Making and Maintaining Friendships Later in Life

Author

ArchWell Health

For more information about the author, click to view their website: ArchWell Health

Posted on

Feb 07, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

Share This

A healthy life is an active one, and activities for older adults are best shared with friends.

We’re all made for social connection. But as we get older, it gets harder to keep friendships going. And this often leads to loneliness and isolation.

Sadness and depression are typical side effects of being lonely. But did you know being lonely may also increase your risk for heart disease and stroke? According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), there’s a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke for those who are lonely or isolated.

Staying busy is one way to keep these risks down. But getting out of the house to do physical activities isn’t always possible — or even enjoyable. Especially if you’re doing them alone!

What if you could stay engaged, active and live your best healthy life through strong relationships? Good news: You can! Stay connected to these 8 kinds of people to boost your mental, physical and emotional health.

1. Healthcare Providers

Staying up to date on regular wellness visits, bi-annual dental cleanings and specialty-care checkups is a big part of healthy aging. And having a healthcare provider who you trust like a friend makes those visits more enjoyable (and less like a chore!).

ArchWell Health primary care providers spend more time with you to, a. learn about your lifestyle, b. listen to your health concerns and c. answer any questions you have. Plus, ArchWell Health offices have full care teams of nurses, social workers, medical assistants and other people to support you as you age. It takes a village, and ArchWell Health is here for it. Learn more about ArchWell Health today: Get Started!

2. Family That Brings You Joy

Whether by blood or by choice, family is forever. But let's face it: older adults need stress-free interactions. Spend time with the family members and friends you genuinely like. These people make you laugh, remember the good times and fill you with joy.

Communicate regularly by phone, email or snail mail if you can't meet face-to-face. And cut down on contact with any family who add extra emotional, physical or financial worries to your plate.

3. Active Agemates

We all have those friends with a "forever young" spirit. They're the first to know about activities for older adults and they’re always up for a new adventure, near or far. Keep these people on speed dial.

Whether it's a book club or a Beyoncé concert, chances are they know how to get in — and have a great time! If you don't have one of these friends, stop by ArchWell Health to participate in their weekly classes. These events are open to the public and include arts and crafts, chair yoga and educational seminars.

4. Big Thinkers

Aging is no reason to leave decades of experience and expertise on a shelf. Older adults need intellectually stimulating friends and activities to thrive. Connect with big thinkers by attending book clubs at your local library or competing in chess matches in the park.

Some people take up new skills or join online courses. Check out ArchWell Health’s educational seminar offerings. Whatever you choose, keep your brain fresh by being a lifelong student.

5. Movers and Shakers

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to stay healthy as you age. Easier said than done when you’re housebound or have chronic pain! To stay motivated to exercise, take nature walks and do other activities that get the blood pumping. Grab a friend to go alone as a fitness buddy or accountability partner.

The movers and shakers in your life might be the same age or younger than you. Age doesn’t matter, as long as they're committed to good nutrition and healthy habits. You might even learn some new health hacks to add to your daily routine.

6. Kids

One of the hardest things about aging is feeling like the world is changing too fast. Spending time with the kids in your life brings things into focus. Whether they're tiny babies, teeny tots or even testy teens, kids keep you young.

An added bonus: they benefit from your wisdom, and you can learn from their perspectives — and lean on their skills, especially when it comes to using FaceTime or figuring out TikTok.

7. People Who Speak Your Language

Whether you moved to the US as a young adult or came here more recently, the CDC noted that — among other vulnerable groups — there’s a higher risk for social isolation among immigrants. There’s a few different reasons for this. For one thing, older adults may find it harder to travel to their birth country to visit family who may still live there, or to be surrounded by their culture of origin.

If you’re looking for that extra sense of belonging, check out nearby community, cultural and senior care centers that focus on people who share your ethnic or linguistic background. If you don’t get to hear your first language much where you live, try listening to in-language audiobooks and podcasts.

