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The importance of social connection cannot be ignored, especially for seniors. For example, senior citizens are at higher risk of developing or worsening mental and physical illnesses, including depression, anxiety, dementia, cognitive decline, memory loss, and more. In fact, some studies suggest that at least one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder. The number of seniors with mental disorders is also expected to double by 2030. Would it surprise you to learn that social connection can prevent and reduce symptoms of all of these problems? In this article, youll learn about the importance of social connection for seniors, and how to make and keep these connections. Social Connection is Vitally Important for Seniors Its true! In fact, here are just a few examples of the benefits of social connection for seniors.Decreased symptoms of depressionImproved sleepImproved social cognitive skillsReduced inflammationImproved physical fitness Decreased risk for certain cancersImproved cardiovascular help Lower blood pressureReduced hypertension These benefits are linked to the overall increased happiness and well-being people experience when they dont feel isolated and lonely. Therefore, having a strong support network eases anxiety and depression. Its much easier to stay physically active, sleep well, and take care of your health when mental illness isnt weighing you down. However, knowing social connection is important and actually having these connections are two entirely different things.  How to Make and Keep Social Connections as a SeniorAs a senior, making and keeping social connections can be difficult. Physical limitations, health issues, retirement, loss of loved ones, and changing social circles can make finding new friends or seeing old ones especially challenging for senior citizens. Here are a few ways you can overcome these challenges and make new connections or maintain old ones.Participate in local or neighborhood activities. For example, sign up for that cooking class or gardening class at your local library. Attend a neighborhood BBQ. Go to that church party. When you see opportunities to meet new people or connect with those around you, make sure to take them.Volunteer. Volunteer opportunities can give you a chance to get out of the house, serve others, and meet like-minded people who share your willingness to give back. Check out this post for the best volunteer opportunities for seniors.Stay in touch. Make an effort to stay in touch. Call the people you love and tell them you love them. You could send emails or letters or get tech-savvy and video chat or text them. For families spread out over a larger geographic area, a weekly group video chat date is a great way to keep in touch. Apps like Zoom or Google Meet make this fairly easy for everyone.Host social gatherings. Bring the party to you! Invite your friends and family to a backyard barbecue or a family dinner. Having the people, you care about in your home is a great way to prevent loneliness and help you feel connected. This can be a great option for seniors who are facing medical challenges that make leaving the house difficult. Order a few pizzas for delivery (or show off your healthy cooking skills) and let your loved ones come to you!More Social Connection Ideas for SeniorsFurther your education. Did you know that many universities offer free or reduced-rate classes for seniors? Check with your local college and see what they can offer you. Continued learning has many benefits, and maybe youll even meet a fellow senior who shares your interests.Check online. While online connections arent a substitute for in-person interactions, theyre a good way to find people to meet up with in real life. Online support groups or local interest groups can be a great way to socialize without leaving the house. Or, if youre single, try senior dating apps. Just make sure to stay safe onlinenever give out your address, credit card number, or other personal information to someone you dont know in person. And make sure that if youre meeting someone for the first time, you do so in a public place.Try a senior living community. Senior living is by far the easiest way to increase social connections for seniors. Youre surrounded by an entire community of people in the same stage of life as you, often facing similar challenges and problems. Communities offer group dining rooms and many activities where you can get to know your neighbors. If youre feeling lonely, definitely consider senior living. The Dangers of Loneliness Recent data from the CDC shows that people who feel socially isolated and lonely are at greater risk of premature death from all causes. Theyre also 50% more likely to get dementia, 29% more likely to have heart disease and 32% more likely to have a stroke. Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, significantly increased risk of hospitalization, and significantly increased risk of emergency department visits. (2) As you can see, loneliness and social isolation arent just inconveniences. Being lonely is literally dangerous for your physical and mental health and well-being.  If youre feeling lonely, take action to remedy this right away. Go ahead and try the tips listed above. You could also talk to your doctor about counseling, which may help make it easier for you to improve family relationships and make new friends.  In conclusion, theres no way to understate the importance of social connection for seniors. If you want to improve your physical health, mental health, and life in general, improve your social connections. Considering senior living? Tour a community near you today. Or call The Gallery at Broomfield at 303-656-3738.

