four levels of service for our residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services.
Kendal on Hudson is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.
For more information, please call 914-922-1000.