4 Ways Seniors Can Connect with Their Community

From a young age, many of us were taught to volunteer. We may have cleaned up our community park or baked cookies for an elderly neighbour. As life progressed, the opportunities to be part of the community took a back seat to careers and raising a family. If your senior is looking for something to do, or if you are concerned that they are becoming isolated, encourage them to reconnect with their community. It is possible to join groups or participate in activities that keep them engaged. A professional senior caregiver can be your eyes and ears to the health and wellness of your aging loved one.

Seniors Re-Engaging with Their Community

Seniors can do much to interact with their communities. They also have plenty of knowledge and experience to share with those younger than themselves. If you or your family member are looking for ways to connect with your community, you don’t have to look too far:

1. Locate a Senior Active Living Centre: Programs abound at your local senior centre. They focus on wellness, social connections, and education. You or your aged parent will find programs centred on the arts, health, wellness, lifelong learning, special events, and travel. Here is a great place to join a book club or fitness class. This is an excellent option when you want to be around those in a similar age group so you can interact more comfortably.
2. Stay Physically Active at a Recreation Centre: If you like swimming, line dancing, Tai-Chi, or playing bocce ball, check out a recreation centre near you. You can also find group exercise classes, maybe a pickleball game or two. Staying fit helps improve your quality of life. You will be able to enjoy much more of this season.
3. Join Your Local Library: Libraries house more than books. They are a repository of audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music. Also, you will find internet access and help to learn how to use it. You are also likely to find a variety of programs and guest speakers to enjoy. You might volunteer for a regular story hour reading for young children. Remember that an active mind now staves off cognitive issues later.
4. Give Back through Volunteering: Connect by giving back through volunteer opportunities. You can start small and expand as opportunities allow. You might offer companionship to a shut-in senior, join a local organization, or help out through your church, synagogue, or mosque. The lives you touch could be immeasurable.

Never discount the experience you or your aging parent has. From raising children to running a business, many things can be shared with others to enhance their lives. Even hobbies can be passed down to younger generations. When you look for places to engage, opportunities will pop up.

Invest in Your Community with Help from Home Instead

Aging in place is more than sitting at home watching television. Ensure your senior enjoys a higher quality of life when you encourage them to step out and connect with others. A trained caregiver from Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON makes it possible. Our caring staff provides the personalized home care services you and your senior need, including companionship, light housekeeping, and cooking nutritious meals. Let’s work together to find the right mix to help you and your family blossom.