8. Fellow Enthusiasts

Whether it’s knitting, listening to jazz or playing mahjong, make it a point to hang out with people who share your passions. They won’t get annoyed when you call to pick their brain, and their joy for your shared hobby will keep you connected to a vibrant community.

Remember, the things you enjoy don’t have to be things you’re good at. So, don’t hide your love for karaoke, painting or baking just because you could use a bit more practice. In fact, that just means you should hang out more often with these fantastic friends.

It's never too late...

If you think getting out of the house is a young person’s game, think again. From bowling alleys to movie theaters, senior discounts and 55+ designated days abound. Take advantage of these specials as opportunities to make new friendships — or rekindle old ones — with people who share your hobbies.

Want to stay close to home? Invite relatives for a walk around the block, or have your neighbors come over for coffee on your porch. Just enjoying a bit of sunlight and stimulating conversation is good for the soul.

And it never hurts to laugh at yourself every once in a while. Try new things—even if it’s just to say you tried it. Be open to discover hidden talents and interests.

Don't know where to start? Reach out to ArchWell Health today to learn more about all the resources waiting for you there.

Other Articles You May Like

Millennium Physician Group Wellen Park Grand Opening

Millennium Physician Group Wellen Park Grand OpeningMillennium Physician Group is proud to announce its new flagship 13,000-square-foot location in Wellen Park with access to primary care, lab, and imaging services. The practice will open on Monday, May 20, 2024. They will host a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4:00 6:00 pm. Services to be offered include: Primary Care -- Patricia Daneshmand, D.O and James Pineno, M.D Same Day Appointments 7500 Square feet of imaging space        5800 square feet of medical space Full Service Advanced Imaging Imaging services -- CT, MRI, US, Mammo, X-ray, Dexa, and breast biopsy. 15 Exam rooms 5- 7 Providers  Address: 8036 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293Primary Care Phone: (941) 244-4300 Radiology Phone: (855) 674-4624Web Address: https://millenniumphysician.com/wellen-park-office About Millennium Physician Group (MPG) Founded in Port Charlotte in 2008, and now headquartered in Fort Myers, Millennium Physician Group has grown into one of the largest comprehensive primary care practices with more than 800 healthcare providers across the Southeast. Services center on primary care complemented by multi-specialty care, walk-in centers, radiology and lab services, physical therapy, telehealth, wellness programs, home health, in-patient hospital care, and much more. Nationally recognized as a leader in value-based care with consistent high levels of physician engagement, Millennium aims to deliver a genuinely connected healthcare experience for patients by providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare and be Your Connection to a Healthier Life.