For retired seniors, creative activities are more than just fun. Hobbies prevent boredom, increase satisfaction with life after retirement, and can even help prevent and delay dementia and cognitive decline. Studies have shown that creative activities can help with Alzheimers and other types of dementia. For those who are already suffering from dementia, creative activities can be a great treatment option and help seniors express and access emotion. Getting creative engages the brain in ways that daily life doesnt and helps keep you sharp well into your later years. Many seniors find themselves with a lot of time to fill once theyve retired. Hobbies can help fill your days with meaningful, fun, and satisfying activities. Taking classes or joining groups of others who share your hobbies can also provide you with meaningful social connection, which is vitally important for seniors health and happiness.  Whether you want to revisit old hobbies or find new ones, youll love this list of 10 creative activities for seniors to enjoy! 10 Creative Activities for SeniorsDancingDancing as a hobby has many benefits. It is, of course, very helpful for staying fit and improving core strength, balance, and muscle tone. Dance is also often a social event that makes it easier to stay connected to others and make new friends. There are many different styles of dance, from adult ballet classes to line dancing and ballroom, to energetic Zumba. For those with a more casual interest in dance, line dancing or social dances can be a fun way to get to know new people and get a little movement in. Seniors who are serious about their athletic pursuits might enjoy taking dance classes at a local gym, community center, or senior living community.CraftingMany types of crafts are available for a wide range of interests and skill levels. Some crafts seniors enjoy include:KnittingCrochetScrapbookingWoodworkingOrigamiVinyl and paper craftsSewingStained glassCollageFloral arrangingTry something new or take up a craft you used to enjoy. You can use books, online or in-person classes, or even YouTube to learn a new craft or refresh your skills. If youre worried about getting stuck, start with simpler crafts and move on to more advanced ones as you improve your proficiency. Painting and DrawingYou have many options when it comes to painting and drawing. While some of us might be gifted at drawing lifelike still-lifes, portraits, or animals, even beginners can enjoy creating more abstract art or landscapes. MasterClass or Skillshare offer many types of drawing and painting classes to get you started. YouTube also has lots of online teachers and even online courses. Additionally, you could get books from your local library on this subject. Painting is a great fine motor activity that also allows you to express your creativity and create something beautiful for your home or a loved ones home. Some artists find success selling their art, either in person at craft fairs and boutiques, or online on sites like Etsy.    Cooking and BakingLearning healthy cooking and baking skills can be a great asset to your health and happiness. Baking delicious treats is also a good way to make new friends or impress your neighbors at your senior living community. Or make a meal for your loved ones to bring people together and enjoy important social connection.  MusicPlaying or listening to music is a fun creative activity for seniors. Music has also been proven to be an effective treatment for the management of dementia symptoms (4). If youre feeling ambitious, you could learn a new instrument. Playing the piano is a great place to start, although upright pianos are difficult to move and store. Electronic keyboards are inexpensive, take up little room, and allow you to practice your craft using headphones. If you play an instrument, consider finding a local music group where you can play with others. If youre not feeling ambitious enough to learn to play an instrument, music can still be a great hobby. Listening to music will lift anyones mood, and now is a great time to explore new music styles and artists. Listening to live music is an excellent social activity, whether its a concert at your local conservatory or just a coffee shop open mike night. GardeningGardening is an amazingly therapeutic hobby that can have both physical and emotional benefits. Starting a garden can be intimidating, not to mention expensive, so you may want to start small. Growing houseplants or joining a community garden can be a great way to begin. A windowsill herb garden will provide you not only with delicious herbs, but also a beautiful view and a sense of creative accomplishment.  WritingCreative writing and poetry can be a brilliant means of expression and creative outlet. If youre feeling overwhelmed at the idea of writing the next great American novel, try a simple daily writing exercise. Try writing one page of literally anything! You might be surprised at what comes out. You could also consider creating a memoir or autobiography of your life for your descendants to read. Your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or other family members and loved ones will likely find your life story inspiring and fascinating.  Acting or TheaterIts never too late to try something new. Try your hand at acting! Seniors are often in demand for most local theater productions. Even a small background part or a non-speaking part can give you a fun way to spend part of your days and allow you to meet new people in your community. You may be surprised at how thrilling live performance can be, no matter what part you play in the production.  PotteryMaking something with your hands is a good creative activity for many seniors. It allows you to express yourself creatively and provides a unique sensory experience that helps keep your brain young. Youll need some specialized equipment, so look for a class near you. Live pottery classes are available almost anywhere. Check with your local art center, library, or university. Digital ArtDigital art is a challenging and satisfying artistic medium. Its a good option for seniors with arthritis, Parkinsons, or other physical challenges that make using your hands more difficult. Graphic design, digital painting, or photo manipulation using software and tablets can open up new artistic possibilities. Hobbies are not just a fun way to pass the time for retired seniors, although they do excel in that regard. Creative activities are a way to improve life satisfaction, stimulate your brain, and prevent dementia and cognitive decline. Stellar Living hopes you enjoy these 10 creative activities for seniors!

