Creating Emotional Bonds: The Key to Reducing Social Isolation in Seniors
From our earliest childhood friends to the treasured companions of our senior years, we all need social connections to survive and thrive. Yet, too many people spend more time alone as they age. In the United States, 43% of adults aged 60 and older report feelings of loneliness. What’s more, social isolation in seniors is associated with higher risks for health problems like heart disease, depression and cognitive decline.
The good news is meaningful activities and purposeful pursuits, shared with others, can help combat social isolation and reduce its negative effects—and nowhere is that simpler than at a Life Plan Community like The Village at Germantown. Here, deep emotional bonds begin forming the moment folks walk through our gates.
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
When people first move to a senior living community, it can be a bit overwhelming to interact with a group of unfamiliar faces. Some may even hesitate to introduce themselves to their neighbors or participate in activities around the community.
That’s why new residents at The Village are paired with sponsors—folks who’ve lived here for some time—to help them feel welcome and get acquainted with their new surroundings and neighbors. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared meal or a mutual interest to begin creating the emotional bonds that transform strangers into family.
Linda and Lanny, who moved to The Village in 2024, would agree. The pair spent their time on our waiting list enjoying our community’s amenities and connecting with their soon-to-be neighbors. “We dined at The Village once a month and attended a few of the educational presentations, so we were able to meet lots of people,” Linda says. “We started feeling at home even before we officially moved in.”
Building Meaningful Social Connections
A prevailing myth about Life Plan Communities is that people who live there are lonely and isolated. You may be surprised to learn the opposite is true—in fact, studies show that social and emotional wellness for seniors is higher in Life Plan Communities than among older adults in general.
For starters, Life Plan Communities make coming together for socialization easy. At The Village, folks can choose from a variety of activities, events and clubs, from art to Zumba. Resort-like amenities include a swimming pool and fitness center, cinema, library, walking paths, gourmet dining and more.
But what about cliques? Many people considering a Life Plan Community worry that they might feel isolated because they don’t “fit in” with typical residents there. Well, there is no such thing as a “typical” resident at The Village. Our supportive senior living community is home to retired administrative professionals, artists, engineers, doctors, homemakers, veterans and every profession imaginable—and they’ve all formed deep emotional bonds with one another. As one long-term resident says, “Everybody loves everybody and they’ll do anything for you. You really can know every single person by name.”
Finding Support Through Life’s Ups and Downs
Unexpected changes and stress are normal parts of life. However, as folks grow older, coping may not be as easy as it once was. That’s why building a support system of family, friends and professionals is a crucial part of managing stress and reducing the feelings of loneliness that come with it.
One of the best things about moving to a Life Plan Community like The Village at Germantown is that all levels of care are provided right here on campus—and that includes mental health and emotional wellness. Support groups, both resident- and clergy-led, also help combat social isolation in seniors during challenging times.
What really sets The Village apart, though, is how neighbors care for each other through thick and thin. Folks regularly visit their friends in Assisted Living or Memory Care to chat, play a board game or sing a few favorite songs. This spirit of camaraderie is fondly appreciated by one four-year resident. “The people here have become my family. It gives me confidence to know that there will always be someone here to support me.”
See Why the Bonds Formed at Our Germantown Life Plan Community Are So Strong
Like any retirement community, The Village at Germantown offers gracious amenities, gourmet dining and boundless opportunities to learn and grow. But if you talk to our residents—whether they’ve been here for one month or 15 years—the word “family” pops up most often. And as with all families, everybody looks out for one another, reducing the risk of loneliness while fostering a true sense of kinship.
To schedule your tour of our supportive senior living community, call 901-737-4242.