8 Reasons Active Seniors Should Dive into Swimming During Retirement

Many seniors think exercise is just a distant memory due to obstacles like pain, decreased endurance and balance. There is also the fear of injury. The fact of the matter is that water exercises get aging adults moving and active. Its a safe, comfortable, and rewarding way to live an active lifestyle once more. Here are eight ways that swimming benefits seniors and conquers their exercise concerns. So, grab your swimsuit, and lets dive into the numerous and undeniable benefits of swimming and to being an active senior!The 8 Benefits of Swimming for Active SeniorsNo Weight on Your JointsAnything you do in the water is the ultimate low-impact exercise. This means youre not exerting a jarring force on your joints. The reason is that water supports about 90% of your body weight when youre in the pool. This means you float through your exercise session with no pressure on your joints. In this relatively weightless environment, active seniors overcome painful movement caused by arthritis and other health conditions.A Healthier BrainBefore you even move a muscle, immersing yourself in water increases blood flow to your brain. The benefits of this good blood flow include improved concentration, memory, mood, and cognitive function. Studies show that for active seniors, swimming may even help repair damage from stress. It can actually forge new neural connections in the brain.A Workout for Your HeartBy swimming regularly, active seniors reap cardiovascular benefits to their long-term health. If your heart is strong, it pumps blood more efficiently for improved circulation throughout your bodyincluding the brain. The bottom line is that regular aerobic exercise, like swimming, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.A Lift for Your MoodAlmost all the senses are involved when you swim: sight, sound, touch, and smell, and if youre not careful, sometimes taste! The rhythmic strokes and breath create a focus that soothes. The feel of water moving over your body is a sensation much like a massage. Unless its a bustling pool, the calm and quiet surroundings alleviate stress, encourage relaxation, and even spark creativity. In actuality, swimming is a form of mindfulness.Better Flexibility and Range of MotionEven the most active senior loses some range of motion as they age. But thats not a problem in the water! The buoyancy of the water allows swimmers to move their arms and legs more easily through the full range of motion. Regular swimming helps keep joints supple and improves flexibilityan essential aspect of health and well-being for older adults. For those with a limited range of motion on land, stretching in the water can even improve flexibility.Improved Muscle Strength and ToneGoing for a dip in the pool is a full-body exercise that tones every major muscle group. The natural resistance of the water helps strengthen muscles faster than any land-based exercise. If youre doing laps, different strokes focus on different muscle groups. For that reason, using a combination of strokes will get you the all-over tone you want.Reduced Risk of FallWeve already established that swimming works for all the major muscle groups. With stronger muscles overall, especially the upper body, core muscles, and leg muscles, posture and stability are improved. All of this reduces the risk of falls.Stronger, Happier BackWith gravity out of the way, active seniors dont have to worry about posture or body weight on their spines when exercising. And you dont have to be a lap swimmer to reap real benefits. Water is ideal for gentle exercise as well. It can be as simple as walking in waist-deep water. The water takes the pressure off your joints and back all while youre moving.Swimming at Jacaranda TraceWe are so certain of the health benefits of swimming. Thats why were one of the few senior living communities offering our members a pool and aquatic exercise program. Its a jewel in our community. Our active senior residents benefit from year-round lap swimming, aqua classes, and recreational swimming. Our pool area is as relaxing and social as it is healthful. We even incorporate water exercises for our members receiving physical rehabilitation because of waters gentle resistance and help with balance.

Advantages of a Not-for-Profit Senior Living Community

When looking at senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, there are many great options and many things to consider. Whether youre looking for active independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care, a key consideration is whether the community operates as a for-profit or not-for-profit senior living organization. It can make a significant difference in the quality of the residences, services, amenities, and culture. For many seniors looking into different community options, the advantages of a not-for-profit senior living community tips the scales.While both types may look similar on the surface, there are some fundamental differences between for-profit and not-for-profit senior living communities.What is a For-Profit Senior Living Community?A for-profit senior living community, like any private business, is obligated to its shareholders to earn a profit. A good number of for-profit communities belong to large national chainssome owning hundreds of properties with thousands of residences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of senior communities are for-profit. They are either privately owned or part of a much larger chain. While they might offer quality services and amenities, their core function is to earn a profit from rent and fees.What is a Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?By definition, a not-for-profit senior living community must reinvest any profit back into its central mission. They are also allowed to raise money from individual and corporate donors, whose gifts are tax deductible, and to apply for certain government and private grants.What are the advantages of Not-For-Profit Retirement Communities?Many of the differences between not-for-profit retirement communities and for-profit senior communities are subtle. As a resident/member of a not-for-profit community, you may simply feel better knowing that the leadership is motivated by a mission, rather than by financially satisfying owners and investors. Youll also know that your wellbeing will always come before profit.Here are a few more ways that not-for-profit senior living communities, like Jacaranda Trace, in Venice, FL, benefit members. Greater Sources of FundingThe IRS grants tax-exempt status to not-for-profit organizations because they further a cause or benefit the publicallowing them to accept donations from a wide range of sources. This funding makes it possible for a not-for-profit senior living community to keep its fees lower than it could otherwise, and even extend financial support to residents/members with hardship situations. This means that long-time members who suffer an unforeseen financial change dont have to worry about having to leave their community.The Governance of a Board of TrusteesA not-for-profit is run by a board of trustees or board of directors. Those individuals have pledged to uphold sound, ethical, and legal governanceputting the organizations mission and members wellbeing first. The board members interact with community leadership and residents/members and listen to their input. The board also works to form fruitful relationships with the local governments, businesses and other organizations. These relationships help to solidly connect their community with the community at large. Reinvestment into the Community  Emphasis on CommunityA not-for-profit senior living community can flourish into a genuine community with the boards leadership and focus on a mission. Members, staff and board members come together through their shared values. Additionally, not-for-profit organizations rarely change ownership. This is not always the case among for-profits. For-profits are often forced into exit strategies or recapitalizations to satisfy shareholders interests.Why Choose the Jacaranda Trace Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?We are a not-for-profit community because we want to fully serve our members and our community. At Jacaranda Trace, our aim is to be the senior living community of choice for seniors who want to spend their lives in an intellectually, physically, and spiritually rich environment. To learn more about life at Jacaranda Trace, or to schedule a personal visit, call 941-841-0946 or Click Here.