We all know a balanced diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and healthy eating is even more important for senior citizens. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients. We require more protein to maintain muscle mass. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D becomes increasingly important to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. Additionally, many seniors struggle to manage chronic conditions, and healthy eating can go a long way to help. Eating right can also help support your immune system, prevent illness, improve brain health, and reduce inflammation.  These nutritional tips and delicious recipes will make healthy eating as a senior citizen even easier! Nutrition Tips for SeniorsHealthy eating doesnt have to be complicated. Try these simple tips to make sure youre eating a balanced diet and fueling your body. Get enough protein. Seniors should aim for about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. For example, someone weighing 150 pounds should try to get 150 grams of protein per day. You can meet this need through foods like protein shakes, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, tofu, and whole grains. Eat calcium-rich foods high in Vitamin D. Many high-protein foodslike dairy products, nuts, seeds, and eggscontain these vital nutrients. Fatty fish is a great source of vitamin D. Many people also take supplements, which can fill in any nutritional gaps.Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. This can be done through supplements or foods like fatty fish and nuts. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, which are common in aging. Drink lots of water. Seniors often experience a reduced sense of thirst, so it can be helpful to set a reminder on your watch or smartphone to remind you to drink water throughout the day.Get enough fiber. Fiber-rich foods, like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, are beneficial for digestive health. This is important for seniors, especially those struggling with chronic conditions like diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome. Now that youve got some basic nutrition tips, lets check out some delicious recipes that make healthy eating for seniors easy! Quick & Easy Healthy Recipes for Seniors Greek Yogurt Parfait: Ingredients:Greek yogurt (plain or flavored)Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)Granola or chopped nutsHoney or maple syrup (optional) Instructions:In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola or nuts.Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup if desired.This parfait is a great option for breakfast or a healthy snack. Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers with Quinoa: Ingredients:Chicken breast, cut into cubesAssorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, cherry tomatoes)Cooked rice or quinoaOlive oilLemon juiceGarlic, mincedSalt and pepper Instructions:Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.Brush the marinade over the skewers and let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes.Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.Serve the skewers over cooked rice or quinoa for a balanced and satisfying meal. Bean and Veggie Wrap Ingredients:Whole wheat tortillaCooked black beans (canned or cooked from dry)Sliced avocadoSliced bell peppersChopped lettuce or spinachSliced carrotsSliced cucumbersSalsa Lay the tortilla flat and layer black beans, avocado, and veggies in the center.Drizzle with salsa.Roll up the tortilla, tucking in the sides to create a wrap. Cut in half if desired. Grilled Veggie and Hummus SandwichIngredients:2 slices whole grain bread1/2 cup hummus (homemade or store-bought)1/2 cup mixed grilled or roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, red onion, etc.)1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)1/4 cup fresh spinach or arugula1 tablespoon olive oilSalt and pepper to taste Instructions:Preheat your grill or oven.Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.Grill the vegetables or roast them in the oven until theyre tender and slightly charred. Set aside. Toast the slices of whole grain bread if desired.Spread a generous layer of hummus on one slice of bread.Layer the grilled or roasted vegetables on top of the hummus.Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the vegetables.Top with fresh spinach or arugula for added greens. Serve the grilled veggie and hummus sandwich with a side salad or some baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal. This sandwich is not only packed with protein from the hummus and feta cheese, but its also loaded with fiber and essential nutrients from the vegetables and whole grain bread. Its a great option for a filling and nutritious lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize the vegetables and add your favorite seasonings to make it even more flavorful. Broccoli Pesto Pasta Ingredients:Whole wheat or high protein pastaBroccoli floretsWalnuts or pine nutsFresh basil leavesGarlic, mincedParmesan cheese, grated (optional)Lemon juiceOlive oilSalt and pepper to taste Instructions:Cook the pasta according to package instructions.Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender.In a food processor, blend walnuts, basil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until smooth.Drizzle in olive oil while blending to make a pesto sauce.Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce and cooked broccoli.Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve. This pasta recipe offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast: Ingredients:Chicken breastBaby spinachCrumbled feta cheeseGarlic powderSalt and pepperOlive oil Instructions:Preheat the oven.Cut a pocket in the side of the chicken breast.Stuff the pocket with baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese.Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken on both sides.Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake until cooked through.Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. The chicken breast, spinach, and feta offer a balance of fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamin D. This makes it a delicious, filling, and nutritious meal! With these nutrition tips and delicious recipes, youll find healthy eating for seniors easier than ever. Having trouble managing your health? Consider senior living! Tour a senior living community near you today. Or call The Gallery at Broomfield at 303-656-3738 to learn more.

