New Ways to Interact & Socialize with Seniors
By Brenda Enright
Owner of Home Instead Etobicoke
Humans are social beings. We get together over meals, join clubs, engage in business meetings, celebrate occasions with family and friends, and more. Even when a person leans toward being an introvert of sorts, they still socialize with others, albeit not as frequently as an extroverted person. As age starts to creep up, though, most people start slowing down while the world continues to swirl around them. They may find it harder to socialize and can often tend to feel lost and lonely.
Another unfortunate part of aging is that social circles will shrink as friends and family pass away. However, it is possible to keep your aging loved ones interacting with others so that they remain socially active and embrace this chapter of life. Choosing new ways of socializing and enlisting help from a personal support worker makes this possible.
5 Suggestions for New Avenues of Socialization
Sometimes in all the hustle and bustle of everyday living, we forget that our aging parents need other people and us. If you are struggling with ideas to help Mom and Dad engage socially with others, check out these suggestions:
- Encourage them to re-engage with their faith: Many places of worship have activities for their congregants besides weekly worship services. They may even want to volunteer in the nursery or children’s areas.
- Check out the local community theatre group: Is Dad handy with power tools? He could help build sets. Mom can help backstage, or, if they are enthusiastic, both can try out for acting parts!
- Establish a regular family and friends dinner: Eating alone can be isolating and increase the chances that your loved one will not get the nutrition they need. Instead, look for ways to have family and friends drop by for dinner. It doesn't have to be a big fanfare like the holiday festivities. You can even make it a pitch-in and potluck type of meal. The main goal is to bring people together and share a wholesome meal that lifts the heart and spirit.
- Suggest that they take up a sport: Depending on Mom’s mobility, she could look at participating in golf, tennis, or pickleball. Other sports your senior could consider include light jogging, skiing, or swimming.
- Senior-friendly trips: Different groups and travel agencies offer day trips or long weekends for fun activities. They could be to area attractions or include physical activities like rowing and hiking. Leaving the comfort of one’s home and routine for just a little while, and mingling with others their age, goes a long way to helping boost confidence and bring some fun back to seniors’ lives.
Professional Caregivers Help Engage Your Senior Socially
It can be tough to stay socially active, let alone encourage your elderly parent to do so. You don't have to struggle anymore. Engage the home care services of our trained and experienced caregivers at Home Instead Etobicoke / North York to give your senior loved one the social support they long for. Our in-home caregivers and PSWs step in to help your mom and dad with a variety of services tailored to their needs. Some of our services include personal care assistance, bathing assistance, medication management, cooking for seniors, light housekeeping, and companionship. We focus on helping our clients live independently within their homes. We’ll take the stress off your shoulders and help you achieve greater peace of mind. Let's work together! Call us today.
Call us at (416) 239-2200 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver every day to families in All Etobicoke including: Kingsway, Mimico, Long Branch, Islington, Richview, The Community of Humber Heights, Rexdale, Markland Woods North York West including: Willowdale, Rexdale, Downsview, Humberwood, Weston, York University Heights, Humber Summit and areas in between..