Local Services By This Author

ArchWell Health

Primary Care Providers for Seniors 3506 Clark Road, Sarasota, Florida, 34231

Welcome to ArchWell Health, where we believe that the little things change everything. Our mission is simple: to help our members lead healthier lives through superior senior primary care and stronger patient-to-doctor relationships. As an ArchWell Health member, you'll discover numerous reasons to love being a part of our community: More Time with Your Doctor: Enjoy regular check-ups and routine screenings to catch problems early and prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the road. Personalized Wellness Plans: Every aspect of our care is designed to contribute to a healthier and happier you, with personalized wellness plans tailored to your unique needs. Dedicated Care: From same-day appointments to personalized wellness plans, we're dedicated to ensuring that you receive the care and attention you deserve. Our Approach Our approach to primary care revolves around you, the member. We believe that good health starts with a great doctor-patient relationship, and our team of providers is not only highly educated and skilled but also friendly, understanding, and committed to helping you thrive. Comprehensive Services As your primary care provider, we handle a wide range of healthcare needs, including: Routine wellness checks Lab work Acute care when you're feeling unwell On-site referrals to licensed social workers Cardiology telehealth services for comprehensive care Our On-Site Health Services Personalized primary care Convenient cardiology telehealth appointments Preventive health screenings Nutrition education Routine lab work Vaccinations Care management Social work referrals Your Partner in Wellness At ArchWell Health, we're not just your healthcare provider we're your partner in wellness. Join us and experience the difference our personalized, compassionate care can make in your life. Find an ArchWell location near you and become a member today. Your journey to better health starts here.

ArchWell Health

Medicare Health Providers 3506 Clark Road, Sarasota, Florida, 34231

Welcome to ArchWell Health, where we believe that the little things change everything. Our mission is simple: to help our members lead healthier lives through superior senior primary care and stronger patient-to-doctor relationships. As an ArchWell Health member, you'll discover numerous reasons to love being a part of our community: More Time with Your Doctor: Enjoy regular check-ups and routine screenings to catch problems early and prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the road. Personalized Wellness Plans: Every aspect of our care is designed to contribute to a healthier and happier you, with personalized wellness plans tailored to your unique needs. Dedicated Care: From same-day appointments to personalized wellness plans, we're dedicated to ensuring that you receive the care and attention you deserve. Our Approach Our approach to primary care revolves around you, the member. We believe that good health starts with a great doctor-patient relationship, and our team of providers is not only highly educated and skilled but also friendly, understanding, and committed to helping you thrive. Comprehensive Services As your primary care provider, we handle a wide range of healthcare needs, including: Routine wellness checks Lab work Acute care when you're feeling unwell On-site referrals to licensed social workers Cardiology telehealth services for comprehensive care Our On-Site Health Services Personalized primary care Convenient cardiology telehealth appointments Preventive health screenings Nutrition education Routine lab work Vaccinations Care management Social work referrals Your Partner in Wellness At ArchWell Health, we're not just your healthcare provider we're your partner in wellness. Join us and experience the difference our personalized, compassionate care can make in your life. Find an ArchWell location near you and become a member today. Your journey to better health starts here.