Loneliness and a lack of purpose is a common complaint among retirees. Once you finally dont have to go to work anymore, some seniors are surprised to experience feelings of depression and emptiness after retirement. Work can also provide an important social outlet that leaves a hole in its absence. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to address these feelings and enjoy your retirement. One great option is volunteer work. Here, we will explore the top 10 volunteer opportunities for retirees. Youll be able to find more meaning and social interaction in your life, while making a positive difference in the world. Mentoring and TutoringTeach others your skills by spending time mentoring and tutoring! Local schools, community centers, and adult education programs are often looking for volunteers to help out. Even if you dont consider yourself especially gifted in any one area, you probably have the skills to help a student with math or English homework. You could also help someone in your neighborhood learn a productive hobby, like making jam or crochet. Nonprofit OrganizationsWith all the nonprofit organizations out there, youre sure to find one that aligns with your passions and interests. Some examples include animal shelters, food banks, homeless shelters, or environmental conservation groups. You can take a more hands-on role by volunteering directly with the animals or community members. For seniors in more remote areas, or those with mobility challenges or health concerns, you can try finding online ways to volunteer with these nonprofit organizations. They may need help with grant writing, making phone calls, or answering emailsall of which can be done remotely. Hospital and Healthcare FacilitiesFor healthy and agile seniors, you might consider offering your support and companionship to patients and their families by volunteering at hospitals, hospices, or senior care centers. For example, some hospitals have volunteers who hold premature babies when their parents have to be away at work. You can make a meaningful difference in peoples lives when you volunteer in healthcare. LibrariesMany libraries are understaffed and underfunded. See if you can assist with library programs or help organize events. For example, you could host a childrens music hour or read local children's books at story time. You can also provide support to library staff by running book clubs or literacy programs.National Parks and ConservationIf the outdoors is your passion, volunteer with national or state parks! Volunteer as a park guide, help maintain trails, or assist local conservation organizations.Disaster Relief OrganizationsUnfortunately, there is no shortage of disaster in this world. There is always someone who needs help. Get involved with disaster relief organizations to assist in disaster response efforts, provide support to affected communities, or participate in emergency preparedness initiatives.Community GardensContribute your gardening skills by volunteering at community gardens. If none exist near you, try starting your own! You can teach others about getting started with gardening, sustainable gardening practices, and helping maintain the gardens. Museums and Art Galleries Share your passion for arts and culture by volunteering at museums or art galleries, guiding visitors, assisting with exhibits, or conducting research. Business MentoringThe skills you spent decades learning in the workforce can go on to help others who are just starting out, or who need a little help along the way. Offer your business expertise by mentoring entrepreneurs, startups, or individuals seeking career advice through organizations like SCORE or local business development centers.  Community Service OrganizationsJoin local community service organizations that address a variety of needs in your community, such as United Way or Rotary Club. You could also try organizations like the Red Cross and assist with things like blood drives. Many seniors enjoy volunteering with their local church service organization, too.  Retirement doesnt have to be a bore. With these top 10 volunteer opportunities for retirees, your life can be full of friends and meaning long after your workdays are over. If you have any questions, please call The Gallery at Broomfield at 303-656-3738.