The Importance of Dining and Socialization for Seniors

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The Terraces at Bonita Springs

Posted on

Jul 13, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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The Importance of Dining and Socialization for Seniors

Everyone’s life journeys are different, especially as we age. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all retirement plan, but one of the best ways to age gracefully and live longer is to stay social.

Senior living communities are the perfect solution for maintaining social contact because there’s always something to do and someone to connect with. One major aspect of senior living communities that promotes social interaction is dining.

 

Let’s dig in to find out why.

Ways seniors can benefit from organized dining

A key component to senior living lifestyles is organized dining. It not only takes away the stress of preparing food and cleaning up; it also allows you to form social connections with neighbors in the community.

 

Meeting friends to eat or drink can be a great way to socialize. Mealtimes in community dining rooms are scheduled at least three times per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some communities even offer anytime dining in other areas like pubs and lounges, on-campus cafes, or snack bars. 

 

Organized dining is also beneficial for seniors because meals are prepared with nutrition and dietary restrictions in mind. Community kitchens offer a variety of menu options to help residents eat healthier and more mindfully.

 

Finally, dining with friends and family can evoke feelings of nostalgia. If you grew up experiencing laughter, interesting conversation, love and gratitude at the dinner table, you understand just how precious breaking bread with a group of people can be.

 

There’s plenty of opportunity – at every meal, in fact – to create even more happy memories around the table at a senior living community.

How seniors can benefit from socialization

Dining plays a large role in socialization, but why is socialization itself so important? 

 

For starters, social connection has been linked to many health benefits, from physical health to mental health.

 

Harvard Medical School shares that a 2019 study conducted by The Journals of Gerontology “found that older adults who interacted with people beyond their usual social circle of family and close friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods, and fewer negative feelings.”

 

Staying social can also improve cognitive function, which is helpful to those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. How? Holding a conversation with others, concentrating on simple projects, and feeling support from others stimulates brain health.

 

When seniors live alone or are isolated from others, the risk of depression and anxiety setting in is much greater than for those who regularly socialize. Whether you’re a resident in an independent living or assisted living community, staying socially active is key to living a more fulfilling life.

 

How residents thrive at The Terraces

At The Terraces, life is meant to be lived purposefully and without worry. Our active lifestyle offers programs that pique every interest and help seniors socialize. Some of our resident-favorite activities include:

●      Exercise classes and walking groups

●      Happy hours

●      Dining at the community bistro

●      Field trips to area attractions, shopping and restaurants

●      Bingo and card games

●      Parlor games like darts and billiards

●      Lifelong learning classes in language, literature, art, music appreciation, history and philosophy

●      Arts and crafts

●      Volunteer opportunities

●      Sports and recreation, like tennis, golf, swimming and yoga

●      Wellness programs


Every day brings new possibilities to the table. To see more of what we have going on, check out our packed social calendar.

Find companionship and care in beautiful Bonita Springs.

At The Terraces at Bonita Springs, residents choose from a variety of dining options and social activities. Learn more about our vibrant lifestyle when you visit our community for a tour.

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Creating a Vibrant Lifestyle at The Glenview

When Rachel Ritter first walked through the doors of The Glenview, she wasnt leading concerts, organizing excursions, or planning community-wide celebrations.She was 15 years old, bussing tables in the dining room.Today, more than three decades later, Rachel has come full circle as The Glenviews new Lifestyle Director a role that perfectly combines her lifelong dedication to the community with her passion for enriching the lives of residents.Along the way, Rachel earned both a nursing degree and a degree in history, supported in part by a scholarship from The Glenview Scholarship Fund.  She worked at The Glenview throughout college, held numerous leadership roles in Dining Services, and built lasting relationships with residents and team members alike.Now, she has found what she calls her true calling.After 31 years at The Glenview, Ive discovered that my greatest passion is creating a vibrant lifestyle for our residents, said Rachel.  Dining Servies allowed me to create exceptional experiences around the table, but I wanted to contribute even more to daily life here.  My goal is simple: every resident should wake up each morning with something exciting to look forward to.That philosophy is reflected in every square of The Glenviews bustling Activities Calendar. A Calendar Packed with PossibilityRachels vision is ambitious: create enough variety that every resident can find something that sparks joy, curiosity, connection, or purpose.Its my job to bring joy to peoples lives, said Rachel.  I take that responsibility very seriously.Each month, residents enjoy an extraordinary mix of entertainment, education, wellness, social events, and excursions. Signature Events & EntertainmentTwo to three major events each month bring the community together for unforgettable experiences.  From jazz ensembles and classical concerts to vocal performances and thought-provoking lectures by college professors, residents can explore topics ranging from history and philosophy to pop culture and current events. Culinary ExperiencesFood lovers eagerly await the monthly cooking demonstrations led by Executive Chef David Chidsey or Pastry Chef Ashley Yedeski.  Residents learn professional techniques, enjoy generous tastings, and occasionally see favorite recipes make their way onto the dining room menu.The culinary fun continues with themed luncheons and tea parties.  Recent favorites have included French and Asian-inspired lunches, farm-to-table seasonal luncheons, a Southern Tea Party, and a whimsical Mad Hatter Tea complete with imaginative desserts.Ashley has a gift for creating memorable pastries, said Rachel.  Together, we love finding ways to surprise residents with something delicious and unexpected. Wellness for the Whole PersonAt The Glenview, wellness extends far beyond exercise.Working alongside Director of Health & Wellness Navigation Kari Bone, Rachel helps create programming that supports all eight Dimensions of Wellness:  physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, health services, and environmental health.Recent speakers have included cardiologists, dietitians, meditation specialists, IT & fraud advocates, and other experts all lectures paired with refreshments and opportunities for discussion.Our residents are incredibly curious and engaged, said Kari Bone.  Its a pleasure working with Rachel to bring in exceptional speakers on topics that matter most to the quality of life for our seniors.  Lifelong learning is alive and well at The Glenview!Residents can also choose from 13 fitness classes every week, including yoga, meditation, cardio exercise, balance training, chair fitness, Tai Chi, and specialized classes led by physical therapy professionals.  For independent workouts, the Fitness Center offers access to state-of-the-art equipment seven days a week. Adventure Awaits in Pelican BayWhile there is always something exciting happening on campus, Rachel also loves taking residents on the road.  Recent 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Meet Kari Bone: Helping Residents Optimize Life at The Glenview

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I Only Wish Id Moved Sooner: Jeanne Findlaters Glenview Story

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